In 2019, "Thursday Night Football" generally features intriguing matchups, even if the quality of play takes a dip as a result of a short week for the participating teams. That's part of the reason the NFL can continue to get away with forcing teams to play a few days early each week. As long as fans care to scan their TV channels for "Thursday Night Football," the league will give the people what they want.
This week on "Thursday Night Football," the Cardinals will host the 49ers in a game scheduled to kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Fox and NFL Network. Based on the large point spread attached to this game, per Sportsbook Review, few expect Arizona to be able to hang with San Francisco. The 7-0 49ers are 10-point favorites over the 3-4-1 Cardinals.
WEEK 9 NFL PICKS: Straight up | Against the spread
If San Francisco takes care of Arizona as expected Thursday night, it will end a surprising streak in this NFC West rivalry. The Cardinals have won eight straight games over the 49ers, bringing the all-time series to 29-26 in favor of San Francisco. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan also is 0-4 against the Cardinals.
Below is all the info you need to watch "Thursday Night Football" this week, including the TV channel and kickoff time for 49ers vs. Cardinals.
Who plays on Thursday Night Football tonight?
- San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals
- Kickoff time: 8:20 p.m. ET
In both our picks against the spread and our straight-up NFL predictions for Week 9, Sporting News has the 49ers handling the Cardinals on Thursday night. Below are the explanations.
Pick against the spread: This is a battle of No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray and No. 2 overall pick Nick Bosa. The 49ers' rookie defensive end is red-hot getting to the passer. The Cardinals' rookie quarterback has seen his pass protection have issues and he's shorthanded on weapons with top running backs, David Johnson and Chase Edmonds on track to miss the game and newcomer Kenyan Drake stuck in a bad matchup. The 49ers will keep this simple, dominating on both lines of scrimmage as their backs and offensive line smash in the running game to set up the teeing off on the other side of the ball. Pick: 49ers win 24-10 and cover the spread.
Straight-up prediction: This is a mismatch in pretty much every area. The only element of this matchup that works in the Cardinals' favor is their quick-release passing game potentially neutralizing the 49ers' pass rush, but as Bosa proved last week, even little passes out of the backfield can't be considered safe against this defense. On the other side of the ball, Arizona can't stop San Francisco's balanced attack. The NFC's only undefeated team will roll on a short week. Prediction: 49ers 30, Cardinals 16.
MORE: Full 49ers vs. Cardinals betting preview
What channel is Thursday Night Football on?
- TV channel (national): NFL Network, Fox
- TV channel (San Francisco): KTVU
- TV channel (Phoenix): KSAV
- Live stream: Amazon Prime
"Thursday Night Football" broadcast rights in 2019 are shared between Fox, NFL Network and Amazon Prime.
Thursday night games on Fox this season are called by the network's lead broadcast team of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, sideline reporters Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink, and rules analyst Mike Pereira.
Andrea Kramer and Hannah Storm are the voices for Amazon Prime's broadcasts.
Thursday Night Football TV schedule for 2019
All "Thursday Night Football" games start at 8:20 p.m. ET.
| Week | Date | Matchup | TV channels |
| 4 | Sept. 26 | Eagles at Packers | Fox, NFLN, Prime |
| 5 | Oct. 3 | Rams at Seahawks | Fox, NFLN, Prime |
| 6 | Oct. 10 | Giants at Patriots | Fox, NFLN, Prime |
| 7 | Oct. 17 | Chiefs at Broncos | Fox, NFLN, Prime |
| 8 | Oct. 24 | Redskins at Vikings | Fox, NFLN, Prime |
| 9 | Oct. 31 | 49ers at Cardinals | Fox, NFLN, Prime |
| 10 | Nov. 7 | Chargers at Raiders | Fox, NFLN, Prime |
| 11 | Nov. 14 | Steelers at Browns | Fox, NFLN, Prime |
| 12 | Nov. 21 | Colts at Texans | Fox, NFLN, Prime |
| 14 | Dec. 5 | Cowboys at Bears | Fox, NFLN, Prime |
| 15 | Dec. 12 | Jets at Ravens | Fox, NFLN, Prime |