While we're on the subject the new Monday Night Football sucks bellybutton too.
I think all Thursday night NFL is NFL Network, which my cable co. doesn't offer either.
From the Wiki:
Live NFL games
Main article: Run to the Playoffs
The NFL Network is scheduled to broadcast eight live regular season games during the 2006 season. They will run on either Thursday or Saturday nights, beginning Thanksgiving evening[1]. Five games will air Thursday nights and three on Saturday nights. These games will also air on broadcast TV in the primary media markets of the participating teams, with the home team's market getting the game as long it is sold out 72 hours before game time.