It’s that time of year again—football season is officially here. To help fans up their game as "armchair analysts," Amazon is rolling out more ways for customers to get the information they care about. Here’s a look at some of the ways Alexa and Amazon Web Services (AWS) can keep you up to speed before, during, and after games on details like stats about favorite players, teams, plays, and more throughout the season.
Get quick stats on professional football players and teams
Alexa has expanded her football knowledge to include comprehensive, in-depth stats for NFL players and teams. Simply ask "Alexa, how many penalty yards do the Jets have?" or "Alexa, how many games has Antonio Brown started?" You can also access Alexa’s historical NFL Draft knowledge with questions like "Alexa, who was drafted 75th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft?" or “Alexa, who did the Patriots draft in the first round last year?"
Or, check in on the latest fantasy football scores by asking questions like "Alexa, how many fantasy points did Russell Wilson have today?" Alexa can also answer questions that compare players, for example, "Alexa, who has more passing yards, Russell Wilson or Carson Wentz?"
Keep up with college football players and games
Alexa can also answer questions about college football players and team stats. Just ask her questions like "Alexa, how many passing yards does Alabama have today?" or "Alexa, what was LSU ranked last year?"
Stay up to date on high school football games
If you’re looking a bit closer to home, Alexa can help you stay in touch with your local high school teams. She can provide schedules and scores for high school football teams nationwide. Try asking about a specific school such as "Alexa, what is the score of the Permian high school football game?" or "Alexa, what is the Permian Panthers high school football score?"
Get game day insights
Alexa can provide the latest game day insights, based on sports data and analytics, so you can find out which teams are expected to win NFL and NCAA football games. Try asking her questions like "Alexa, who’s expected to win the Saints game?"Watch Thursday Night Football
Starting September 26, Prime members can watch some of their favorite NFL teams play on Thursday nights with Prime Video on Fire TV, Echo devices with a screen, iOS, Android, web browsers, and other compatible devices.
Simply ask "Alexa play Thursday Night Football," "Alexa, watch the Seahawks game" or "Alexa, stream football" to get started.
Next Gen Stats powered by AWS
As you’re watching Thursday Night Football with Prime Video, keep an eye out for Next Gen Stats. Using machine learning and artificial intelligence, AWS will power these real-time stats to be featured on NBC’s Sunday Night Football, NFL on FOX and Amazon Prime Video broadcasts kicking off again this fall. Sensors placed throughout stadiums track tags placed on players' shoulder pads, charting individual movements within inches. Fans will see visuals on screen that experts can use to predict formations, play outcomes, routes and key events in the game.
In addition, AWS is now the official cloud provider for Pro Football Focus, a leading football analytics organization backed by sports commentator and former NFL player Cris Collinsworth. PFF's data can quickly discover player and opponent tendencies, identify weaknesses in rosters and create play cards. Using AWS machine learning services, PFF is able to uncover never-before-seen metrics that enhance fan engagement and bring new insights to football telecasts, changing the way teams, fans and the media experience football.
