Introduction
Wondering if Monday Night Football is on tonight? You’re not alone. Millions of NFL fans ask this same question every week during football season. Whether you’re planning your evening around kickoff or searching for the best streaming option, knowing exactly when and where to watch Monday Night Football tonight saves you time and frustration. This guide delivers everything you need—complete schedules, channel information, and streaming solutions—in one place.
Quick Answer: Monday Night Football returns September 14, 2026, when the Denver Broncos visit the Kansas City Chiefs at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.
Monday Night Football Tonight: The Complete Schedule at a Glance
The 2026 NFL season brings 17 Monday Night Football games, running from September 14 through January 4, 2027. Every game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET, giving fans a consistent primetime slot to plan around.
Here’s your complete Monday Night Football tonight schedule:
| Week | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| 1 | Sept. 14 | Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs | 8:15 PM | ESPN/ABC |
| 2 | Sept. 21 | New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams | 8:15 PM | ESPN/ABC |
| 3 | Sept. 28 | Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears | 8:15 PM | ESPN/ABC |
| 4 | Oct. 5 | Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
| 5 | Oct. 12 | Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams | 8:15 PM | ESPN/ABC |
| 6 | Oct. 19 | Washington Commanders at San Francisco 49ers | 8:15 PM | ESPN/ABC |
| 7 | Oct. 26 | Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles | 8:15 PM | ESPN/ABC |
| 8 | Nov. 2 | Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks | 8:15 PM | ESPN/ABC |
| 9 | Nov. 9 | Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings | 8:15 PM | ESPN/ABC |
| 10 | Nov. 16 | Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens | 8:15 PM | ESPN/ABC |
| 11 | Nov. 23 | Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Commanders | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
| 12 | Nov. 30 | Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
| 13 | Dec. 7 | Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks | 8:15 PM | ESPN/ABC |
| 14 | Dec. 14 | Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars | 8:15 PM | ESPN/ABC |
| 15 | Dec. 21 | New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs | 8:15 PM | ESPN/ABC |
| 16 | Dec. 28 | New York Giants at Detroit Lions | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
| 17 | Jan. 4 | Houston Texans at Green Bay Packers | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
This schedule gives you a clear roadmap for every Monday Night Football tonight throughout the season.
Why Monday Night Football Remains Prime Time’s Crown Jewel
Monday Night Football launched in 1970 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The combination of elite matchups, celebrity guests, and the iconic theme song transformed how Americans experienced football.
The program’s longevity speaks volumes. Over five decades, Monday Night Football tonight has delivered unforgettable moments—from dramatic comebacks to legendary performances. The NFL strategically schedules marquee matchups for this window, knowing millions of viewers tune in.
The 2026 season continues this tradition with rivalries like Cowboys-Eagles in Week 7 and Patriots-Chiefs in Week 15. These games carry playoff implications and divisional bragging rights, making Monday Night Football tonight must-see television.
What Channel Is Monday Night Football Tonight?
ESPN serves as the primary broadcast home for Monday Night Football tonight. The network carries all 17 regular-season games.
ABC simulcasts select games throughout the season. For 2026, ESPN announced 10 games will also air on ABC, giving viewers without cable access to Monday Night Football tonight.
Channel guide for Monday Night Football tonight:
- ESPN: All 17 games
- ABC: 10 simulcast games
- ESPN2: ManningCast alternate broadcasts (12 games)
- ESPN Deportes: Spanish-language coverage
The ManningCast returns for its sixth season, featuring Peyton and Eli Manning with special guests. This alternate presentation airs on ESPN2 and offers a lighter, more analytical approach to Monday Night Football tonight.
How to Watch Monday Night Football Tonight Without Cable
Cord-cutters have more options than ever to catch Monday Night Football tonight. Streaming services now provide flexible, affordable access to every game.
Top streaming options for Monday Night Football tonight:
ESPN Unlimited
- Cost: $29.99/month or $299.99/year
- Includes: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes
- Best for: Dedicated NFL fans
YouTube TV
- Cost: $82.99/month
- Includes: ESPN, ABC, local channels
- Best for: Full live TV replacement
Hulu + Live TV
- Cost: $89.99/month
- Includes: ESPN, ABC, Disney+, Hulu
- Best for: Entertainment bundles
NFL+
- Cost: $6.99/month or $49.99/year
- Includes: Live primetime games on mobile
- Limitation: Cannot cast to TV
Fubo
- Cost: Varies by package
- Includes: ESPN, ABC, extensive sports coverage
An over-the-air antenna provides free access to ABC simulcasts, making Monday Night Football tonight available at no cost when games air on the network.
Monday Night Football Tonight: Week 1 Preview
The 2026 season opens with an AFC West showdown as the Denver Broncos travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs.
This matchup features two teams familiar with each other’s tendencies. The Chiefs enter as perennial contenders, while the Broncos look to establish themselves in a competitive division.
Key storylines for Monday Night Football tonight:
- Patrick Mahomes leads Kansas City’s high-powered offense
- Denver’s defense aims to contain the Chiefs’ passing attack
- Divisional games carry extra weight in playoff tiebreakers
- Arrowhead Stadium ranks among the NFL’s loudest venues
Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.
Who’s Calling Monday Night Football Tonight?
Joe Buck and Troy Aikman return as ESPN’s lead broadcast team for Monday Night Football tonight. The duo enters their 25th season together, bringing unmatched chemistry and insight to every broadcast.
Complete MNF broadcast team:
- Play-by-play: Joe Buck
- Color analyst: Troy Aikman
- Sideline reporters: Lisa Salters, Laura Rutledge
- Rules analyst: Russell Yurk
The ManningCast on ESPN2 features Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, and Bill Belichick for select games. This alternate broadcast has become a fan favorite for its relaxed format and expert commentary.
Westwood One provides radio coverage for fans listening to Monday Night Football tonight, with Kevin Harlan and Kurt Warner calling games.
Best Matchups on the 2026 Monday Night Football Schedule
Several games stand out as must-watch television for Monday Night Football tonight enthusiasts.
Cowboys at Eagles (Week 7)
Dallas and Philadelphia represent one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries. NFC East battles always deliver drama, and this primetime slot amplifies the stakes.
Bills at Rams (Week 5)
Buffalo’s explosive offense meets Los Angeles’s talented roster in a cross-conference clash with playoff implications.
Patriots at Chiefs (Week 15)
New England visits Kansas City in a meeting of recent AFC champions. Drake Maye faces Patrick Mahomes for the first time, adding intrigue to Monday Night Football tonight late in the season.
Texans at Packers (Week 17)
The scheduled finale sends Houston to Lambeau Field in January. Cold-weather football at its finest awaits on Monday Night Football tonight.
Monday Night Football Tonight: Flex Scheduling Explained
The NFL can adjust late-season Monday Night Football tonight matchups through flexible scheduling. This mechanism ensures compelling games air in primetime when playoff races heat up.
How flex scheduling works:
- Applies to Weeks 12 through 17
- NFL can move Sunday games to Monday night
- Decisions announced at least 12 days before kickoff
- Originally scheduled Monday games shift to Sunday afternoon
This means the Week 12-17 schedule shown above remains tentative. The NFL evaluates playoff implications and adjusts Monday Night Football tonight to maximize viewership and competitive balance.
Week 18 operates differently. The league determines Saturday and Sunday assignments after Week 17 concludes, placing games with major playoff stakes in national windows.
Streaming Monday Night Football Tonight on Mobile Devices
Watching Monday Night Football tonight on your phone or tablet requires the right app and subscription.
Mobile streaming options:
ESPN App
- Requires: Cable login or ESPN Unlimited subscription
- Features: Live games, highlights, replays
- Available: iOS, Android
NFL+
- Cost: $6.99/month
- Features: Live local and primetime games
- Limitation: Phone and tablet only, no TV casting
YouTube TV App
- Requires: YouTube TV subscription
- Features: Full DVR, multiple device support
- Available: All major platforms
Hulu App
- Requires: Hulu + Live TV subscription
- Features: Live ESPN and ABC access
- Available: iOS, Android, smart TVs
For international fans, Monday Night Football tonight airs on various networks including TSN and RDS in Canada, ESPN Australia, and Channel 5 in the United Kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monday Night Football Tonight
Is there a Monday Night Football game tonight?
Monday Night Football returns September 14, 2026, with the Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs. During the regular season, games air every Monday from Week 1 through Week 17, excluding Week 18.
What time does Monday Night Football start tonight?
Every game on the 2026 Monday Night Football schedule kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET, which equals 5:15 p.m. PT.
What channel is Monday Night Football on tonight?
ESPN carries all Monday Night Football games. ABC simulcasts 10 select games throughout the season.
Can I watch Monday Night Football tonight for free?
Yes, if the game airs on ABC. An over-the-air antenna provides free access to ABC broadcasts. Otherwise, streaming services like ESPN Unlimited or YouTube TV require subscriptions.
Who are the Monday Night Football announcers tonight?
Joe Buck handles play-by-play alongside Troy Aikman as color analyst. Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge report from the sidelines.
Does Monday Night Football have doubleheaders in 2026?
The 2026 schedule features one game each Monday from Week 1 through Week 17. ESPN and ABC will air a separate Week 18 Saturday doubleheader instead.
Your Monday Night Football Tonight Action Plan
Monday Night Football tonight delivers the perfect blend of elite competition and primetime drama. The 2026 season promises 17 weeks of unforgettable moments, starting September 14 with Broncos-Chiefs.