How Many Monday Night Football Games Are There?

By Sarah Miller · March 1, 2036

There are typically 17 regular-season Monday Night Football games each NFL season, including the opening week and a special doubleheader in Week 1, followed by one game per Monday night through Week 18.

Understanding Monday Night Football Schedule Structure

The NFL's Monday Night Football (MNF) is one of the most iconic weekly sports broadcasts in the United States. Since its inception in 1970, MNF has become a staple of American football culture, drawing millions of viewers every week during the NFL season.

Each NFL season runs from early September to early January, spanning 18 weeks. During this time, the Monday Night Football slate follows a consistent pattern:

Week 1 features a doubleheader (two games).
Weeks 2 through 17 feature one game per Monday night.
Week 18 features one marquee matchup, often with playoff implications.

This structure results in a total of 17 scheduled games per season. The extra game in Week 1 allows ESPN, the primary broadcaster of MNF, to maximize viewership at the start of the season.

Key Features of Monday Night Football

Broadcast Network and Streaming

Monday Night Football is primarily broadcast on ESPN, with select games also aired on ABC as part of the NFL's expanded simulcast strategy. Since 2022, certain high-profile games have been simulcast on both networks to increase accessibility.

All games are available for streaming via ESPN+, the NFL app, and other digital platforms, ensuring broad national and international reach.

Prime-Time Scheduling

Games are typically scheduled at either 7:15 PM ET or 8:15 PM ET, depending on the week and broadcast strategy. The dual kickoff times allow for flexible scheduling and regional coverage adjustments.

Flex Scheduling in Late Season

Starting in Week 12, the NFL implements flex scheduling to ensure more competitive and meaningful matchups are featured in prime time. This means that some late-season Monday night games may be rescheduled weeks in advance to showcase teams with stronger playoff chances.

Historical Overview and Evolution

Monday Night Football revolutionized sports broadcasting when it debuted in 1970. It was the first regular prime-time professional sports series on U.S. network television.

Over the decades, MNF has evolved significantly:

Originally aired on ABC until 2005.
Moved exclusively to ESPN in 2006.
Introduced mobile streaming in 2010.
Began simulcasting select games on ABC in 2022.
Expanded use of alternate broadcasts (e.g., Disney XD animated feed, Peyton Manning’s “ManningCast”).

Season	Total MNF Games	Doubleheaders	Flex Games	Broadcasters
2020	17	1 (Week 1)	2	ESPN, ABC (1)
2021	17	1 (Week 1)	2	ESPN, ABC (1)
2022	17	2 (Week 1 & Week 18)	3	ESPN, ABC (3)
2023	17	2 (Week 1 & Week 18)	3	ESPN, ABC (3)
2024	17 (scheduled)	2 (expected)	3 (expected)	ESPN, ABC (expected)

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows a consistent pattern of 17 total Monday Night Football games per season since the NFL expanded to a 17-game schedule in 2021. The number of doubleheaders increased in 2022, indicating a strategic shift to boost viewership at both the beginning and end of the season.

Flex scheduling usage has also grown, reflecting the league’s focus on showcasing high-stakes games in prime time. Simulcasts on ABC have become more frequent, expanding audience access beyond cable subscribers.

About Monday Night Football: Common Questions

How many Monday Night Football games are in a season?

There are 17 Monday Night Football games scheduled each NFL regular season: two in Week 1, one per week from Weeks 2 to 17, and one in Week 18.

Does every NFL team play on Monday Night Football?

Not every team plays on MNF each season, but all teams are eligible. The NFL schedules matchups based on competitiveness, market size, and fan interest, so larger-market or high-performing teams appear more frequently.

Can Monday Night Football games be flexed?

Yes, starting in Week 12, the NFL can flex more compelling matchups into the Monday night slot up to 12 days in advance to ensure better ratings and playoff-relevant contests.

Where can I watch Monday Night Football?

Monday Night Football is primarily broadcast on ESPN. Select games are simulcast on ABC. All games stream live on ESPN+, the NFL app, and other authorized platforms.

Has the number of Monday Night Football games changed over time?

Yes. Before 2021, there were 16 games per season. The expansion to a 17-game regular season allowed for an additional MNF slot. Additionally, recent seasons have seen more doubleheaders and ABC simulcasts compared to earlier years.