What Teams Play Monday Night Football in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · January 15, 2039

Monday Night Football (MNF) features a rotating schedule of NFL teams, with matchups determined weekly by the league. In the 2025 season, all 32 NFL teams are eligible to play, but only select teams appear each week based on performance, rivalry appeal, and national interest.

What Is Monday Night Football?

Monday Night Football is a long-standing NFL tradition that began in 1970, showcasing one or more prime-time games every week during the regular season. Broadcast primarily on ESPN, MNF brings high-profile matchups to fans across the United States, often featuring playoff-contending teams, historic franchises, or breakout stars.

Key Features of MNF

Weekly prime-time NFL games aired on Monday evenings
Broadcast on ESPN, with select games on ABC or streaming platforms
Typically starts at 8:15 PM ET
Features marquee teams, rivalries, and playoff implications
Part of the NFL's flexible scheduling system

How Are Teams Selected for Monday Night Football?

The NFL schedules MNF matchups using a combination of pre-season planning and in-season adjustments. While some games are set before the season begins, others are moved into the Monday night slot weeks in advance based on team performance and fan interest.

Selection Criteria

Team Performance: Contenders and surprise teams are prioritized
Rivalries: Historic matchups like Cowboys vs. Giants draw higher ratings
Star Power: Teams with popular quarterbacks or rising stars get preference
National Appeal: Franchises with large fan bases (e.g., Packers, Chiefs) are frequent picks
Scheduling Flexibility: Games can be rescheduled up to 12 days in advance

2025 Monday Night Football Schedule Overview

The 2025 MNF lineup includes 17 regular-season games, including a Week 1 doubleheader and a special Week 18 kickoff to the playoffs. The NFL uses flexible scheduling to ensure compelling late-season matchups.

Date	Matchup	Location	TV Channel
Sept 8, 2025	Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens	M&T Bank Stadium	ESPN/ABC
Sept 15, 2025	Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants	AT&T Stadium	ESPN
Oct 6, 2025	San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks	Levi's Stadium	ESPN
Oct 20, 2025	Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals	Paycor Stadium	ESPN/ABC
Nov 10, 2025	Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders	Foxborough Stadium	ESPN
Dec 8, 2025	Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings	Lambeau Field	ESPN
Jan 5, 2026	Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals	SoFi Stadium	ESPN/ABC

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights early-announced 2025 MNF games, showing a mix of divisional rivalries and inter-conference contests. Broadcasts on both ESPN and ABC reflect the league’s expanded reach into dual-platform prime time. Late-season games like the Packers-Vikings matchup emphasize playoff relevance and regional interest.

Most Frequent Monday Night Football Teams

Certain franchises appear on MNF more frequently due to their popularity, market size, and consistent competitiveness. The Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, and San Francisco 49ers are among the most featured teams in MNF history.

Why Some Teams Play More Often

Large national fan bases increase TV ratings
Consistent playoff contention creates compelling storylines
Historic brands attract advertisers and media attention
Geographic reach ensures broad viewership across time zones

Frequently Asked Questions About Monday Night Football

What teams are playing Monday Night Football this week?

To find out which teams are playing this week on Monday Night Football, check the official NFL or ESPN schedule. Games are typically announced 6–12 days in advance using flexible scheduling, especially from Week 12 onward.

How many teams play on Monday Night Football each week?

One game featuring two teams is typically played each Monday night. However, in Weeks 1 and 18, the NFL often schedules a doubleheader with four total teams participating across two games.

Do all NFL teams play on Monday Night Football every year?

No, not all 32 NFL teams appear on MNF each season. While most teams play at least once every few years, smaller-market or less competitive teams may go multiple seasons without a national prime-time appearance.

Which channel broadcasts Monday Night Football?

Monday Night Football is primarily broadcast on ESPN. Some games are simulcast on ABC, and all games are available via ESPN+ streaming.

Can Monday Night Football games affect playoff seeding?

Yes, MNF games count fully toward the regular-season standings. Many late-season Monday matchups have direct implications for playoff berths, seeding, and division titles.