What Time Does Monday Night Football Start?

By Sarah Miller · August 2, 2036

Monday Night Football airs live every week at 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET) on ESPN, starting in September and running through January during the NFL regular season and playoffs.

What Time Does Monday Night Football Start?

Monday Night Football consistently kicks off at 8:15 PM Eastern Time, with pre-game coverage beginning at 7:30 PM ET. The exact start time may vary slightly due to doubleheaders or special scheduling, but 8:15 PM ET is the standard kickoff slot for the primary game.

Key Details About Kickoff Time

Kickoff is typically at 8:15 PM ET, not exactly at 8:00 PM due to pre-game analysis and broadcast setup.
The game is broadcast live on ESPN in the United States.
For viewers in other time zones: Pacific Time viewers see the game at 5:15 PM PT, Central Time at 7:15 PM CT, and Mountain Time at 6:15 PM MT.
Occasionally, ESPN schedules a doubleheader, with an early game at 7:15 PM ET and the main event at 8:15 PM ET, especially late in the season.

How to Watch Monday Night Football

There are multiple ways to catch the weekly NFL matchup, whether you have cable or prefer streaming.

TV Broadcast

ESPN is the official broadcaster of Monday Night Football. If you have a traditional cable subscription that includes ESPN, you can tune in directly using your set-top box.

Streaming Options

For cord-cutters, several platforms carry ESPN live:

ESPN+: While ESPN+ does not carry Monday Night Football standalone, it integrates with Hulu and Disney+ via the Disney Bundle and provides on-demand highlights and supplemental content.
Hulu + Live TV: Includes ESPN and allows live streaming of the game.
YouTube TV: Offers ESPN in its base package with cloud DVR capabilities.
Sling TV (Blue plan): Carries ESPN and is a lower-cost option.
FuboTV: Sports-focused streaming service with ESPN and additional sports networks.

2024 Monday Night Football Schedule Overview

The 2024 NFL season features a mix of divisional rivalries, playoff implications, and marquee matchups throughout the Monday night window. The schedule runs from September 9, 2024, to January 6, 2025, with select games extending into the Wild Card weekend if ESPN hosts a playoff game.

Date	Matchup	Time (ET)	Network	Location
September 9, 2024	Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs	8:15 PM	ESPN	Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
September 16, 2024	Dallas Cowboys vs. Cincinnati Bengals	8:15 PM	ESPN	Arcidome, Cincinnati
October 7, 2024	San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks	8:15 PM	ESPN	Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara
November 4, 2024	Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders	8:15 PM	ESPN	Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
December 23, 2024	Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots	8:15 PM	ESPN	Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park
January 6, 2025	Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders	8:15 PM	ESPN	SoFi Stadium, Inglewood

Table data source:1, 2

The table above highlights key matchups across the 2024 Monday Night Football slate, showing a balance of interconference games, divisional battles, and late-season rivalry games critical to playoff positioning. Most games are scheduled for 8:15 PM ET, reinforcing the consistency of ESPN’s prime-time slot. Late-season games often feature teams with postseason aspirations, increasing viewership and competitive intensity.

Why Is the Start Time 8:15 PM Instead of 8:00 PM?

Although advertised as "8 PM ET," the actual kickoff usually occurs at 8:15 PM. This buffer allows ESPN to complete its pre-game show, Monday Night Countdown, deliver final updates, and transition smoothly into live gameplay. Similar delays occur in other NFL prime-time games, such as Thursday Night Football and Sunday Night Football.

Factors Influencing Kickoff Delay

Broadcast commercials and sponsor integrations
Last-minute player announcements and injury reports
National anthem and ceremonial events
Camera and audio synchronization across networks

International Viewing Times

Fans outside the U.S. can watch Monday Night Football via NFL Game Pass International or local sports broadcasters. Here’s how the 8:15 PM ET start translates globally:

UK: 1:15 AM (next day) GMT/BST
Germany: 2:15 AM (next day) CET
Australia (Sydney): 11:15 AM (next day) AEDT
India: 6:45 AM (next day) IST

NFL Game Pass offers live streaming and on-demand replays, making it ideal for international fans who cannot watch live.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monday Night Football

What time does Monday Night Football come on in 2024?

Monday Night Football starts at 8:15 PM Eastern Time on ESPN, with pre-game coverage beginning at 7:30 PM ET. This schedule runs weekly from September through January.

Is Monday Night Football always on ESPN?

Yes, ESPN has been the exclusive broadcaster of Monday Night Football since 2006. All nationally televised games air on ESPN, though select local markets may see alternate programming due to blackout rules.

Can I stream Monday Night Football for free?

You can stream Monday Night Football for free via a trial of eligible services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or FuboTV. Additionally, the NFL app sometimes offers free access to select games when streamed through partner platforms.

Does ESPN ever have two Monday Night Football games in one night?

Yes, ESPN occasionally broadcasts a doubleheader, particularly in Weeks 15–18. The early game starts at 7:15 PM ET, followed by the main game at 8:15 PM ET. These are typically regionalized, with only certain areas seeing the early game.

What happens if a Monday Night Football game goes into overtime?

If a game goes into overtime, ESPN continues broadcasting until completion. Scheduling adjustments may affect late-night programming, but fans will see the full game uninterrupted on TV and streaming platforms.