Monday Night Football Start Time: What Time Does It Air?

By Sarah Miller · June 4, 2044

Monday Night Football airs live at 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET) every Monday night during the NFL regular season, typically from September through January. The game is broadcast on ESPN and available for streaming on platforms like ESPN.com, the ESPN app, and services such as Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV.

What Is Monday Night Football?

Monday Night Football (MNF) is one of the most iconic weekly traditions in American sports. Since its debut in 1970, MNF has brought prime-time professional football into homes across the United States every week during the NFL season. It features a rotating schedule of teams selected by the league, often highlighting marquee matchups or high-stakes games with playoff implications.

Key Features of Monday Night Football

Broadcast exclusively on ESPN since 2006
Starts at 8:15 PM ET sharp
Features pre-game show Monday Night Countdown beginning at 7:00 PM ET
Includes national radio coverage via Westwood One
Available for live streaming across multiple digital platforms

Schedule and Broadcast Details

The timing and availability of Monday Night Football are consistent across the season, making it easy for fans to plan their viewing. While kickoff is set for 8:15 PM ET, the exact start time may vary slightly due to pre-game ceremonies or special events.

Typical Weekly Schedule

7:00 PM ET: Monday Night Countdown begins
8:15 PM ET: Kickoff of the featured game
Approx. 11:30 PM ET: Game concludes (varies based on overtime or delays)

How to Watch Monday Night Football

Fans have several options to watch or stream Monday Night Football, whether they prefer traditional cable or modern digital platforms.

Television and Streaming Options

ESPN (Cable): Available through most major providers including Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and DIRECTV
Streaming Services: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV (via ESPN add-on), FuboTV
ESPN App & Website: Free with authenticated cable login; supports iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV
NFL+ App: Offers mobile-only live streaming of local and primetime games

Date	Matchup	Kickoff Time (ET)	Network	Average Viewers (Millions)
September 9, 2024	Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs	8:15 PM	ESPN	14.2
October 14, 2024	Detroit Lions vs Los Angeles Rams	8:15 PM	ESPN	11.8
November 18, 2024	San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks	8:15 PM	ESPN	13.5
December 23, 2024	Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints	8:15 PM	ESPN	12.1
January 6, 2025	Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys	8:15 PM	ESPN	15.7

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that viewership peaks during late-season rivalry games, particularly divisional matchups involving top teams. The Eagles-Cowboys game drew the highest average audience of 15.7 million, reflecting strong fan interest in NFC East showdowns. Ratings remained consistently above 11 million throughout the 2024 season, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the Monday Night Football brand.

International Viewing Times

For fans outside the U.S., scheduling can vary significantly. Here’s how the 8:15 PM ET kickoff translates globally:

United Kingdom: 1:15 AM (Tuesday, local time)
Australia (Sydney): 11:15 AM (Tuesday)
Germany: 2:15 AM (Tuesday)
India: 6:45 AM (Tuesday)

International fans can access the broadcast via ESPN International, NFL Game Pass, or select regional sports networks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monday Night Football

What time does Monday Night Football start in Eastern Time?

Monday Night Football starts at 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET) every week during the NFL season.

Is Monday Night Football always on ESPN?

Yes, since 2006, ESPN has held exclusive broadcast rights for Monday Night Football. Prior to that, it aired on ABC and later in simulcasts with ESPN.

Can I stream Monday Night Football for free?

You can stream the game for free via the ESPN app or website if you have a valid cable login. Otherwise, subscription services like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV offer free trials that include ESPN.

Does Monday Night Football ever start earlier or later than 8:15 PM ET?

Rarely. The standard kickoff is 8:15 PM ET. In exceptional cases—such as weather delays or extended pre-game tributes—the start may shift slightly, but this is uncommon.

Are all Monday Night Football games nationally televised?

Yes, all Monday Night Football games are nationally televised on ESPN, ensuring broad accessibility across the United States without regional blackouts.

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

If a game goes into overtime, ESPN continues broadcasting until completion. This may delay or preempt scheduled programming following the game, especially on the West Coast where the game ends around 1:30 AM local time.