Monday Night Football Start Time Explained

By Sarah Miller · July 22, 2034

Monday Night Football games typically start at 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET), though kickoff times may vary slightly depending on the network, location, and special scheduling circumstances such as doubleheaders or holiday weeks.

Understanding Monday Night Football Start Times

The kickoff time for Monday Night Football (MNF) is generally set at 8:15 PM ET, making it a central event in the weekly NFL schedule. This prime-time slot has been a staple since the league partnered with ESPN, which broadcasts the game live each week during the regular season.

Why Does the Game Start at 8:15 PM ET?

The 8:15 PM ET start allows for pre-game coverage to begin at 8:00 PM.
It accommodates teams traveling from West Coast games earlier in the day.
The timing maximizes viewership across all U.S. time zones.
ESPN uses this window to feature in-depth analysis and commentary before kickoff.

Weekly Variations and Special Schedules

While 8:15 PM ET is standard, there are exceptions based on scheduling needs:

Doubleheader Weeks: In select weeks, ESPN airs two games—one at 7:15 PM ET and the main event at 8:15 PM ET.
Holiday Games: Occasionally, games fall on holidays like Thanksgiving week, where start times may shift slightly.
Flex Scheduling: Late in the season, the NFL may adjust matchups and times to feature more competitive games.
International Considerations: For global audiences, broadcast windows may influence start time decisions.

Time Zone Differences Across the U.S.

Viewers across the United States should adjust the start time according to their local time zone:

Time Zone	Typical Kickoff Time
Eastern Time (ET)	8:15 PM
Central Time (CT)	7:15 PM
Mountain Time (MT)	6:15 PM
Pacific Time (PT)	5:15 PM

Table data source:ESPN NFL Schedule, NFL Official Schedule

The table highlights how the consistent 8:15 PM ET start translates across major U.S. time zones. This structure ensures that fans nationwide can plan viewing accordingly, with Pacific Coast audiences able to watch live in the early evening.

How to Confirm the Exact Start Time Each Week

To avoid confusion, fans should verify the exact kickoff time weekly using reliable sources:

Check the NFL official website or app for updated game times.
Review the ESPN broadcast schedule ahead of Monday night.

sports apps like Yahoo Sports, Bleacher Report, or the NFL Mobile app

Monitor team social media accounts for last-minute updates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monday Night Football

What time does Monday Night Football start in 2025?

Monday Night Football games in 2025 are scheduled to start at 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET), consistent with recent seasons. Always confirm with the official NFL or ESPN schedule for any changes.

Is Monday Night Football always on ESPN?

Yes, ESPN holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for Monday Night Football. All regular-season games are aired live on ESPN, with streaming available via the ESPN app and supported platforms.

Are there ever two Monday Night Football games in one night?

Yes, in select weeks during the NFL season, ESPN airs a doubleheader with two separate games—one starting at 7:15 PM ET and the primary game at 8:15 PM ET. These occur in the early and middle parts of the season.

Can the Monday Night Football start time change after the schedule is released?

Yes, the NFL uses flexible scheduling late in the season (Weeks 12–17) to ensure competitive matchups. This means both the teams and the kickoff time may be adjusted up to 12 days in advance.

Where can I stream Monday Night Football live?

You can stream Monday Night Football live on the ESPN app, ESPN.com, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and other live TV streaming services that include ESPN in their package.