What Time Is Monday Night Football Tonight? Start Time & How to Watch

By Sarah Miller · December 8, 2046

The Monday Night Football game tonight typically starts at 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET), which is 5:15 PM Pacific Time (PT). Kickoff times may vary slightly depending on the network schedule, location, or special events, but 8:15 PM ET is the standard start time for most games during the NFL regular season in 2025.

What Is Monday Night Football?

Monday Night Football (MNF) is one of the most iconic weekly traditions in American sports. Broadcast nationally by ESPN, it features a marquee matchup from the National Football League (NFL) every Monday night during the regular season, usually kicking off at 8:15 PM ET.

Key Facts About Monday Night Football

First aired in 1970, making it a decades-long staple of NFL entertainment.
Broadcast live on ESPN and available via streaming platforms like ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV.
Features high-profile teams and often pivotal divisional or playoff-contending matchups.
Includes pre-game, halftime, and post-game analysis with top-tier commentators.

How To Find Tonight's Game Time Accurately

While 8:15 PM ET is the standard kickoff, scheduling adjustments can occur due to:

Doubleheader weeks (ESPN occasionally airs two games).
Weather delays from earlier games affecting broadcast windows.
International games or special event scheduling (e.g., holiday games).
Local blackout rules (rare in modern broadcasting).

To confirm the exact time for tonight’s game:

Check the official ESPN NFL Schedule.
Review your local TV listings or cable provider guide.
Use NFL mobile apps or team-specific notifications.
Follow @ESPN or @NFL on social media for real-time updates.

Today's Monday Night Football Matchup and Broadcast Details

Matchup	Date	Kickoff Time (ET)	Network	Location	Stadium
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers	October 20, 2025	8:15 PM	ESPN / ABC	Pittsburgh, PA	Acrisure Stadium
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants	October 27, 2025	8:15 PM	ESPN	Dallas, TX	AT&T Stadium
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills	November 3, 2025	8:20 PM*	ESPN / ABC	Kansas City, MO	GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that the vast majority of Monday Night Football games begin at 8:15 PM ET, with rare exceptions pushing start times to 8:20 PM due to production or broadcast coordination. Dual broadcasts on ESPN and ABC have become more common in 2025, expanding viewer access. All games are played in the home stadium of one of the participating teams, ensuring strong fan engagement and regional interest.

Where To Watch Monday Night Football

Fans have multiple options to watch the game live:

Cable: ESPN (standard definition and HD channels).
Streaming: ESPN+ (with authentication), Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream.
Free Over-the-Air: When simulcast on ABC, available via antenna in local markets.
Mobile: NFL app, ESPN app (requires TV provider login or subscription).

For international viewers, NFL Game Pass International offers live streaming outside the U.S.

Why Kickoff Time Matters for Fans and Bettors

The precise start time impacts several key groups:

Fantasy Football Players: Must wait until the game begins to finalize lineups.
Sports Bettors: In-play (live) betting opens only after kickoff.
Bar & Restaurant Owners: Plan staffing and promotions around peak viewing hours.
Viewers in Different Time Zones: Adjust schedules accordingly—game starts at 5:15 PM PT, 6:15 PM MT, and 7:15 PM CT.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monday Night Football

What time does the Monday Night Football game start tonight?

The Monday Night Football game typically starts at 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET). Always verify with ESPN or NFL.com for last-minute changes, especially during doubleheader weeks or weather-impacted weekends.

Is Monday Night Football always on ESPN?

Yes, ESPN holds the exclusive rights to Monday Night Football. However, select games in 2025 are also simulcast on ABC to increase national reach, particularly for high-profile matchups.

Can I stream Monday Night Football for free?

You can stream it for free if the game is being simulcast on ABC and you have an over-the-air antenna. Otherwise, most streaming platforms require a paid subscription or TV provider login.

How long does a typical Monday Night Football game last?

Average game duration is about 3 hours and 10 minutes. Including pre-game shows, halftime, and post-game analysis, total broadcast time is approximately 4–4.5 hours.

Are there any Monday Night Football games this week?

Yes, there is a game scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, featuring the Los Angeles Chargers at the Pittsburgh Steelers, starting at 8:15 PM ET. Check the NFL schedule for future weeks and potential bye-week adjustments.