What Time Is Monday Night Football? 2024 Schedule & How to Watch

By Emma Wilson · August 12, 2028

What Time Is Monday Night Football?

Monday Night Football airs live every week at 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET) on ESPN, starting in September and running through January. The games are also streamed on ESPN+, ABC (for select matchups), and available via live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV.

Understanding Monday Night Football Broadcast Schedule

Monday Night Football (MNF) is one of the most iconic weekly traditions in American sports. Since its debut in 1970, it has consistently drawn millions of viewers with prime-time NFL action. Knowing when to tune in ensures you never miss a snap.

Key Broadcast Details

Start Time: 8:15 PM ET (occasionally 8:00 PM ET for special events or doubleheaders)
Network: Primarily ESPN, with select games on ABC
Season Duration: Early September to mid-January
Streaming Options: ESPN app, ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, Sling TV
Time Zones: Broadcasts adjust locally; e.g., 5:15 PM Pacific Time (PT)

Why the Kickoff Time Is 8:15 PM ET

Unlike Sunday afternoon games that typically start at 1:00 PM or 4:25 PM ET, MNF begins later to maximize national viewership during peak evening hours. The 8:15 PM ET start allows fans across all U.S. time zones to watch live without excessive late nights, especially on the West Coast where it starts at 5:15 PM PT.

Factors Influencing Start Times

National television audience optimization
Avoiding overlap with Sunday games
Accommodating pre-game shows like Monday Night Countdown
Allowing teams extra recovery time after Sunday contests

2024 Monday Night Football Full Schedule Overview

The 2024 NFL season features 17 weeks of Monday Night Football matchups, including two doubleheaders in Weeks 12 and 16. Games are scheduled from September 9, 2024, through January 6, 2025, with playoff implications intensifying toward season's end.

Date	Matchup	Location	TV Channel	Kickoff (ET)
Sept 9, 2024	New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills	Highmark Stadium, NY	ESPN/ABC	8:15 PM
Sept 16, 2024	Dallas Cowboys vs. Cincinnati Bengals	AT&T Stadium, TX	ESPN	8:15 PM
Oct 7, 2024	San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks	Levi's Stadium, CA	ESPN	8:15 PM
Nov 11, 2024	Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos	Arrowhead Stadium, MO	ESPN/ABC	8:15 PM
Dec 16, 2024	Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders	Lincoln Financial Field, PA	ESPN	8:15 PM
Jan 6, 2025	Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders	Allegiant Stadium, NV	ESPN/ABC	8:15 PM

Table data source:ESPN, NFL.com

The table highlights key matchups broadcast nationally, showing consistent 8:15 PM ET kickoffs. Dual ESPN/ABC broadcasts indicate high-profile games aimed at expanding reach. Late-season games often feature divisional rivals with playoff implications, increasing viewer engagement.

How to Watch Monday Night Football From Any Location

Whether you're at home or on the go, several legal options exist to stream Monday Night Football:

Streaming Services That Carry ESPN

YouTube TV: $72.99/month, includes ESPN, ABC, and local channels
Hulu + Live TV: $76.99/month, integrates with Disney+ and ESPN+
FuboTV: $74.99/month, strong sports package with cloud DVR
Sling TV (Orange Plan): $40/month, offers ESPN but not ABC; best for budget viewers
Direct Subscription: ESPN+ ($10.99/month) includes full MNF replays and select live games

Frequently Asked Questions About Monday Night Football

What time does Monday Night Football start in Central Time?

Monday Night Football starts at 7:15 PM Central Time (CT), aligning with the 8:15 PM Eastern Time kickoff.

Is Monday Night Football always on ESPN?

Most games air on ESPN, but select high-profile matchups are simulcast on ABC to increase national accessibility, especially during rivalry weeks or playoff races.

Can I watch Monday Night Football for free?

Yes, if the game is broadcast on ABC, you can watch it for free using an HD antenna. Additionally, new subscribers to Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV often get a free trial period.

Does Monday Night Football happen every week?

Yes, there is a Monday Night Football game nearly every week during the NFL regular season, from Week 1 (early September) to Week 18 (early January), including two doubleheader weeks.