When Is Monday Night Football in 2025? Schedule & How to Watch

By Sarah Miller · August 10, 2030

Monday Night Football airs every Monday during the NFL regular season, typically starting at 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET), with occasional doubleheaders beginning at 7:15 PM ET. The 2025 schedule begins on September 8 and runs through December 29, excluding Week 18 when games are played across all days of the week.

What Is Monday Night Football?

Monday Night Football (MNF) is one of the most iconic weekly broadcasts in American sports, featuring National Football League (NFL) games aired live on ESPN every Monday night during the regular season. Since its debut in 1970, MNF has become a cultural staple, bringing prime-time football to millions of fans nationwide.

Key Features of Monday Night Football

Broadcast exclusively on ESPN in the U.S.
Games typically kick off at 8:15 PM ET
Occasional doubleheaders expand coverage to two games per night
Includes marquee matchups and divisional rivalries
Features high-profile commentary teams including Joe Buck and Troy Aikman

2025 Monday Night Football Schedule Overview

The 2025 NFL season will follow the standard 18-week format, with 17 regular-season games per team. Monday Night Football will cover Weeks 2 through 17, with select games in Week 18 also potentially scheduled for Monday if they impact playoff scenarios.

Season Timeline

First Game: Monday, September 8, 2025
Last Regular-Season Game: Monday, December 29, 2025
Hiatus: No game during Week 18 if no playoff implications
Doubleheaders: Weeks 2–10 and Week 14 (two games broadcast)

Week	Date	Matchup	Kickoff (ET)	Broadcaster
2	Sep 8, 2025	Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants	8:15 PM	ESPN
3	Sep 15, 2025	Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills	8:15 PM	ESPN
6	Oct 6, 2025	San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks	8:15 PM	ESPN
10	Nov 3, 2025	Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers	8:15 PM	ESPN
14	Dec 1, 2025	Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders	8:15 PM	ESPN
17	Dec 29, 2025	Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals	8:15 PM	ESPN

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights key matchups throughout the 2025 Monday Night Football season, showcasing divisional rivalries and inter-conference contests designed to maximize viewership. Games are strategically scheduled to feature top-performing teams as the season progresses, especially during November and December when playoff races intensify.

How to Watch Monday Night Football

Fans can watch Monday Night Football through multiple platforms:

Cable: Access via ESPN on most major providers (Comcast, Spectrum, DirecTV)
Streaming Services: Available on Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV (Blue plan), FuboTV, and ESPN+
Mobile Viewing: Stream through the ESPN app with valid cable login or subscription
International Options: NFL Game Pass offers global access outside the U.S.

Blackout Policies and Local Restrictions

Unlike some Sunday games, Monday Night Football is not subject to local blackout rules due to federal legislation passed in the 1970s. All games are nationally televised and available in local markets regardless of ticket sales.

History and Cultural Impact

Since its launch in 1970, Monday Night Football revolutionized how Americans consume sports. It was the first weekly prime-time professional sports broadcast and helped popularize fantasy football, sports betting, and second-screen engagement.

Original broadcast network: ABC
Moved to ESPN in 2006
Anchored by legendary broadcasters like Howard Cosell, Al Michaels, and Chris Collinsworth
Inspired similar packages like Sunday Night Football and Thursday Night Football

Frequently Asked Questions About Monday Night Football

When does Monday Night Football start in 2025?

The 2025 Monday Night Football season begins on Monday, September 8, 2025, with a matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants at 8:15 PM Eastern Time.

What time do Monday Night Football games usually start?

Most Monday Night Football games kick off at 8:15 PM Eastern Time. During doubleheader weeks, the first game starts at 7:15 PM ET and the second at 8:15 PM ET.

Where can I watch Monday Night Football?

Monday Night Football is broadcast nationally on ESPN. You can stream it via services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV (Blue), FuboTV, or the ESPN app with authentication.

Are there doubleheaders on Monday Night Football in 2025?

Yes, ESPN will air doubleheaders during Weeks 2–10 and Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season, featuring two games back-to-back on those Mondays.

Is Monday Night Football canceled during Week 18?

Typically, no Monday Night Football game is scheduled for Week 18 unless there are playoff implications requiring a Monday night kickoff. Most Week 18 games are played on Sunday afternoon and evening.

Can I stream Monday Night Football for free?

Yes, you can stream select Monday Night Football games for free using the ESPN app by signing up for a free trial on eligible live TV streaming platforms like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV.