Monday Night Football remains one of the most anticipated traditions in American sports. Since its debut in 1970, the weekly primetime showcase has delivered some of the NFL’s biggest rivalries, unforgettable moments, and playoff-impacting matchups.
The 2026 NFL season features another exciting lineup of Monday Night Football games, highlighted by division rivalries, Super Bowl contenders, MVP-caliber quarterbacks, and playoff rematches. Fans will see teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, and San Francisco 49ers take center stage throughout the season.
This guide includes the complete Monday Night Football 2026 schedule, key matchups to watch, TV channels, streaming options, and everything fans need to know before kickoff.
What Is Monday Night Football?
Monday Night Football (MNF) is the NFL’s weekly primetime game played on Monday evenings during the regular season. The broadcasts are primarily carried by ESPN and, for many games, simulcast on ABC.
The 2026 season continues the NFL’s commitment to showcasing marquee matchups in primetime. According to the official schedule release, every Monday Night Football game is scheduled for an 8:15 PM ET kickoff.
One notable change in 2026 is the absence of Monday Night Football doubleheaders. The NFL has eliminated the multiple-game Monday format used in some previous seasons, returning to a single featured matchup each week.
Complete Monday Night Football 2026 Schedule
| Week | Date | Matchup | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Sept. 14, 2026 | Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs | ABC / ESPN |
| Week 2 | Sept. 21, 2026 | New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams | ABC / ESPN |
| Week 3 | Sept. 28, 2026 | Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears | ABC / ESPN |
| Week 4 | Oct. 5, 2026 | Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints | ESPN |
| Week 5 | Oct. 12, 2026 | Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams | ABC / ESPN |
| Week 6 | Oct. 19, 2026 | Washington Commanders at San Francisco 49ers | ABC / ESPN |
| Week 7 | Oct. 26, 2026 | Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles | ABC / ESPN |
| Week 8 | Nov. 2, 2026 | Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks | ESPN |
| Week 9 | Nov. 9, 2026 | Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings | ABC / ESPN |
| Week 10 | Nov. 16, 2026 | Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens | ESPN |
| Week 11 | Nov. 23, 2026 | Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Commanders | ESPN |
| Week 12 | Nov. 30, 2026 | Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | ESPN |
| Week 13 | Dec. 7, 2026 | Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks | ABC / ESPN |
| Week 14 | Dec. 14, 2026 | Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars | ESPN |
| Week 15 | Dec. 21, 2026 | New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs | ABC / ESPN |
| Week 16 | Dec. 28, 2026 | New York Giants at Detroit Lions | ESPN |
| Week 17 | Jan. 4, 2027 | Houston Texans at Green Bay Packers | ESPN |
Schedule information verified from official NFL and major schedule-release sources.
Biggest Monday Night Football Games of 2026
Broncos vs Chiefs (Week 1)
The season opens with an AFC West showdown as the Denver Broncos travel to Kansas City. Division games always carry extra importance, and opening the MNF season with a rivalry matchup should create a playoff-like atmosphere.
The Chiefs remain one of the NFL’s most successful franchises of the past decade, making this an ideal kickoff game for ESPN and ABC.
Cowboys vs Eagles (Week 7)
Whenever Dallas and Philadelphia meet, it becomes one of the most watched games of the year.
This NFC East rivalry often has major playoff implications, and both teams are expected to be contenders again in 2026. The passionate fan bases and national interest make this one of the most anticipated Monday Night Football games of the season.
Bills vs Rams (Week 5)
Buffalo and Los Angeles feature two of the NFL’s most talented rosters. This matchup brings together elite offensive playmakers, strong defenses, and possible Super Bowl aspirations.
Fans can expect a high-scoring battle between two franchises aiming to compete deep into January.
Bills vs Vikings (Week 9)
Buffalo appears on Monday Night Football twice in 2026, highlighting the team’s national appeal.
The Bills-Vikings game could feature two explosive offenses and plenty of fantasy football relevance, making it one of the most entertaining contests on the schedule.
Patriots vs Chiefs (Week 15)
Late-season primetime games often carry playoff implications, and this matchup could significantly impact AFC postseason seeding.
Kansas City once again receives multiple Monday Night Football appearances, reflecting its status as one of the league’s premier franchises.
Which Teams Have Multiple Monday Night Football Appearances?
Several popular teams received more than one Monday Night Football game in 2026:
- Kansas City Chiefs (2)
- Buffalo Bills (2)
- Dallas Cowboys (2)
- Philadelphia Eagles (2)
- Seattle Seahawks (2)
- New York Giants (2)
These teams continue to attract large television audiences and are expected to remain major playoff contenders throughout the season.
See also: Best College Football Rivalries: The Games Every Fan Must Watch
How to Watch Monday Night Football in 2026
ESPN
ESPN remains the primary home of Monday Night Football. Most games will be available through traditional cable and satellite providers that carry ESPN.
ABC
Several Monday Night Football games will also be simulcast on ABC, allowing viewers to watch through local broadcast television without a cable subscription.
ESPN App
Subscribers can stream games through the ESPN App using a qualifying TV provider login. ESPN continues to expand its digital viewing options each season.
Live TV Streaming Services
Cord-cutters can watch Monday Night Football through services that carry ESPN and ABC, including:
- Hulu + Live TV
- Fubo
- Sling TV
- DIRECTV Stream
Availability may vary by market and package selection.
ManningCast Returns in 2026
Fans looking for an alternative viewing experience can once again tune into the popular “ManningCast” featuring Peyton Manning and Eli Manning.
The alternate broadcast has become a fan favorite thanks to its relaxed format, celebrity guests, player interviews, and football analysis. ESPN has confirmed the ManningCast will return for its sixth season during the 2026 NFL campaign.
Why Monday Night Football Still Matters
In an era filled with streaming options, international games, and multiple primetime windows, Monday Night Football remains one of the NFL’s most recognizable brands.
The broadcast continues to attract millions of viewers each week and serves as a showcase for the league’s biggest stars. For players, coaches, and fans, appearing under the Monday night lights still carries a special significance.
The 2026 schedule delivers exactly what fans expect: elite quarterbacks, heated rivalries, playoff contenders, and nationally televised drama from Week 1 through Week 17.
Final Thoughts
The Monday Night Football 2026 schedule offers one of the strongest primetime lineups in recent years. From the opening AFC West clash between the Broncos and Chiefs to the Week 17 showdown between the Texans and Packers, every game has the potential to shape the NFL playoff race.
Whether you’re watching on ESPN, ABC, the ESPN App, or a streaming service, there will be no shortage of must-see action throughout the season. Be sure to mark your calendar and get ready for another year of unforgettable Monday night football.
FAQs
Q1. When does Monday Night Football start in 2026?
Monday Night Football begins on September 14, 2026, with the Denver Broncos visiting the Kansas City Chiefs.
Q2. What channel is Monday Night Football on in 2026?
Most games air on ESPN, while many are also simulcast on ABC.
Q3. Are there Monday Night Football doubleheaders in 2026?
No. The NFL removed Monday Night Football doubleheaders for the 2026 season.
Q4. What time do Monday Night Football games start in 2026?
All scheduled Monday Night Football games kick off at 8:15 PM Eastern Time.
Q5. Can I stream Monday Night Football without cable?
Yes. Fans can watch through services such as Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling TV, DIRECTV Stream, and the ESPN App.
Andrew has been a die-hard football fan for over 7 years, following the NFL, college football, and CFL. He started covering football schedules and game analysis in 2019 after noticing how hard it was to find accurate, clean schedule information in one place. He covers all 32 NFL teams, major college conferences, and the full CFL season from kickoff through the Grey Cup.