Monday Night Football Schedule 2026: Dates, Times & Channels
The complete NFL Monday Night Football schedule 2026 has officially arrived for the new season. Fans across the country are eager to see the biggest primetime matchups, watch intense divisional rivalries, and follow their favorite teams under the national spotlight.
This guide provides everything you need to catch every snap this year. We cover the full list of game dates, official matchups, kickoff times, TV channels, and the latest streaming options to keep you prepared all season long.
Monday Night Football Schedule 2026
The 2026 slate delivers another exciting season of primetime action across the league. Fans can expect highly anticipated matchups every week, with standard broadcasts beginning at the same familiar hour. All listed kickoff times are Eastern Time.
| Week | Date | Matchup | Kickoff Time | TV Channel |
| 1 | Monday, September 14, 2026 | Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC |
| 2 | Monday, September 21, 2026 | New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC |
| 3 | Monday, September 28, 2026 | Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC |
| 4 | Monday, October 5, 2026 | Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 5 | Monday, October 12, 2026 | Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC |
| 6 | Monday, October 19, 2026 | Washington Commanders at San Francisco 49ers | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC |
| 7 | Monday, October 26, 2026 | Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC |
| 8 | Monday, November 2, 2026 | Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 9 | Monday, November 9, 2026 | Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC |
| 10 | Monday, November 16, 2026 | Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 11 | Monday, November 23, 2026 | Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Commanders | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 12 | Monday, November 30, 2026 | Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 13 | Monday, December 7, 2026 | Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC |
| 14 | Monday, December 14, 2026 | Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 15 | Monday, December 21, 2026 | New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC |
| 16 | Monday, December 28, 2026 | New York Giants at Detroit Lions | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 17 | Monday, January 4, 2027 | Houston Texans at Green Bay Packers | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 18 | Saturday, January 9, 2027 | TBD at TBD | 4:30 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC |
| 18 | Saturday, January 9, 2027 | TBD at TBD | 8:00 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC |
The regular 2026 MNF schedule features 19 total games. The calendar includes 17 traditional Monday contests ending on January 4, 2027. The package then concludes with two special Saturday games played on January 9, 2027.
ESPN serves as the primary broadcaster for the entire slate, with select games receiving simulcasts on ABC. The NFL has officially removed simultaneous Monday doubleheaders this season, meaning every week features a single standalone primetime game.
Fans should remember that game dates, official matchups, kickoff times, and television channels remain subject to change. The league applies flexible scheduling rules to Monday Night Football matchups running from Week 12 through Week 17.
The two Saturday Week 18 matchups currently remain unassigned. The league will select these specific final games following the conclusion of Week 17, prioritizing contests that carry significant postseason playoff implications.
How to Watch Monday Night Football in 2026
ESPN remains the official primary television home for the NFL 2026 Monday Night Football schedule. Several high-profile matchups are also scheduled to appear simultaneously on ABC, expanding the traditional audience reach for those specific broadcast weeks.
Viewers who maintain a participating pay-TV provider can easily authenticate their subscription through the ESPN app. This authentication allows fans to watch the games directly on mobile devices, tablets, and connected television platforms.
Cord-cutters have multiple options to stream Monday Night Football using verified live-TV streaming services. Providers like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and Sling TV offer packages that include ESPN and local ABC stations.
Select Monday night games are available through ESPN+, the network’s direct-to-consumer streaming product. However, not every weekly matchup streams on this specific tier, so subscribers should verify the individual game availability before kickoff.
Viewers can also use an over-the-air digital antenna to access their local ABC broadcasts for free. This method only provides access to the specific games scheduled for ABC simulcasts or local market exceptions, rather than exclusive ESPN broadcasts.
It is crucial to understand that streaming availability varies depending on your specific location and provider. Certain broadcasts may face regional restrictions, local blackouts, or distinct subscription package differences based on your television market.
2026 Monday Night Football Schedule FAQs
When does Monday Night Football start in the 2026 season?
The 2026 Monday Night Football season starts on September 14, 2026. The opening matchup features the Denver Broncos visiting the Kansas City Chiefs to kick off the primetime schedule.
What time do 2026 Monday Night Football games start?
Every standard Monday night game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET during the 2026 season. The final week features two special Saturday matchups with start times of 4:30 p.m. ET and 8:00 p.m. ET.
What channel carries Monday Night Football in 2026?
ESPN serves as the primary television channel for all Monday night games. Additionally, ABC will air simulcasts of select premium matchups throughout the regular season.
Can I stream Monday Night Football without cable?
Yes, you can stream the games using live-TV services that carry ESPN, such as YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV. Select matchups are also available to stream directly through an ESPN+ subscription.
Can the Monday Night Football schedule change?
Yes, the league can alter matchups using its flexible scheduling procedures. If you are keeping up with the complete NFL schedule 2026-27, keep in mind that Monday night flex rules apply from Week 12 through Week 17.
When will the Week 18 Saturday matchups be announced?
The NFL will announce the two Week 18 Saturday games immediately following Week 17. The league selects these final matchups based on their impact on the upcoming playoffs.
Editorial Disclaimer: NFL schedules, kickoff times, and television assignments may change throughout the season. Flex scheduling can significantly affect listed games. Streaming availability always depends on your location, provider, and subscription. Readers should confirm the latest details through official NFL, ESPN, ABC, or local provider listings.
