Monday Night Football 2026: Live Stream, Full Schedule, How to Watch Online, Best Games & Predictions
Monday Night Football (MNF) is one of the NFL’s most recognizable weekly traditions, bringing a nationally televised prime-time game to fans every Monday during the regular season. In 2026, the schedule features 17 Monday night games, beginning with a major AFC West matchup between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs on September 14 and concluding with the Houston Texans vs. Green Bay Packers on January 4, 2027.
The 2026 MNF schedule has several high-profile matchups involving teams such as the Chiefs, Bills, Eagles, Cowboys, 49ers, Ravens, Seahawks and Packers. Ten of the 17 games are scheduled to be simulcast on ABC, while the remaining games are scheduled for ESPN.
What Is Monday Night Football?
Monday Night Football is the NFL’s weekly Monday prime-time football broadcast. The tradition dates back to 1970 and has become one of the biggest weekly sporting television events in the United States.
For the 2026 season, ESPN is the primary broadcaster, with selected games also appearing on ABC. The MNF broadcast team again includes Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge.
Unlike previous seasons that experimented with Monday-night doubleheaders, the 2026 schedule features one standalone Monday Night Football game each week.
Monday Night Football 2026 Schedule
| Week | Date | Matchup | Kickoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | September 14 | Denver Broncos vs Kansas City Chiefs | 8:15 PM ET |
| Week 2 | September 21 | New York Giants vs Los Angeles Rams | 8:15 PM ET |
| Week 3 | September 28 | Philadelphia Eagles vs Chicago Bears | 8:15 PM ET |
| Week 4 | October 5 | Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints | 8:15 PM ET |
| Week 5 | October 12 | Buffalo Bills vs Los Angeles Rams | 8:15 PM ET |
| Week 6 | October 19 | Washington Commanders vs San Francisco 49ers | 8:15 PM ET |
| Week 7 | October 26 | Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles | 8:15 PM ET |
| Week 8 | November 2 | Chicago Bears vs Seattle Seahawks | 8:15 PM ET |
| Week 9 | November 9 | Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings | 8:15 PM ET |
| Week 10 | November 16 | Los Angeles Chargers vs Baltimore Ravens | 8:15 PM ET |
| Week 11 | November 23 | Cincinnati Bengals vs Washington Commanders | 8:15 PM ET |
| Week 12 | November 30 | Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 8:15 PM ET |
| Week 13 | December 7 | Dallas Cowboys vs Seattle Seahawks | 8:15 PM ET |
| Week 14 | December 14 | Pittsburgh Steelers vs Jacksonville Jaguars | 8:15 PM ET |
| Week 15 | December 21 | New England Patriots vs Kansas City Chiefs | 8:15 PM ET |
| Week 16 | December 28 | New York Giants vs Detroit Lions | 8:15 PM ET |
| Week 17 | January 4, 2027 | Houston Texans vs Green Bay Packers | 8:15 PM ET |
How to Watch Monday Night Football 2026
ESPN is the primary home of Monday Night Football in 2026, and the NFL lists ABC as an additional outlet for MNF. Viewers can watch through participating television providers and eligible streaming services. NFL+ also provides live local and prime-time games on supported mobile devices, with availability depending on the plan and location.
Watch MNF in the United States
- ESPN: The main television network for Monday Night Football.
- ABC: Also carries selected MNF broadcasts.
- ESPN App: Eligible viewers can stream games with a participating TV subscription.
- NFL+: Provides live local and prime-time games on supported mobile devices.
Which Monday Night Football Games Will Be Most Interesting?
Broncos vs Chiefs — Week 1
This is the opening MNF game of 2026 and one of the biggest early-season storylines. Denver enters after taking the AFC West title from Kansas City, while the Chiefs begin a new chapter after missing the playoffs in 2025. The quarterback situation surrounding Bo Nix and Patrick Mahomes adds another major storyline.
Cowboys vs Eagles — Week 7
Dallas and Philadelphia are NFC East rivals with enormous national followings. A prime-time meeting between these teams is always a strong candidate for one of the season’s most-watched games.
Bills vs Rams — Week 5
Buffalo traveling to Los Angeles gives fans a matchup between two teams with serious playoff ambitions. It could be one of the best early-season non-divisional games.
Chargers vs Ravens — Week 10
This AFC matchup could become particularly important as the playoff race develops. The game features two teams capable of competing for postseason positioning.
Patriots vs Chiefs — Week 15
A late-season prime-time matchup can carry much more weight than a September game. Depending on the standings, this could have major playoff implications.
Early Monday Night Football 2026 Predictions
These are early projections rather than betting recommendations. Injuries, roster changes and team form can change the outlook during the season.
| Week | Matchup | Early Pick |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Broncos vs Chiefs | Chiefs |
| 2 | Giants vs Rams | Rams |
| 3 | Eagles vs Bears | Eagles |
| 4 | Falcons vs Saints | Saints |
| 5 | Bills vs Rams | Bills |
| 6 | Commanders vs 49ers | 49ers |
| 7 | Cowboys vs Eagles | Eagles |
| 8 | Bears vs Seahawks | Seahawks |
| 9 | Bills vs Vikings | Bills |
| 10 | Chargers vs Ravens | Ravens |
| 11 | Bengals vs Commanders | Bengals |
| 12 | Panthers vs Buccaneers | Buccaneers |
| 13 | Cowboys vs Seahawks | Seahawks |
| 14 | Steelers vs Jaguars | Jaguars |
| 15 | Patriots vs Chiefs | Chiefs |
| 16 | Giants vs Lions | Lions |
| 17 | Texans vs Packers | Packers |
Top 5 Monday Night Football Games to Watch
- Broncos vs Chiefs — Week 1
- Cowboys vs Eagles — Week 7
- Bills vs Rams — Week 5
- Chargers vs Ravens — Week 10
- Patriots vs Chiefs — Week 15
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Monday Night Football schedule combines major rivalries, playoff contenders and several intriguing quarterback storylines. The season starts with Broncos-Chiefs and continues with marquee games including Bills-Rams, Cowboys-Eagles, Bills-Vikings, Chargers-Ravens and Patriots-Chiefs.
Bookmark this page for the complete MNF schedule, watch information and game-by-game predictions throughout the 2026 NFL season.
Schedule and broadcast information can change. Check the NFL and ESPN listings for the latest updates before each game.