College football has finally returned, which means the start of a new NFL season is just around the corner.
The final game of the Week 1 college football slate takes place tonight as No. 19 SMU travels to Tallahassee to battle Florida State at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. But the NFL regular season begins on Thursday, right? Historically, the inaugural game of the season is a Thursday night matchup… but not this year. Welcome to… Wednesday Night Football!
It’s a Super Bowl rematch as the Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots on Wednesday, September 9 at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. That must-see clash will be followed by the San Francisco 49ers/Los Angeles Rams game, which takes place in Australia and airs live on Netflix.
We’re so back. When exactly does the first Monday Night Football game of the new season air? Here’s when MNF returns!
Is There a Monday Night Football Game on Tonight (September 7)?
Nope. But the regular season begins later this week, Wednesday, September 9, to be exact, when the Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots at 8:20 on NBC and Peacock.
When Does Monday Night Football Start?
Next week! The first regular-season MNF matchup takes place on September 14 when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Denver Broncos. All the fun begins at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, and NFL+.
MNF 2026 Schedule:
Monday Night Football will air on ESPN and ABC throughout the 26-27 regular season. You’ll also be able to stream live MNF games from your phone or tablet with a subscription to NFL+.
- Week 1 (September 14): Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC)
- Week 2 (September 21): New York Giants @ Los Angeles Rams (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC)
- Week 3 (September 28): Philadelphia Eagles @ Chicago Bears (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC)
- Week 4 (October 5): Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN)
- Week 5 (October 12): Buffalo Bills @ Los Angeles Rams (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC)
- Week 6 (October 19): Washington Commanders @ San Francisco 49ers (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC)
- Week 7 (October 26): Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC)
- Week 8 (November 2): Chicago Bears @ Seattle Seahawks (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC)
- Week 9 (November 9): Buffalo Bills @ Minnesota Vikings (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC)
- Week 10 (November 16): Los Angeles Chargers @ Baltimore Ravens (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC)
- Week 11 (November 23): Cincinnati Bengals @ Washington Commanders (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN)
- Week 12 (November 30): Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN)
- Week 13 (December 7): Dallas Cowboys @ Seattle Seahawks (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC)
- Week 14 (December 14): Pittsburgh Steelers @ Jacksonville Jaguars (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC)
- Week 15 (December 21): New England Patriots @ Kansas City Chiefs (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC)
- Week 16 (December 28): New York Giants @ Detroit Lions (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN)
- Week 17 (January 4): Houston Texans @ Green Bay Packers (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN)
How To Watch Monday Night Football Without Cable:
If you have a valid cable login, you can watch MNF live on ESPN, ABC, the ESPN website/app, or ABC.com. If you’ve already cut that cord, well, no problem!
The only way to watch shows airing live without cable is by using a live TV streaming service. Our favorite is DIRECTV, which comes with a five-day free trial before payment begins.
DIRECTV offers a number of flexible subscription options, including Genre Packs, so you can best choose which streaming plans fit your needs and budget. Packs start at $19.99/month.
You can also stream MNF live with an active subscription to Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, NFL+, or Sling TV. Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV all offer free trials for new subscribers.
MNF returns on September 14 when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Denver Broncos.
