Monday Night Football kicks off this Monday, Sept. 8, showcasing the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears (8:15 p.m. | ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes), jumpstarting the 25-game NFL on ESPN 2025-26 schedule.
Here are the game-changing details everyone needs to know as we launch into what promises to be our most robust MNF experience to date!
DTC Changes Everything – We’re Finally All In One Place
ESPN’s direct‑to‑consumer and enhanced app launch puts MNF front-and-center. All 25 NFL games now stream in the ESPN App—available for DTC subscribers or Pay TV–authenticated—while the upgraded app integrates live game stats, ESPN BET insights, Fantasy sports, multiview and a personalized SportsCenter For You. The new multiview experience lets subscribers watch the traditional MNF telecast and ManningCast simultaneously, and integrated fantasy performance tracking plus betting information create truly personalized viewing.
Schedule Loaded with Star Power and Strategic Doubleheaders
We’re starting fast with 11 games in the first seven weeks, featuring marquee matchups like Lions at Ravens (Week 3) and Chiefs at Jaguars (Week 5). The schedule includes four weeks of multiple games, bringing back traditional 7 p.m./10 p.m. ET doubleheaders in Weeks 2 and 7. Super Bowl Champion Eagles and AFC Champion Chiefs each appear twice.
Coverage Team Goes Deeper
We’re doubling down on sideline reporting with two reporters for all 25 games. Lisa Salters extends her record-setting 14th season, now joined by Laura Rutledge on all primary telecasts with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. Katie George and Peter Schrager handle our multi-game weeks teaming up with Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky and Louis Riddick, ensuring comprehensive coverage across our slate.
ManningCast Hits Its Stride in Year Five
The Emmy-winning alternate telecast expands to 12 games this season, available on ESPN2 and through our DTC service. Peyton and Eli kick off Week 1 and feature six consecutive weeks mid-season. With over 50 episodes under their belt and four-straight years of Emmy recognition, the ManningCast continues solidifying our position as the leader in alternate telecasts.
NFL Studio Lineup at a Glance
Our studio coverage features a refreshed lineup with enhanced onsite programming. Sunday NFL Countdown returns for its 41st season, hosted by Mike Greenberg with analysts Tedy Bruschi, Randy Moss, Rex Ryan and Alex Smith, plus contributions from Adam Schefter and Erin Dolan. Monday Night Countdown is led by Scott Van Pelt alongside Ryan Clark, Jason Kelce and Marcus Spears, with features from Michelle Beisner-Buck and Adam. NFL Live expands to two hours on Mondays from each site, hosted by Laura Rutledge with Mina Kimes, Dan Orlovsky, Marcus, Ryan (Clark) and newcomer Peter Schrager. Additional highlights include Katie Feeney creating digital content, Chris Berman continuing NFL Primetime and a season-opening “Prediction Bonanza” special.
Cultural Moments That Connect Beyond Football
Saweetie becomes our first-ever female music curator, hand-picking tracks for telecasts and promos. This continues our tradition of cultural curation that’s included Drake, J Balvin and Timbaland. These partnerships demonstrate how we’re expanding MNF’s cultural footprint beyond traditional sports boundaries.
