What Channel Is Monday Night Football?

Nick Leason

-Nov 4, 2025

Wondering where to watch Monday Night Football (MNF)? It's a prime-time NFL game broadcast weekly during the regular season. Each week, millions of viewers tune in to see their favorite teams battle it out under the lights, but knowing where to find the game is key. The broadcast channel changes, but it's typically on a major sports network, guaranteeing a night of gridiron action.

Key Takeaways

MNF Channel: Monday Night Football games primarily air on ESPN and ABC, but sometimes also on ESPN2 and streaming on ESPN+.
Game Time: Games typically begin at 8:15 PM ET (Eastern Time) on Mondays.
Availability: Check local listings or use ESPN's schedule to confirm the specific channel in your area.
Streaming: You can stream MNF on ESPN+ (subscription required), and via various streaming services that carry ESPN.

Introduction

Monday Night Football (MNF) is a staple of American sports culture, drawing massive audiences every week during the NFL season. But with multiple channels, streaming options, and regional variations, knowing exactly where to watch each game can be tricky. This guide provides comprehensive information to ensure you never miss a moment of the action.

What & Why

Monday Night Football offers several benefits for both viewers and the NFL:

Entertainment: MNF provides a regular dose of exciting football games, featuring top teams and star players, making it a popular choice for entertainment and social gatherings.
Tradition: MNF has a long history, creating a sense of tradition and predictability in the sports calendar that fans enjoy.
Prime Time Viewing: The Monday night slot ensures high viewership, as the games are broadcast during prime time, when most people are available to watch.
Revenue: For the NFL, MNF generates substantial revenue through television rights and advertising, contributing significantly to the league's financial health.
Increased Fan Engagement: The anticipation and discussion surrounding MNF games keep fans engaged with the sport throughout the week.

However, there are also some drawbacks:

Channel Confusion: The varying channels can be confusing. Fans must consistently check listings to find the game.
Blackouts: Local blackouts can occur, meaning that you might not be able to watch the game if you live in a certain area.
Competition: MNF competes with other programming for viewer attention.

Understanding where and when to watch, as well as the reasons behind MNF's popularity and potential downsides, will help fans get the most out of each game.

How-To / Steps / Framework Application

Finding Monday Night Football requires a few simple steps. Here's how to ensure you don't miss any of the action:

Check Your TV Guide: The easiest way to find MNF is to consult your local television listings. The channel will be clearly listed for the specific date and time.
ESPN and ABC: MNF primarily airs on ESPN. However, some games also broadcast on ABC, especially early in the season or for special events. Confirm the channel with your provider.
Online Listings: Use online TV guides provided by ESPN or major cable providers. These guides are updated regularly and provide accurate channel information. ESPN's website or app will specify which channel is broadcasting the game.
Streaming Services: If you have a subscription to ESPN+, you can stream MNF games live. Additionally, many streaming services, such as Sling TV, FuboTV, and YouTube TV, carry ESPN and ABC, allowing you to watch MNF on various devices.
Local Variations: Keep in mind that channel numbers can vary depending on your cable provider and location. Always double-check your local listings.
Mobile Devices: Download the ESPN app to stream games and access schedules on your smartphone or tablet.

By following these steps, you can easily find MNF, regardless of your viewing preferences.

Examples & Use Cases

Let's consider a few scenarios to illustrate how to find Monday Night Football: — Silver Spring, MD Zip Code: Your Complete Guide

Scenario 1: Cable Subscriber: If you have a standard cable subscription, open your TV guide on Monday evening. Search for ESPN or ABC. The specific channel number will be listed for the MNF game.
Scenario 2: Cord-Cutter: If you've cut the cord, check your streaming service's channel lineup. For example, if you subscribe to YouTube TV, navigate to the ESPN channel to watch the game. Ensure your streaming service carries the local ABC affiliate if the game is on that channel.
Scenario 3: On the Go: Use the ESPN app or website to stream the game on your mobile device. You will need to log in with your TV provider credentials or have an ESPN+ subscription.
Scenario 4: International Viewers: If you are watching from outside of the US, you will have to determine the proper means of accessing the game. This could include through the ESPN international streaming services, a sports package, or a VPN service, depending on your region and the specific game.
Scenario 5: Last-Minute Viewing: You're at a friend's house. Quickly check your friend's TV guide or use the ESPN app to confirm the channel. If they are an ESPN+ subscriber, you can also stream the game via their subscription on their TV.

These examples show that whether you're at home or on the go, there are several easy ways to find and watch Monday Night Football.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

To ensure a seamless MNF viewing experience, follow these best practices and avoid common mistakes: — Clement Blue Jays: Your Ultimate Guide

Best Practice: Check Listings Early: Don't wait until game time to find the channel. Check your TV guide, the ESPN website, or app well in advance of the game. Listings are usually available several days ahead.
Best Practice: Use Multiple Resources: Cross-reference information from different sources (TV guide, ESPN website, streaming service) to ensure accuracy. This is especially important if you are relying on streaming.
Best Practice: Update Your Streaming Apps: If you stream, make sure your apps are up-to-date. Outdated apps can cause buffering issues or prevent you from accessing the game.
Mistake: Assuming the Channel: Don't assume the game is always on the same channel. Check the listings each week, as the channel can change.
Mistake: Ignoring Time Zones: Remember to adjust for your time zone. MNF typically starts at 8:15 PM ET, but that translates to different times depending on your location.
Mistake: Not Having a Backup Plan: Have a backup plan in case your primary method of watching the game fails. This could include a different streaming service, a friend's house, or a local sports bar.

By following these best practices and avoiding common mistakes, you can significantly enhance your MNF viewing experience.

FAQs

What time does Monday Night Football usually start? Games typically start at 8:15 PM ET.
What channel is Monday Night Football on? It's primarily on ESPN and ABC, but sometimes also on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Can I stream Monday Night Football? Yes, you can stream MNF on ESPN+ and through various streaming services that carry ESPN and ABC.
Where can I find the MNF schedule? You can find the schedule on ESPN's website or app, as well as in most TV guides.
Do I need a cable subscription to watch Monday Night Football? Not necessarily. You can watch via streaming services like ESPN+ or services that carry ESPN and ABC.
What if I live outside the US? Availability varies. Check ESPN International or other sports packages in your region.

Conclusion with CTA

Finding the right channel for Monday Night Football is simple with the right information. Remember to check your local TV listings, utilize the ESPN website or app, and consider streaming options. With these tools, you will be prepared each week of the NFL season. So, gear up, grab your snacks, and get ready for a night of thrilling football! To keep up with the latest information on NFL games, including Monday Night Football, visit the ESPN website or download the ESPN app for real-time updates and scheduling. — Fix: Message Not Delivered? Troubleshooting & Solutions

Last updated: October 26, 2024, 10:00 UTC