Monday Night Football: Schedule, How to Watch, and Everything You Need to Know
Monday Night Football
Table of Contents
Tonight’s Status, Channels, Streaming & 2026 Wild Card Guide
What Is Monday Night Football?
Monday Night Football (MNF) is the NFL’s premier primetime broadcast, showcasing exciting games every Monday during the regular season. Airing on ESPN with frequent ABC simulcasts, it features top commentary from Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, plus the fan-favorite ManningCast on ESPN2.
Known for epic moments and high ratings, MNF elevates NFL excitement.
Monday Night Football Tonight: January 5, 2026
No, there is no Monday Night Football game tonight on January 5, 2026. The 2025 NFL regular season ended with Week 18 games concluding on January 4.
Tonight features the NCAA FCS Championship Game on ESPN around 7:30 p.m. ET (college football).
The NFL returns with Wild Card playoffs starting January 10, including a Monday primetime game on January 12.
What Channel Is Monday Night Football On?
- Main Channel: ESPN (all regular season games)
- Simulcast: ABC (many high-profile games)
- ManningCast: ESPN2 (select games with Peyton & Eli)
- Playoff Games: ESPN/ABC for Monday Wild Card
How to Watch Monday Night Football: Streaming Guide
Top Streaming Services with ESPN
| Service | Price/Month | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu + Live TV | $82.99 | ESPN, ABC, Disney+ bundle | Complete entertainment |
| YouTube TV | $72.99 | ESPN, ABC, Unlimited DVR | Sports enthusiasts |
| FuboTV | $79.99 | Heavy sports channels | Live sports |
| Sling TV Orange | $40 | ESPN included | Budget viewers |
| DirecTV Stream | $79.99 | ESPN + locals | Traditional feel |
Most offer free trials – great for catching playoff games!
Next Monday Night Football: Wild Card Playoffs Jan 12, 2026
The Wild Card round features a primetime Monday game:
- Monday, January 12, 2026 – 8:00 p.m. ET
- No. 5 Houston Texans at No. 4 Pittsburgh Steelers
- Broadcast: ESPN/ABC (ManningCast on ESPN2)
This caps Wild Card Weekend with six total games across Jan 10-12.
Get Ready for Playoff Football!
Who wins Texans vs Steelers? Share your predictions and favorite MNF moments in the comments!
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