what channels are monday night football on? The main U.S. TV channel is ESPN, and ABC carries games when they are simulcast there. The channel and streaming options can vary by game.
This guide explains how to find the right channel, what to expect from ABC and ESPN2, and how to watch with cable, an antenna, or a streaming service. You will also see how to check whether your subscription includes the game and what to do if it is missing from the schedule. Because listings can change, the specific game’s current TV listing is the best way to confirm your options before kickoff.
what channels are monday night football on?
ESPN is the primary channel for Monday Night Football in the United States. ABC also shows games when it carries an ESPN simulcast. The exact combination depends on the game and that week’s schedule, so check the listing for the matchup you want to watch.
Some Monday games also have an alternate presentation on ESPN2, such as the ManningCast when it is scheduled. That is a separate broadcast option, not a replacement for the main ESPN game. Its availability is limited to select games and can change from season to season.
For most viewers, the quick answer is: look for ESPN first, then ABC. If you want to stream, check ESPN’s available viewing options or a live-TV service that carries ESPN. An antenna can receive the game only when a local ABC station is airing it; an antenna does not receive ESPN.
Check the listing for the specific matchup
Do not assume every Monday game will be on the same combination of channels. A TV guide, the NFL schedule, or your provider’s program guide can show the listed channel for a specific game. Confirm the date and kickoff time, too: doubleheaders and special scheduling can affect which game is shown and when.
Which channel should you try first?
If you have a cable or satellite package, start with ESPN. If the game is also listed on ABC, you can choose between the two channels. That can be useful if you prefer your local station’s broadcast, if ESPN is unavailable in your package, or if you want to try watching with an antenna.
If you use a streaming service, search its live guide for the team name or the words “Monday Night Football.” Do not rely only on a service’s general NFL page: it may show highlights, replays, or other football programming rather than the live game.
| Option | What it provides | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN | The primary TV broadcast for Monday Night Football | Cable, satellite, or live-TV subscribers with ESPN |
| ABC | A simulcast when that game is scheduled on ABC | Viewers who have ABC through a provider or local station |
| ESPN2 | An alternate presentation on select dates, such as the ManningCast | Fans who want a different style of commentary |
| ESPN streaming options | Live access when the game is included with the viewer’s plan | People watching on a phone, computer, or connected TV |
| Live-TV streaming service | Channels such as ESPN, with ABC availability varying by service and location | Viewers who want a cable-style channel guide without cable |
| Over-the-air antenna | Local ABC broadcasts when the game is simulcast and the station is receivable | Viewers near a local ABC signal who want a no-subscription option |
How to watch Monday Night Football on cable or satellite
Most cable and satellite plans that include ESPN can show the main Monday Night Football broadcast. Use the provider’s guide to find ESPN, then check ABC if the game is listed there as well. Channel numbers differ by provider and location, so search the channel name rather than relying on a number found in another city.
If the channel is missing, first confirm that your package includes it. Some plans have different channel tiers, and a channel may also be unavailable during a provider dispute or service interruption. Restarting a receiver will not add a channel that is not part of the subscription.
- Look up the matchup. Confirm the date, kickoff time, and listed channel in your provider’s guide.
- Check your package. Make sure ESPN is included, or see whether ABC has the game.
- Open the channel before kickoff. Pre-game coverage starts before the game, and opening the channel early helps catch a signal or login problem.
- Try the other listed broadcast. If the game is on both ESPN and ABC, switch to the other one if your first choice is unavailable.
Can you watch with an antenna?
Sometimes, but only if ABC is carrying that game and your antenna can receive a local ABC station. An antenna receives free local over-the-air broadcasts. It cannot receive ESPN, ESPN2, or a cable-only channel.
Reception depends on your distance from broadcast towers, nearby buildings, terrain, and antenna placement. A station’s signal map can help you estimate reception, but the best channel scan is performed with the antenna connected to the TV and positioned where you plan to use it.
If ABC is not airing the game, an antenna will not provide another way to watch it. Check the local station’s listing before game night. A common mistake is buying or repositioning an antenna to solve a problem that is actually about the broadcast schedule: no local signal can carry a game that the station is not showing.
Streaming options for the live game
You can watch online if your service or subscription includes the live broadcast rights for that game. ESPN’s app and streaming options may provide access to ESPN programming, while live-TV streaming services can offer ESPN and, in some areas, ABC. The channels and game access depend on the plan, location, and current rights.
Common live-TV services include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM, and Fubo. Channel lineups vary by market and plan. Before subscribing, search the service’s current lineup for ESPN and check whether it carries the local ABC station where you live. A service may offer ESPN nationwide but not the same local station in every area.
Some services provide a temporary trial or promotional offer, but those terms change. Check the renewal date and cancellation rules before signing up. Also confirm that the service supports the device you plan to use, such as a smart TV, streaming stick, phone, or web browser.
Using ESPN’s app or streaming service
Open ESPN’s current app or streaming option and look for the live game. Depending on the product and your subscription, you may need to sign in with a TV provider or have a plan that includes the live channel. Having an ESPN account alone does not necessarily mean you have access to every live game.
If you see a prompt to choose a provider, select the one that carries ESPN and enter that provider’s login details. If you subscribe directly, sign in with the account tied to that plan. The available package names and access rules can change, so check the plan details for live ESPN programming before paying.
Watching on a phone with NFL+
NFL+ may offer live access to certain regular-season games on supported mobile devices, subject to its current plan terms and viewing restrictions. This is not the same as getting ESPN on a television. Check the NFL+ listing for the specific game and device before subscribing, especially if your goal is to watch on a TV screen.
Do not assume that every football app streams every live game. Some apps focus on scores, highlights, radio, or replays. Look for an explicit live-game listing and read the device limits before relying on an app for kickoff.
What is the ManningCast, and where does it air?
The ManningCast is an alternate Monday Night Football presentation featuring Peyton and Eli Manning, with guests and a more conversational format. It is offered for select games, not necessarily every Monday matchup. When scheduled, it has typically appeared on ESPN2 and may also be available through ESPN streaming options.
The main ESPN broadcast and the ManningCast cover the same game, but the commentary and presentation differ. Choose ESPN for the standard play-by-play broadcast. Choose the alternate feed if you prefer a looser discussion and are comfortable with commentary that may not follow every play in the same way.
Check the weekly listing before the game. The alternate broadcast’s schedule can differ from the main game schedule, and access through an app can depend on your subscription. If ESPN2 does not appear in your provider’s guide, the regular ESPN channel may still carry the game.
Why a Monday game may not appear on your service
A missing game usually comes down to one of a few issues: the channel is not part of your plan, the local ABC station is not available in your area, the game is listed under a different channel, or the app needs a fresh login. Start by checking the official program listing and then compare it with your provider’s channel lineup.
- Confirm the date and time. A game may be listed under the local kickoff date, and a schedule can change.
- Check all listed channels. Look for ESPN, ABC, and ESPN2 if an alternate broadcast is scheduled.
- Verify your location. ABC availability through a streaming service can depend on your market.
- Refresh the app. Sign out and back in if the service recognizes your account but does not show the live channel.
- Check for an outage. If other channels are also unavailable, the issue may be with the provider or internet connection.
Keep in mind that a search result showing the game does not prove that your subscription includes it. Some listings display the event broadly, even when the service requires an additional plan or provider login to play it.
How to choose the simplest viewing option
The right option depends on what you already have. If ESPN is included in your cable or satellite package, use that. If the game is simulcast on ABC and you receive a clear local signal, an antenna may be enough. If you do not have either, compare live-TV services that carry ESPN in your area and verify the specific plan before signing up.
Think about where you want to watch. A phone-only option may work for someone watching during a commute, but it may not provide TV access. A live-TV streaming subscription is more flexible across devices, but it usually costs more than using an antenna and may require a reliable internet connection.
Also consider whether you need ABC. A streaming service that carries ESPN but not your local ABC station may still show the main game, but it will not offer the local ABC simulcast. If you want both feeds or want a backup option, confirm both channels rather than assuming one guarantees the other.
Common questions about Monday Night Football channels
Is Monday Night Football always on ESPN?
ESPN is the primary channel, but check the listing for each game. ABC may also carry a simulcast, and an alternate broadcast may appear on ESPN2 for select games.
Is Monday Night Football free on ABC?
It can be free over the air when your local ABC station is broadcasting that game and you can receive the station with an antenna. ABC availability through cable or a streaming service depends on your provider and location. ESPN itself is not an over-the-air channel.
Can I watch Monday Night Football without cable?
Yes. Possible options include a live-TV streaming service with ESPN, an ESPN streaming plan that includes the game, or an antenna when ABC is carrying it and available locally. Check current channel access and device rules before choosing a service.
Can I watch the game on ESPN+?
Access depends on the current ESPN product, subscription, and game listing. Check whether the live Monday game is included in your plan rather than assuming any ESPN-branded subscription includes every ESPN channel or event.
What time does Monday Night Football start?
Kickoff time depends on the game and schedule. Many games have an evening start in the Eastern time zone, but doubleheaders or special scheduling can affect the time. Use the listing for the specific matchup and convert it to your local time.
Does ESPN2 show the regular game?
ESPN2 may carry an alternate presentation for select games, such as the ManningCast. ESPN is the main channel to check for the standard broadcast; use the weekly listing to confirm whether ESPN2 has an alternate feed.
Check before kickoff to avoid a last-minute surprise
Channel availability, streaming plans, and game listings can change. The most reliable check is the current listing for the matchup, followed by a quick review of your provider’s lineup. Confirm the channel and whether your plan includes it while there is still time to adjust.
If you are using an antenna, scan for local channels ahead of time and test ABC reception. If you are streaming, sign in early and confirm the game appears in the live guide. These small checks can prevent the common frustration of finding out at kickoff that your chosen service carries a different channel lineup than expected.
what channels are monday night football on? Start with ESPN, then check whether ABC is simulcasting the game. ESPN2 may offer an alternate broadcast for select matchups, and streaming access depends on your service and plan.
Before game day, search the specific matchup in your TV guide and confirm that your subscription includes the listed channel. If you plan to use an antenna, verify that your local ABC station is carrying the game and that you can receive its signal.