Monday Night Football Schedule 2025

Why is Monday Night Football So Significant in the NFL?

Why does Monday Night Football (MNF) continue to hold such a special place in the sporting calendar? Since its launch in 1970, MNF has evolved into more than just a weekly NFL fixture it has become a cultural event. For over five decades, it has brought together dramatic finishes, star performances, and historic rivalries under the lights.

Unlike Sunday afternoon games, which are plentiful, or Thursday Night Football, which kicks off the week, Monday Night Football has a distinctive aura. It represents the last act of the week’s schedule, the closing spotlight match where the entire nation, and millions of international fans, tune in.

For British fans, it is a challenge of endurance kickoffs after 1 AM BST mean many watch into the early hours of Tuesday morning. Yet the passion, anticipation, and drama are compelling enough to make it worth the late nights.

What Happened During the 2025 Preseason Monday Night Fixtures?

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The NFL’s preseason may not carry weight in terms of official standings, but it provides fans with a glimpse of what to expect in the season ahead. It is also a chance for younger players, draft picks, and roster hopefuls to stake their claim for a place in the regular lineup.

In the second week of the 2025 preseason, the Cincinnati Bengals recorded a 31–17 victory over the Washington Commanders. While the result itself was not significant in terms of league implications, it highlighted the Bengals’ offensive depth and raised questions about how the Commanders would adapt heading into the competitive campaign.

Preseason games often lack the intensity of regular-season contests, yet they serve as the first chapter of the football year and a warm-up for the drama of MNF.

How Did the 2025 Monday Night Football Season Begin?

The regular season of Monday Night Football in 2025 started with high drama and close encounters. In Week 1, the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Chicago Bears 27-24 in a game that came down to the final minutes. It was an immediate reminder of why MNF holds so much allure prime-time clashes rarely disappoint.

Week 2 offered a double helping of action. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers edged the Houston Texans 20-19 in one of the tightest contests of the early schedule, while the Los Angeles Chargers outclassed the Las Vegas Raiders 20-9 in a performance that underlined their defensive strength.

By Week 3, the tone was set for a competitive season, with the Detroit Lions triumphing 38-30 against the Baltimore Ravens in one of the highest-scoring encounters of the year.

Each of these games demonstrated what MNF does best placing teams on a national stage where individual brilliance and collective resilience are magnified.

What Does the Complete Monday Night Football Schedule for 2025 Look Like?

The NFL has ensured that the 2025 MNF schedule delivers a balance of historic rivalries, high-profile matchups, and late-season clashes that could influence playoff positioning. Below is a detailed overview of fixtures, results so far, and timings adjusted for UK viewers.

Week	Date	Matchup	Result/Status	US Kickoff (ET)	UK Time (BST)
Preseason Wk 2	Aug 18	Bengals vs Commanders	Bengals 31–17 Commanders	8:15 PM	1:15 AM
1	Sept 8	Vikings vs Bears	Vikings 27–24 Bears	8:15 PM	1:15 AM
2	Sept 15	Buccaneers vs Texans	Buccaneers 20–19 Texans	8:15 PM	1:15 AM
2	Sept 15	Chargers vs Raiders	Chargers 20–9 Raiders	9:15 PM	2:15 AM
3	Sept 22	Lions vs Ravens	Lions 38–30 Ravens	8:15 PM	1:15 AM
4	Sept 29	Jets vs Dolphins	Scheduled	8:15 PM	1:15 AM
4	Sept 29	Bengals vs Broncos	Scheduled	9:15 PM	2:15 AM
5	Oct 6	Chiefs vs Jaguars	Scheduled	8:15 PM	1:15 AM
6	Oct 13	Bills vs Falcons	Scheduled	8:15 PM	1:15 AM
6	Oct 13	Bears vs Commanders	Scheduled	9:15 PM	2:15 AM
7	Oct 20	Buccaneers vs Lions	Scheduled	8:00 PM	1:00 AM
7	Oct 20	Texans vs Seahawks	Scheduled	11:30 PM	4:30 AM
8	Oct 27	Commanders vs Chiefs	Scheduled	8:15 PM	1:15 AM
9	Nov 3	Cardinals vs Cowboys	Scheduled	9:15 PM	2:15 AM
10	Nov 10	Eagles vs Packers	Scheduled	9:15 PM	2:15 AM
11	Nov 17	Cowboys vs Raiders	Scheduled	9:15 PM	2:15 AM
12	Nov 24	Panthers vs 49ers	Scheduled	9:15 PM	2:15 AM
13	Dec 1	Giants vs Patriots	Scheduled	9:15 PM	2:15 AM
14	Dec 8	Eagles vs Chargers	Scheduled	9:15 PM	2:15 AM
15	Dec 15	Dolphins vs Steelers	Scheduled	9:15 PM	2:15 AM
16	Dec 22	49ers vs Colts	Scheduled	9:15 PM	2:15 AM
17	Dec 29	Rams vs Falcons	Scheduled	9:15 PM	2:15 AM

This table demonstrates the mix of already-played fixtures and the anticipation building around those still to come.

Which Upcoming Games Could Shape the NFL Season?

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Several matchups in the coming weeks are already marked as must-watch contests. The Week 5 clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars is expected to draw global attention as two of the league’s most dynamic offences collide.

The Week 10 fixture between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers carries significant NFC playoff implications, while Week 11’s Cowboys versus Raiders promises entertainment both on and off the field.

Late in the season, the Week 16 game between the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts is being billed as a contest that could influence seeding in both conferences. Similarly, the Week 17 finale between the Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons may determine who secures a place in the playoffs.

How Can Fans in the UK Watch Monday Night Football in 2025?

For British audiences, accessing live coverage of MNF has never been easier. Sky Sports NFL continues its comprehensive broadcasting of prime-time games, ensuring fans can watch live as events unfold. In addition, NFL Game Pass International provides streaming services, complete with replays for those unable to stay awake until the early hours.

While the late-night kickoffs remain a challenge most games begin at around 1:15 AM BST many supporters choose to watch highlights or condensed versions the following morning.

Ticketing options for those travelling to the United States include the NFL’s official partners such as Ticketmaster, while fans can also make a spectacle of the event by booking accommodation near stadiums for the authentic game-day experience.

What Influence Does Monday Night Football Have on the Playoff Race?

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Monday Night Football games often hold significant weight in shaping the playoff picture. Because they take place late in the week, they frequently involve matchups where divisional rivals or playoff contenders clash, making the outcome critical.

In 2025, fixtures like Dolphins versus Steelers in Week 15 and 49ers against Colts in Week 16 are likely to have a direct bearing on which teams reach the postseason.

MNF also has psychological importance. Winning under the lights in front of a global audience boosts team morale, while losses can expose weaknesses that opponents seek to exploit. It is this blend of spectacle and consequence that continues to define Monday Night Football.

Conclusion

The Monday Night Football schedule 2025 provides a mix of drama, tradition, and sporting excellence. From the Vikings’ narrow Week 1 victory over the Bears to the Lions’ high-scoring triumph against the Ravens, the season has already delivered memorable moments.

With heavyweight clashes still to come such as Chiefs against Jaguars, Eagles versus Packers, and Cowboys against Raiders the schedule ensures fans remain captivated throughout.

For UK audiences, the time difference may demand resilience, but the reward is participation in one of the NFL’s greatest traditions. Whether through live broadcasts, streaming services, or next-day highlights, Monday Night Football remains an essential part of the global sporting experience.

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FAQs

How many Monday Night Football games are scheduled in 2025?

The 2025 season features 17 regular-season Monday night games, with some weeks including double-headers.

What was the highest-scoring Monday Night Football game so far this season?

The Detroit Lions’ 38–30 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3 stands out as the most prolific in terms of points scored.

What time do Monday Night Football games start in the UK?

Most games begin at 1:15 AM BST on Tuesday morning, with later kickoffs for double-headers extending past 2 AM.

Where can British fans watch the games?

Sky Sports NFL broadcasts games live, while NFL Game Pass International offers streaming and replay options.

Which late-season games could be decisive?

The 49ers versus Colts in Week 16 and Dolphins against Steelers in Week 15 are among the fixtures likely to influence playoff positions.

Are all games shown on ESPN?

Yes, ESPN holds broadcasting rights in the United States, with Sky Sports providing access for viewers in the UK.

How does Monday Night Football compare to Sunday and Thursday night games?

MNF carries the prestige of history, having been a fixture since 1970. It closes the week and often features matchups with greater playoff significance.