2026 'Monday Night Football' schedule: Ranking full slate of games, featuring Broncos-Chiefs in Week 1
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- Monday Night Football schedule features 17 weekly primetime games, each kicking off at 8:15 p.m. ET, with no doubleheaders for the first time in years.
- Broncos visit the Chiefs on Sept. 14 (Week 1) to open the season, airing on both ABC and ESPN.
- ABC will broadcast several Monday Night Football games, sharing some slots with ESPN and airing others exclusively on its network.
- Falcons host the Saints in Week 4, ranked the lowest MNF matchup due to underwhelming quarterback options (Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr.) and a lack of long‑term solutions.
- Giants travel to the Lions in Week 16, ranked second‑to‑last, with roster upgrades but likely missing the playoffs while the Lions are poised for a stronger finish.
Why it matters: The NFL and its Disney broadcast partners secure 17 uninterrupted primetime slots, simplifying ad sales and ensuring each game gets full audience attention, while low‑rated matchups like Falcons‑Saints risk weaker ratings and less sponsor exposure.
