ESPN Unveils 2025 Monday Night Football Slate with Vikings-Bears Opener

ESPN announced its complete 2025 Monday Night Football schedule today, headlined by a Week 1 matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 8. The network’s 25-game primetime slate features multiple doubleheaders, exclusive ABC simulcasts, and high-profile appearances from last season’s top teams.

The announcement underscores MNF’s continued role as the NFL’s weekly centerpiece, delivering marquee matchups, championship rematches, and playoff contenders under the lights.

Schedule Highlights

Season Opener (Week 1): Vikings at Bears, September 8 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC)
Doubleheader Weeks:
- Weeks 2 and 7 feature traditional 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET doubleheaders on ESPN and ABC.
- Two additional weeks offer overlapping 7 p.m. ET and 8:15 p.m. ET games across ESPN/ABC/ESPN+.
Signature Matchups:
- Lions at Ravens (Week 3) - NFC-AFC showdown.
- Chiefs at Jaguars (Week 5) - debut of top draft picks.
- Eagles at Packers (Week 10) - rematch of last season’s Wild Card game.
Late-Season Showdowns:
- Giants vs. Patriots (Week 13)
- Dolphins vs. Steelers (Week 15)
- Flex scheduling applies Weeks 12-17 for optimal matchups.

Broadcast and Streaming

Television: All games on ESPN, with select matchups simulcast on ABC.
Streaming: Every contest streams on ESPN DTC, including ABC simulcasts and an ESPN+ exclusive game.
Spanish-Language: Each game carries a Spanish-language feed, primarily on ESPN Deportes.

Production and Talent

Commentary Team: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Lisa Salters return for their fourth season together, extending the longest broadcast pairing in NFL history.
Alternate Telecast: ManningCast returns for its fifth season with Peyton and Eli Manning hosting 12 games beginning Week 1.

ESPN’s expanded MNF slate maintains its legacy as football’s prime showcase, blending historic rivalries, emerging talents, and national-stage drama throughout the 2025 season.