Week 1: Jets at 49ers
Kicking off the Monday Night Football schedule is a cross-country showdown between the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers. The Jets are looking to prove themselves with a revamped roster headlined by Aaron Rodgers, while the 49ers are a perennial contender with a strong defense and a potent offense. Expect a clash of styles as the Jets’ aerial attack meets the 49ers’ stout defensive front.
Week 2: Falcons at Eagles
Week 2 brings us a high-flying contest between the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Falcons, with new QB Kirk Cousins, will try to outscore an Eagles team that boasts one of the most balanced rosters in the league. Philadelphia’s home-field advantage and dynamic play-calling could make the difference in this matchup.
Week 3: Jaguars at Bills / Commanders at Bengals (ABC exclusive)
In a unique twist, Week 3 features a doubleheader with the Jacksonville Jaguars visiting the Buffalo Bills and the Washington Commanders traveling to face the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bills, led by their star quarterback Josh Allen, will look to assert dominance at home, while the Jaguars aim to surprise with their young, up-and-coming squad. Meanwhile, the Commanders face a tough test against a Bengals team that’s steadily improving, making for an intriguing game with playoff implications.
Week 4: Titans at Dolphins / Seahawks at Lions (ABC exclusive)
Week 4’s doubleheader has the Tennessee Titans squaring off against the Miami Dolphins and the Seattle Seahawks taking on the Detroit Lions. The Titans’ revamped roster, minus Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry, will be tested by Miami’s speed and defensive prowess. On the flip side, the Seahawks and Lions are both teams in transition, looking to establish themselves as contenders in their respective divisions.
Week 5: Saints at Chiefs
The Week 5 MNF game features the New Orleans Saints against the Kansas City Chiefs in what promises to be a quarterback duel. The Saints’ defense will have its hands full trying to contain Kansas City’s high-octane offense led by one of the best quarterbacks in the game. Can the Saints keep up, or will the Chiefs run away with it?
Week 6: Bills at Jets
A divisional rivalry heats up in Week 6 as the Buffalo Bills travel to New York to take on the Jets. This game could be pivotal in the AFC East standings, especially if both teams are vying for playoff positions. The Bills’ solid defense against the Jets’ young and talented offense makes for a compelling matchup.
Week 7: Ravens at Buccaneers / Chargers at Cardinals (ESPN+)
In another doubleheader, the Baltimore Ravens visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Los Angeles Chargers face the Arizona Cardinals. The Ravens’ dynamic offense will challenge a Bucs defense that’s been solid in recent years. Meanwhile, the Chargers and Cardinals both have young quarterbacks looking to make their mark, setting the stage for an offensive showcase.
Week 8: Giants at Steelers
Week 8’s matchup between the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers promises to be a gritty affair. The Giants are in the midst of a rebuild, but they’ll be looking to prove they can compete with a Steelers team known for its tough defense and strong running game. This could be a low-scoring, hard-hitting battle.
Week 9: Buccaneers at Chiefs
The Buccaneers find themselves back on MNF in Week 9, this time against the Kansas City Chiefs. This game has “shootout” written all over it, as both teams feature explosive offenses and quarterbacks who can light up the scoreboard. It’s a rematch of a past Super Bowl, adding extra spice to an already tantalizing matchup.
Week 10: Dolphins at Rams
In Week 10, the Miami Dolphins take on the Los Angeles Rams in a game that features two contrasting styles. The Dolphins’ speed and quick passing game go up against the Rams’ stout defense and methodical offense. Expect a strategic battle as both teams look to impose their style of play.
Week 11: Texans at Cowboys
The Texas showdown in Week 11 features the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys, with their high-powered offense, will try to exploit a Texans team that’s in rebuilding mode. However, rivalry games have a way of being unpredictable, and the Texans will be eager to prove they belong on the big stage.
Week 12: Ravens at Chargers
In Week 12, the Baltimore Ravens face the Los Angeles Chargers in what could be a pivotal game for AFC playoff positioning. The Ravens’ run-heavy offense against the Chargers’ air attack makes for an interesting contrast in styles. Both teams have playoff aspirations, and a win here could be crucial.
Week 13: Browns at Broncos
The Cleveland Browns travel to Denver to face the Broncos in Week 13. The Browns’ strong running game and defensive front will be tested by the thin air in Denver and a Broncos team looking to climb back into playoff contention. This game could be a grind-it-out affair with playoff implications.
Week 14: Bengals at Cowboys
Week 14 brings another exciting matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals visiting the Dallas Cowboys. Both teams have dynamic offenses capable of putting up big numbers. The Bengals’ young talent will go toe-to-toe with the Cowboys’ seasoned stars, making for an intriguing contest.
Week 15: Bears at Vikings (ABC exclusive) / Falcons at Raiders
Week 15’s doubleheader includes an NFC North showdown between the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings, and the Atlanta Falcons taking on the Las Vegas Raiders. The Bears and Vikings always bring intensity to their matchups, and this game should be no different with divisional pride on the line. Meanwhile, the Falcons and Raiders face off in a battle of teams looking to establish themselves in their respective conferences.
Week 16: Saints at Packers
In Week 16, the New Orleans Saints travel to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers. The frozen tundra will be a factor, as the Saints’ high-powered offense goes up against the Packers’ strong home-field advantage. This game could have major playoff implications, especially for wild card positioning.
Week 17: Lions at 49ers
The penultimate MNF game of the season features the Detroit Lions against the San Francisco 49ers. The Lions, led by their head-smashing coaching staff, will look to make a statement against a 49ers team that’s been a perennial contender. The 49ers’ defense will try to stifle the Lions’ emerging offense, making for an intriguing matchup.
Week 18: TBD Doubleheader
As is tradition, Week 18 will feature a TBD doubleheader, with the matchups determined based on playoff implications. This week is always a wild card, as teams fight for playoff spots and seeding. The games could feature anything from divisional rivalries to surprise contenders, making it a must-watch for any football fan.