where to watch monday night football is a key question for NFL fans as the 2026 regular season continues with another nationally televised prime-time matchup. The next game features the New York Giants visiting the Los Angeles Rams on Monday, September 21, with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
The game will be available nationally on ESPN and will also be simulcast on ABC. Fans who prefer an alternate presentation can watch the ManningCast on ESPN2. NFL+ also offers live prime-time games on supported mobile devices, while ESPN Unlimited provides access through the ESPN app.
With several television and streaming choices available this season, fans do not need to rely on one viewing method. The best option depends on whether they already have cable, use a live-TV streaming service, or want a dedicated streaming subscription.
Next Monday Night NFL Game
The upcoming matchup is the Giants against the Rams in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season.
The confirmed game details are:
- Matchup: New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams
- Date: Monday, September 21, 2026
- Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Eastern time: 8:15 p.m.
- Central time: 7:15 p.m.
- Mountain time: 6:15 p.m.
- Pacific time: 5:15 p.m.
- Venue: SoFi Stadium
- Main network: ESPN
- ABC simulcast: Yes
- Alternate broadcast: ESPN2
- Mobile streaming: NFL+
- Direct ESPN streaming: ESPN Unlimited
The Giants enter the matchup after opening the season with a 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on September 13. The Rams are the home team for the Week 2 prime-time contest.
The game gives both teams an early opportunity to build momentum in the NFC. For viewers, it also represents the second Monday night broadcast of the new NFL season.
ESPN Remains the Main Destination
ESPN is the primary television home for Monday night NFL games in 2026.
Fans who already receive ESPN through a cable, satellite, or live-TV package can watch the Giants-Rams matchup on the network without adding a separate NFL subscription.
The standard ESPN broadcast remains the simplest option for most traditional television viewers. The network carries the main game presentation, including play-by-play coverage, analysis and live game action.
ESPN is also available through its digital platforms for viewers with qualifying access. Fans can use the ESPN app and supported connected devices when their subscription provides access to the live network.
This makes ESPN useful for both traditional television households and viewers who have moved their sports viewing online.
ABC Will Also Carry the Game
ABC provides another way to watch the Giants-Rams matchup.
Ten Monday night games during the 2026 season are scheduled for simulcasts on ABC. The Giants-Rams game is among those matchups.
That gives viewers with access to a local ABC station another television option. It can also benefit households that use an over-the-air antenna, provided the local ABC affiliate carries the broadcast in that market.
ABC’s role varies throughout the season. Some Monday night games are scheduled for both ABC and ESPN, while others are scheduled only for ESPN.
For the upcoming Giants-Rams game, viewers can therefore check either network before kickoff.
ESPN2 Brings Back the ManningCast
Fans looking for something different from the standard broadcast can turn to ESPN2 during selected Monday night games.
Peyton Manning and Eli Manning return for another season of their alternate NFL broadcast. The program offers a different style from the traditional game telecast, with the brothers reacting to plays, discussing football and interacting with guests.
The Giants-Rams matchup is scheduled as one of the ManningCast games.
This means viewers have multiple broadcast choices on the same night:
| Viewing option | Channel or service |
|---|---|
| Main broadcast | ESPN |
| Simulcast | ABC |
| Alternate broadcast | ESPN2 |
| Mobile live game | NFL+ |
| ESPN streaming | ESPN Unlimited |
The ManningCast is especially appealing to viewers who have already watched traditional NFL broadcasts and want a more conversational experience.
ESPN Unlimited Offers Direct Streaming
ESPN’s expanded streaming lineup gives cord-cutters another option in 2026.
ESPN Unlimited includes ESPN’s network programming and ESPN+ content through the ESPN app. The service also provides access to Monday night NFL games.
The standalone ESPN Unlimited plan is currently listed at $31.99 per month. ESPN also offers a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for $35.99 per month.
Pricing and promotional offers can change, so viewers should check the current plan terms before signing up.
For football fans who want ESPN throughout the season, ESPN Unlimited can provide a direct route to Monday night coverage without a traditional cable subscription.
The service is particularly useful for viewers who want to watch on supported televisions, streaming devices, computers, tablets or phones.
NFL+ Provides a Mobile Option
NFL+ remains another important choice for viewers.
The service provides live local and prime-time NFL games on supported mobile devices. That includes Monday night games.
For the Giants-Rams matchup, NFL+ subscribers can watch the live prime-time game on an eligible phone or tablet.
This option differs from ESPN Unlimited because NFL+ is designed around the NFL’s own digital service and has specific device restrictions for live game viewing.
NFL+ is therefore especially useful for people who want to follow the game while away from their television.
NFL+ also provides other football features, while NFL+ Premium adds additional content such as NFL RedZone, full-game replays and other programming.
YouTube TV for ESPN
YouTube TV remains one of the major live-TV streaming options for NFL viewers.
Its channel lineup includes ESPN, allowing subscribers with the appropriate plan to watch Monday night games.
The service can be used on televisions and a wide range of supported streaming devices. It is designed to replicate much of the experience of traditional pay television while operating over an internet connection.
For viewers who watch more than just Monday night football, a broader live-TV service can make sense because it provides access to additional sports, entertainment and news channels.
Local channel availability can vary by market, so viewers should confirm their specific lineup before relying on ABC for a particular game.
Hulu + Live TV Is Another Choice
Hulu + Live TV also provides access to ESPN and ABC in supported markets.
That makes the service another option for viewers who want Monday night NFL coverage while maintaining a broader entertainment package.
The main advantage for some households is the combination of live television and Hulu’s streaming library.
Viewers who already subscribe to Hulu + Live TV may not need another service specifically for the upcoming game. They can check their channel guide for ESPN or their local ABC station before kickoff.
ABC availability depends on location, which means local channel listings remain important.
Fubo Includes ESPN
Fubo is another live-TV streaming platform that carries ESPN.
Its sports-focused lineup makes it a popular choice among viewers who watch multiple sports throughout the year.
For Monday night football, subscribers can use ESPN when the game is included in their current package. ABC may also be available depending on the local market.
Fubo can therefore be useful for fans who want more than NFL coverage from their streaming subscription.
The same basic rule applies to every live-TV platform: check the current channel lineup for the ZIP code where the service will be used.
Sling TV Gives Viewers Another Streaming Route
Sling TV offers ESPN through eligible plans, giving subscribers another way to watch Monday night NFL action.
Its approach differs from larger live-TV bundles because viewers can select from different channel packages instead of automatically receiving an enormous lineup.
ESPN2 is also important for fans interested in the ManningCast. Viewers should select a plan that includes the network if they want the alternate broadcast.
ABC availability varies by market, so Sling users should check whether their local ABC affiliate is included.
For viewers mainly interested in ESPN programming, Sling can be worth considering as an alternative to larger live-TV packages.
What Time Does the Game Start?
The Giants-Rams game begins at 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday, September 21.
Across the United States, that means:
- 8:15 p.m. ET in the Eastern time zone
- 7:15 p.m. CT in the Central time zone
- 6:15 p.m. MT in the Mountain time zone
- 5:15 p.m. PT in the Pacific time zone
The Pacific time kickoff is especially notable because the game takes place in Southern California.
For East Coast viewers, the game starts during the traditional prime-time window. West Coast fans get the earlier 5:15 p.m. start.
Can You Watch Without Cable?
Yes. Cable is not required for several of the available viewing methods.
Fans can choose from ESPN Unlimited, NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and Sling, depending on their preferred setup.
The right choice depends on the device and type of access a viewer wants.
Someone who wants the full ESPN television network experience can choose a service carrying ESPN. A fan who primarily wants to watch on a phone or tablet can consider NFL+.
Viewers should also remember that NFL Sunday Ticket is not required for Monday night games.
Sunday Ticket is designed primarily for out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. Monday night games are distributed nationally through ESPN, with selected games also appearing on ABC.
Is the NFL App Enough to Watch the Game?
The NFL app provides access to NFL+ features, scores, highlights, news and other league content.
However, simply downloading the NFL app does not automatically provide unrestricted access to every live NFL game.
Live prime-time games through NFL+ have specific subscription and device requirements.
For the Giants-Rams game, fans who want to watch live on a mobile device should make sure they have an eligible NFL+ subscription.
Those planning to watch on a television should instead check ESPN, ABC or a live-TV service carrying the appropriate network.
Spanish-Language Viewing
Spanish-language NFL coverage is also available through ESPN Deportes.
That provides another option for viewers who prefer to follow Monday night football in Spanish.
ESPN’s digital platforms can also provide access to Spanish-language programming for eligible subscribers.
Fans should check their television or streaming package to confirm ESPN Deportes availability.
2026 Monday Night Football Schedule
The 2026 schedule features 17 regular-season Monday night games.
The current lineup includes:
| Week | Matchup | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Broncos at Chiefs | Sept. 14 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 2 | Giants at Rams | Sept. 21 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 3 | Eagles at Bears | Sept. 28 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 4 | Falcons at Saints | Oct. 5 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 5 | Bills at Rams | Oct. 12 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 6 | Commanders at 49ers | Oct. 19 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 7 | Cowboys at Eagles | Oct. 26 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 8 | Bears at Seahawks | Nov. 2 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 9 | Bills at Vikings | Nov. 9 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 10 | Chargers at Ravens | Nov. 16 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 11 | Bengals at Commanders | Nov. 23 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 12 | Panthers at Buccaneers | Nov. 30 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 13 | Cowboys at Seahawks | Dec. 7 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 14 | Steelers at Jaguars | Dec. 14 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 15 | Patriots at Chiefs | Dec. 21 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 16 | Giants at Lions | Dec. 28 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
| 17 | Texans at Packers | Jan. 4, 2027 | 8:15 p.m. ET |
The NFL currently lists ESPN as the main network for the full Monday night schedule. ABC will simulcast selected games throughout the season.
The Week 2 matchup is one of the games available on both ESPN and ABC.
What Viewers Should Know Before Kickoff
The most important step is checking the service before game night.
Fans using cable or satellite should confirm that ESPN is included in their package. Streaming subscribers should verify that their plan still carries ESPN.
Those planning to use ABC should confirm local affiliate availability. Channel lineups can vary based on location.
Mobile viewers should also make sure their NFL+ subscription is active and that their device meets the requirements for live prime-time viewing.
Fans interested in the ManningCast should look for ESPN2 rather than ESPN.
These simple checks can prevent last-minute confusion when the game begins.
The Best Viewing Choice Depends on Your Setup
There is no single viewing method that fits every NFL fan.
ESPN is the most direct choice for traditional television viewers. ABC provides another option for selected games, including Giants-Rams.
ESPN Unlimited works well for fans who want direct ESPN streaming. NFL+ is useful for mobile viewing. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and Sling provide broader live-TV alternatives.
The Giants-Rams game is particularly accessible because viewers have several confirmed ways to follow the action.
The main broadcast starts at 8:15 p.m. ET, while West Coast viewers can tune in at 5:15 p.m. PT.
As the season progresses, the schedule will continue to feature major matchups across ESPN and selected ABC simulcasts. Fans should check the latest game listing before each Monday night to confirm the network and start time.
Have a favorite way to watch Monday night football? Share your viewing choice in the comments and stay updated as the 2026 NFL season continues.