How To Watch Monday Night Football: Your Ultimate Guide
Hey football fans! Are you ready for some Monday Night Football? There's nothing quite like settling in on a Monday evening to watch your favorite teams battle it out on the gridiron. But with so many different ways to watch these days, figuring out the best option for you can feel like a real puzzle. Don't worry, guys, I've got you covered! This guide will walk you through all the ways you can catch Monday Night Football, from traditional TV to streaming services, so you never have to miss a single game. Let's dive in!
Traditional TV Options for Monday Night Football
Okay, let's start with the classics. For years, tuning into Monday Night Football meant flipping on your TV and heading to a specific channel. While streaming has become super popular, traditional TV is still a solid option for many viewers. So, how can you watch it the old-fashioned way?
ESPN: The Home of Monday Night Football
For many years, ESPN has been the primary home for Monday Night Football. If you have a cable or satellite TV package that includes ESPN, you're in luck! Most Monday night games will be broadcast on ESPN, making it a convenient choice for a lot of folks. ESPN offers a high-quality viewing experience with expert commentary, pre-game and post-game analysis, and all the excitement you'd expect from a live NFL broadcast.
To watch on ESPN, you'll need to:
- Have a cable or satellite TV subscription that includes ESPN.
- Find the ESPN channel on your TV guide.
- Tune in on Monday nights at the scheduled game time.
It's as simple as that! Plus, with traditional TV, you don't have to worry about internet connection issues or buffering problems that can sometimes plague streaming services.
ABC: Select Games and Simulcasts
In recent years, some Monday Night Football games have also been simulcast on ABC. This is fantastic news because ABC is a broadcast network, which means you can watch it with a regular over-the-air antenna in many areas. If you don't have cable or satellite, or if you just want a free option, ABC is definitely worth checking out.
Simulcasts mean that the same game is being shown on both ESPN and ABC at the same time. So, if a game is on ABC, you have two ways to watch: through your cable/satellite subscription on ESPN or for free on ABC with an antenna.
To watch on ABC, you'll need to:
- Check your local listings to see if the Monday Night Football game is being broadcast on ABC.
- If it is, you can watch it with an over-the-air antenna or through your cable/satellite provider if they carry ABC.
- Tune in on Monday nights at the scheduled game time.
Having the ABC option is a great way to make Monday Night Football more accessible to everyone, regardless of their subscription status.
Streaming Options for Monday Night Football
Now, let's talk about streaming! In today's world, streaming is king, and there are tons of ways to watch Monday Night Football online. Whether you've cut the cord or just prefer the convenience of streaming, here are your best bets:
ESPN+ : Your Dedicated Sports Streaming Service
ESPN+ is ESPN's dedicated streaming service, and it's a must-have for any serious sports fan. While ESPN+ doesn't always carry the main Monday Night Football broadcast, it often features alternative broadcasts, pre- and post-game shows, and exclusive content related to the games. Think of it as a supplement to your Monday Night Football viewing experience.
With ESPN+, you might find special editions of the broadcast with different commentators or camera angles, offering a unique perspective on the game. Plus, ESPN+ has a ton of other sports content, including college games, international soccer, and more. It’s a great value for sports enthusiasts.
To watch Monday Night Football content on ESPN+:
- Subscribe to ESPN+ through the ESPN website or app.
- Log in to your ESPN+ account.
- Browse the available content to find Monday Night Football-related shows and alternative broadcasts.
Keep in mind that ESPN+ usually won't have the main game broadcast unless it's specifically noted, so it's best used in conjunction with another streaming or TV option.
Streaming Services with ESPN
One of the easiest ways to stream Monday Night Football is through a streaming service that includes ESPN in its channel lineup. There are several popular services that offer ESPN, giving you access to live games and a whole lot more.
- Hulu + Live TV: Hulu + Live TV is a fantastic option because it includes ESPN, as well as a wide range of other channels, on-demand content, and Hulu Originals. It’s like getting the best of both worlds – live TV and a massive streaming library.
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV is another excellent choice for streaming Monday Night Football. It also includes ESPN and offers a comprehensive channel lineup, unlimited DVR storage, and a user-friendly interface.
- Sling TV: Sling TV offers a couple of different packages, and the Sling Orange package includes ESPN. It's a more budget-friendly option compared to Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV, but it still gives you access to Monday Night Football.
- FuboTV: FuboTV is a sports-centric streaming service that includes ESPN and a wide variety of other sports channels. If you're a die-hard sports fan, FuboTV is definitely worth considering.
To watch Monday Night Football on these services:
- Subscribe to a streaming service that includes ESPN (Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, or FuboTV).
- Log in to your account through the service's app or website.
- Find ESPN in the channel guide and tune in on Monday nights.
These streaming services often offer free trials, so you can test them out before committing to a subscription. It’s a great way to see which one fits your needs and preferences.
NFL+ : Football on Your Phone and Tablet
If you're a fan who likes to watch on the go, NFL+ is an intriguing option. This streaming service from the NFL allows you to watch live local and primetime games on your phone or tablet. This means you can catch Monday Night Football games while you're commuting, traveling, or anywhere else you can't access a TV.
NFL+ is designed for mobile viewing, so it's perfect for fans who don't want to miss a game but can't be in front of a TV. It also offers game replays, so you can catch up on the action if you missed it live.
To watch Monday Night Football on NFL+:
- Subscribe to NFL+ through the NFL website or app.
- Log in to your account on your phone or tablet.
- Find the live Monday Night Football game and start watching.
Keep in mind that NFL+ is primarily for mobile devices, so you won't be able to watch on your TV with this service.
Amazon Prime Video: Exclusive Games
In recent years, Amazon Prime Video has become a major player in Monday Night Football. Amazon has secured exclusive rights to some Monday Night Football games, meaning you can only watch these games through your Amazon Prime subscription. This is a big deal, and it's something to consider if you're a die-hard fan.
These exclusive games are typically broadcast on Thursday nights, but it is something to keep an eye on for Monday nights as well. Amazon brings a unique viewing experience to the table, with high-quality streams, alternative broadcast options, and interactive features. It’s a different way to watch football, and many fans are enjoying it.
To watch Monday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video:
- Have an Amazon Prime subscription.
- Go to the Prime Video section on the Amazon website or app.
- Find the live Monday Night Football game and start watching.
Amazon Prime Video is a great option for cord-cutters and anyone who already has a Prime subscription for shopping and other benefits. Plus, you get access to a ton of movies and TV shows, making it a well-rounded entertainment option.
Other Ways to Watch Monday Night Football
Beyond the main options, there are a few other ways you might be able to catch Monday Night Football. These might not be the most common methods, but they're worth knowing about.
NFL Game Pass International
If you're outside the United States, NFL Game Pass International is a fantastic option. This service allows you to stream every NFL game live, including Monday Night Football. It's a comprehensive package for international fans who don't want to miss any of the action.
With NFL Game Pass International, you can watch games on your computer, tablet, or mobile device. It’s a great way to stay connected to the NFL no matter where you are in the world.
Local Bars and Restaurants
Don't forget the classic option of watching at a local bar or restaurant! Many bars and restaurants show Monday Night Football games, creating a fun and social atmosphere to enjoy the game with friends. This is a great option if you want to get out of the house and cheer on your team with fellow fans.
Plus, you can enjoy some great food and drinks while you watch. It’s a win-win situation!
Friends and Family
Another option is to watch Monday Night Football at a friend's or family member's house. If someone you know has a cable subscription or a streaming service that carries ESPN, you can join them for the game. It’s a great way to spend time together and share the excitement of Monday Night Football.
Tips for Choosing the Right Option
With so many ways to watch Monday Night Football, it's essential to choose the option that best fits your needs and preferences. Here are a few tips to help you decide:
- Consider Your Budget: Some options, like cable or satellite subscriptions, can be more expensive than streaming services. If you're on a tight budget, a streaming service like Sling TV or using an over-the-air antenna for ABC broadcasts might be the way to go.
- Think About Convenience: Streaming services offer the flexibility to watch on multiple devices, while traditional TV is often tied to your TV set. If you like to watch on the go, a streaming service or NFL+ might be the best choice.
- Check Channel Availability: Make sure the option you choose includes ESPN and ABC if you want to catch all the Monday Night Football games. Some streaming services have different packages with varying channel lineups.
- Look for Free Trials: Many streaming services offer free trials, so you can test them out before you commit to a subscription. This is a great way to see if a service meets your needs.
Never Miss a Minute of Monday Night Football!
So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide on how to watch Monday Night Football! Whether you prefer traditional TV, streaming services, or a combination of both, there are plenty of ways to catch the action. With the right setup, you'll never have to miss a single game. Now, grab your snacks, put on your team's jersey, and get ready for some football! Let’s enjoy Monday Night Football together, guys!