Young quarterbacks seize the spotlight on the first 'Monday Night Football' game of the new NFL season.
Caleb Williams begins an anticipated sophomore campaign for the Bears against J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings, with the NFC North foes meeting under the lights at Soldier Field.
Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, looks to build off an up-and-down rookie season. He's one of five team captains for the Bears under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. Much of Chicago's fate in the new season hinges on the duo of Williams and Johnson, who vie to get off to a fast start.
In Minnesota, McCarthy — taken with the 10th overall pick in 2024 — makes his long-awaited NFL debut after missing all of last season with a torn meniscus. The Michigan product has big shoes to fill after journeyman Sam Darnold led the Vikings to the playoffs a year ago.
If both franchises have their way, this will be the first of many meetings between Williams and McCarthy as divisional foes.
Here's everything you need to know about watching Monday Night Football this evening.
Who plays on 'Monday Night Football' tonight?
- Matchup: Bears vs. Vikings
- Location: Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois
The Bears host the Vikings in the first Monday Night Football game of the new season. The game will be played at Soldier Field in Chicago.
What time is the NFL game on tonight?
- Date: Monday, Sept. 8
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Kickoff of Bears vs. Vikings is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Sept. 8.
What channel is Monday Night Football on tonight?
- TV channel: ABC | ESPN | ESPN2
- Live stream: Fubo
Monday Night Football will be simulcast on both ABC and ESPN with Joe Buck (play-by-play) and Troy Aikman (analyst) in the booth. Lisa Salters (reporter) and Laura Rutledge (reporter) will handle sideline duties.
The fifth season of the ManningCast — Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli — begins on ESPN2, as Peyton and Eli Manning lead an alternate broadcast alongside a panel of guests.
Viewers can stream Monday Night Football live on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Monday Night Football radio station
- Radio channel: SiriusXM
Listen to Monday Night Football live on SiriusXM via channel 88, which will feature the national radio call.
For team-specific calls, head to channel 225 (Bears broadcast) and channel 226 (Vikings broadcast).
New subscribers can enjoy SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
Monday Night Football schedule
Here's a look at the upcoming 'Monday Night Football' slate, through the first few weeks of the NFL season.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 8 | Bears vs. Vikings | 8:15 p.m. |
| Sept. 15 | Texans vs. Buccaneers | 7 p.m. |
| Raiders vs. Chargers | 10 p.m. | |
| Sept. 22 | Ravens vs. Lions | 8:15 p.m. |
| Sept. 29 | Dolphins vs. Jets | 7:15 p.m. |
| Broncos vs. Bengals | 8:15 p.m. |