Get ready for an electrifying season of Monday Night Football as the iconic duo of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman returns to put their spin on the games that matter most. As they gear up for their 24th season together, they’ll be driving the excitement for ESPN’s landmark 20th season of Monday Night Football. It’s one of the biggest platforms in the NFL, with a prime-time slot that delivers thrilling matchups under the spotlight.
This upcoming season promises to be filled with marquee games that deserve to fill out the schedule. Let’s dive into some enticing matchups that should absolutely get our Mondays buzzing in 2025.
Week 1: Cincinnati Bengals @ Minnesota Vikings
Kick-off the season with a bang as the Cincinnati Bengals trot into Minnesota. There’s talent oozing from every corner of the field, making this matchup one to behold. Historically, the Bengals start slow, so an opening Monday Night Football spotlight will certainly shine a light on that storyline. It’s a game you won’t want to miss.
Week 2: Indianapolis Colts @ Los Angeles Chargers
Remember the battles between the Colts and Chargers in the late 2000s? This used to be a true heavyweight matchup. An aesthetically awesome confrontation under the LA sun, watch for shades of blue adorning the field. There are some questions around the Colts, but a reunion with their old rivals in prime time could just be the spark they need.
Week 3: New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys (7:15 p.m. on ESPN)
Ah, the classic NFC East rivalry. Though the Cowboys have had the upper hand in recent years, the electricity of this matchup still draws eyes. Featuring a famous doubleheader, fans can expect the Giants to bring their A-game against their long-time rivals, setting the stage for another chapter in a storied clash.
Week 3: Detroit Lions @ Washington Commanders (8:30 p.m. on ABC)
Following the spectacular postseason upset of the Lions by the Commanders, anticipation for a rematch is palpable. With both teams expected to field strong offenses, this match is primed for satisfaction. Factor in the NFC North and NFC East crossover, and we’re looking at a matchup that could keep audiences glued to their screens.
Week 4: Miami Dolphins @ Atlanta Falcons (7:30 p.m. on ESPN)
Left-handed quarterbacks and innovative offenses—this game promises a unique touch. Both teams are stepping into 2025 with rosters bursting with potential but also some uncertainty. Expect a battle that could leave fans talking for weeks.
Week 4: New England Patriots @ Baltimore Ravens (8:15 p.m. on ABC)
Once an annual duel among the elite, this game could herald a new era with rookie sensations stepping up. As Drake Maye takes strides and Mike Vrabel settles into the New England helm, this matchup has all the ingredients for a classic rivalry comeback, particularly with the Ravens’ potent offensive arsenal led by Lamar Jackson.
Week 5: Carolina Panthers @ San Francisco 49ers
Picture the scene—early October in San Francisco with Bryce Young featured under the bright lights. The Panthers might surprise, and the 49ers are always a force to be reckoned with. This clash should provide an early barometer for both teams’ fortunes as the season unfolds.
Week 6: Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins
The Bills-Dolphins rivalry has been on fire lately, making it a must-watch event in prime time. With each of the last few seasons bringing drama under the night sky, this clash in Week 6 is poised to keep the tradition alive.
Week 7: Los Angeles Chargers @ Las Vegas Raiders (8:15 p.m. on ESPN)
Rivalries don’t get better than this one, pitting the Chargers against the Raiders in a matchup that brings out the best in both teams. Having the symbolic start to a prime-time doubleheader feels right and should deliver thrills for fans tuning in.
Week 7: New York Jets @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9 p.m. on ABC)
A nostalgic nod towards the format of classic Monday Night Football—this game has it all. If Justin Fields and Garrett Wilson continue to develop chemistry, the Jets could be in a position to surprise. Plus, who doesn’t love a late-night game to cap off the week?
Week 8: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Detroit Lions
A nod to history as the Steelers venture into Detroit, making it a significant event. The Lions have earned their prime-time place in recent seasons, and this clash against their historic rivals brings an added layer of excitement.
Week 9: Denver Broncos @ Philadelphia Eagles
Realignment schedules might not often allow for these two to meet, but with both teams expected to excel in the upcoming season, this prime match-up is all set to captivate fans on Monday night.
Week 10: Washington Commanders @ Kansas City Chiefs
The clock might be ticking for Jayden Daniels as he readies to face the formidable Patrick Mahomes. Daniels seems unfazed by pressure, making this game an exciting showdown that could redefine his early career. With the Commanders projected to be competitive, this could be a thrilling game to watch.
Week 11: Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens
For the Texans, this match against the Ravens presents a crucial opportunity—the Ravens have historically held the advantage, but this season may bring new challenges. The narrative will definitely be one to follow.
Week 12: Arizona Cardinals @ Green Bay Packers
Kyler Murray and the Cardinals deserve a prime-time spotlight. This late November battle will test both the warm-weather visitors and a hearty Packers squad. Expect drama as the stakes begin to rise.
Week 13: Kansas City Chiefs @ New York Giants
Don’t dismiss this matchup lightly—the Giants’ quarterback situation might still be evolving, but it brings intrigue. This game could yield an exciting contest and showcases the contrast of styles and strategies at play.
Week 14: Dallas Cowboys @ Denver Broncos
With Buck and Aikman in the booth, this rematch is overlooked but thrilling. As Dak Prescott and Bo Nix showcase their skills, fans along the Rocky Mountains are in for a spectacle reminiscent of past shootouts.
Week 15: Seattle Seahawks @ Los Angeles Rams (8 p.m. on ABC)
The return of Cooper Kupp may steal headlines here, yet the stakes are high for both teams at this point in the season. This matchup offers potential playoff implications and should draw significant attention.
Week 15: New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8:30 p.m. on ESPN)
With an exciting atmosphere at Raymond James Stadium, the Buccaneers could light it up against a reinvigorated Saints team. Keep an eye on the quarterback play as both sides look to step up when it matters.
Week 16: Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings
As Christmas draws near, this December matchup holds special appeal. The picturesque Minnesota backdrop could make for an unforgettable night as both teams eye playoff positioning.
Week 17: Cincinnati Bengals @ Buffalo Bills
Touted as the grand finale, this matchup features two of the league’s top quarterbacks in Joe Burrow and Josh Allen. With playoff stakes on the line, both fan bases will be on the edge of their seats as the drama unfolds in what’s destined to be a heavyweight showdown.
Each of these matchups promises to deliver the kind of football that keeps fans engaged and makes Monday nights something to look forward to. So mark your calendars, because this season of Monday Night Football is shaping up to be spectacular!
