NFL fans have a new way to follow games this season. ESPN launched its new direct-to-consumer service in August 2025, bringing all of its channels and ESPN+ content under one roof.
This move gives fans easier access to Monday Night Football and exclusive NFL streams. If you want to know what’s included, how much it costs and which games air on ESPN, this guide covers it all.
ESPN’s Role in the 2025–26 NFL Season
ESPN will stream all 25 Monday Night Football games in 2025–26. Most will also air on ABC, but one matchup is available exclusively on streaming services. The Texans vs. Seahawks game in Week 7 (October 20, 10:00 p.m. ET) will be an ESPN+ exclusive.
ESPN also expands coverage with NFL Network and RedZone now part of the platform. That means you can watch MNF, flip to RedZone on Sundays and use ESPN Fantasy Football—all within the same app.
ESPN Streaming (ESPN DTC) Plans and Costs
ESPN Unlimited Plan
- Price: $29.99/month or $299.99/year
- Full access to ESPN networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC)
- Includes ESPN+ library
- More than 47,000 live events each year
ESPN Select Plan
- Price: $11.99/month or $119.99/year
- Access to ESPN+ content only
- Over 32,000 live events annually
- Includes UFC, soccer, golf, and select college sports
- NFL coverage is very limited
Note: To stream Monday Night Football, fans need the ESPN Unlimited Plan or a pay-TV package that carries ESPN.
2025 NFL Games on ESPN – Full Schedule
All games stream live on ESPN’s new DTC service. Some also air on ABC, and Week 7 (Texans vs Seahawks) is exclusive to ESPN streaming.
| Week | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mon, Sep 8 | Vikings @ Bears | 8:15 PM | ABC + ESPN |
| 2 | Mon, Sep 15 | Chiefs @ Jaguars | 8:15 PM | ABC + ESPN |
| 3 | Mon, Sep 22 | Rams @ Lions | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
| 4 | Mon, Sep 29 | Ravens @ Browns | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
| 5 | Mon, Oct 6 | Eagles @ Packers | 8:15 PM | ABC + ESPN |
| 6 | Mon, Oct 13 | Bills @ Falcons | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
| 7 | Mon, Oct 20 | Texans @ Seahawks | 10:00 PM | ESPN+ Exclusive |
| 8 | Mon, Oct 27 | Dolphins @ Patriots | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
| 9 | Mon, Nov 3 | Cowboys @ Giants | 8:15 PM | ABC + ESPN |
| 10 | Mon, Nov 10 | Bears @ 49ers | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
| 11 | Mon, Nov 17 | Jets @ Steelers | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
| 12 | Mon, Nov 24 | Panthers @ 49ers | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
| 13 | Mon, Dec 1 | Giants @ Patriots | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
| 14 | Mon, Dec 8 | Buccaneers @ Saints | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
| 15 | Mon, Dec 15 | Dolphins @ Steelers | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
| 16 | Mon, Dec 22 | 49ers @ Colts | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
| 17 | Mon, Dec 29 | Chiefs @ Chargers | 8:15 PM | ESPN |
Preseason Access on ESPN
ESPN’s new service streamed five out-of-market preseason games in August 2025. This gave Unlimited Plan subscribers an early chance to test the platform before the season kicked off.
ESPN and NFL Media Partnership
In August, the NFL announced a 10% equity stake in ESPN. With this deal:
- NFL Network and RedZone move under the ESPN streaming umbrella.
- ESPN Fantasy Football becomes the official NFL fantasy platform.
This partnership makes ESPN a true all-in-one home for NFL fans.
How to Stream NFL Games on ESPN
Streaming NFL games on ESPN is easy with the new direct-to-consumer service. You can watch every Monday Night Football game and related coverage live through the ESPN app or website.
- Subscribe to ESPN Unlimited: This plan gives you full access to ESPN networks, Monday Night Football, NFL Network and RedZone.
- Use the ESPN App: Download the app on smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, or mobile devices. You can also stream at ESPN.com.
- Log in with Pay-TV: If you already get ESPN through cable or a live TV provider such as Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or DIRECTV Stream, you can sign in with your provider for streaming access.
- Enjoy Extra Features: The app includes multiview, live stats, fantasy football integration and on-demand replays.
For the best results, use a stable internet connection and a supported device. ESPN Unlimited carries every Monday Night Football game, while ESPN Select has limited NFL coverage.
NFL on ESPN FAQs
Do I need ESPN Unlimited to watch Monday Night Football?
Yes. MNF games are part of ESPN Unlimited or a pay-TV package.
Is any NFL game exclusive to streaming?
Yes. Texans vs Seahawks in Week 7 is only on ESPN+.
Does ESPN Select include NFL games?
No, Select covers mostly UFC, soccer, golf and college sports.
Can I watch RedZone on ESPN?
Yes, RedZone is included under ESPN’s new DTC platform.
Is ESPN still on cable?
Yes, ESPN networks remain available through most pay-TV providers.
The 2025–26 season is a big year for ESPN and the NFL. With Monday Night Football, RedZone and NFL Network all inside the new app, fans get more coverage in one place.
If you want the full NFL experience, ESPN Unlimited is the plan to pick.