So, you’re looking for the kickoff time. Honestly, it’s the question everyone starts texting around 4 p.m. on Mondays. But if you are staring at your TV tonight, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, wondering what time is monday night football game tonight, I have some news that might be a bummer.
There actually isn't a game tonight.
I know, I know. The routine of Monday night is a hard habit to break, especially during the postseason. We just came off an absolutely wild Monday night matchup two days ago where the Houston Texans basically dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6. That game wrapped up the Wild Card round, and because of how the NFL playoff bracket is structured, the "Monday Night Football" window has officially closed for the 2025-2026 season.
When Does the Action Start Again?
The NFL is shifting into Divisional Round mode. If you’re like me and your internal clock is set to "football every few days," you'll have to wait until Saturday, January 17.
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The league decided to stack the upcoming weekend with a heavy Saturday-Sunday slate rather than dragging things into Monday night again. It’s a bit of a shift if you've grown used to the Monday night playoff games we’ve seen in recent years, but it gives the winning teams a more standard week of rest before the Conference Championships.
Basically, the "Monday Night Football" brand is taking a nap until next September. But the stakes for the games this coming weekend are massive. We're looking at the Denver Broncos hosting the Buffalo Bills and the Seattle Seahawks taking on the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday.
Why We’re All Searching for the Monday Kickoff
It's funny how the Monday night slot has become such a mental anchor. For decades, it was just a regular-season thing. Then the NFL realized they could dominate the ratings by putting a playoff game on Monday night, and suddenly our schedules were ruined (in a good way).
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This past Monday, January 12, was a perfect example. C.J. Stroud and the Texans went into a hostile Acrisure Stadium and just took over. It was supposed to be Aaron Rodgers' moment to show he still had that playoff magic in a Steelers jersey, but the Texans' defense had other plans. That game kicked off at 8:15 p.m. ET, which has become the "standard" time we all look for.
If you're feeling that post-football Monday void, you aren't alone. The jump from triple-headers on Saturday and Sunday to a dark Monday and Tuesday is a rough transition for any fan.
Sorting Out the Divisional Round Schedule
Since there isn't a game tonight, your next real chance to lose your afternoon to the couch is Saturday. Here is how the immediate schedule looks for the games that actually matter now:
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- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (4:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. ET - Networks TBD)
- Saturday, Jan 17: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (4:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. ET - Networks TBD)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (3:30 p.m. PT / 5:30 p.m. CT on NBC)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (3:00 p.m. ET)
The Texans-Patriots game is going to be fascinating. Houston is riding a 10-game winning streak, and they’re heading into Foxborough to face a Patriots team that has been quietly dominant as the AFC's No. 2 seed.
Is There Any Football On Tonight?
If you just need a fix, you're mostly looking at college highlights or NBA action. Tonight, the Denver Nuggets are taking on the Dallas Mavericks at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. It’s not a 3rd-and-long situation, but it’s high-level competition if the house feels too quiet without the pads popping.
Sometimes the "Monday Night Football" itch is really just about the social aspect—the wings, the betting lines, the group chats. While the NFL is dark for a few nights, the logic is simple: the league wants these teams fresh. Playing on a Monday and then again on a Saturday is a "short week" that most coaches absolutely loathe. By moving the rest of the playoffs to the weekend, the NFL ensures we don't see a bunch of tired players dragging through the Divisional Round.
What to Do While You Wait
Since the question of what time is monday night football game tonight has a "not tonight" answer, you might as well get your ducks in a row for the weekend.
- Check your local listings for Saturday: The NFL likes to flex these times late to maximize viewers, so keep an eye on the 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. slots.
- Update your bracket: If you had the Steelers winning on Monday, your bracket is probably in the trash. It's time to re-evaluate if anyone can actually stop the Broncos or the Patriots in the AFC.
- Stock up now: Saturday is a double-header. If you wait until Saturday morning to hit the grocery store, it's going to be a madhouse.
The Monday night era for the 2026 season is over, but the road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is just getting interesting. Enjoy the rare nights of peace this week—once Saturday hits, it’s non-stop until the Lombardi is hoisted.