NFL schedule release: Top Monday Night Football games

The AFC West showdown is a big challenge for Kansas City’s offense as they are going up against a Broncos defense that’s led the NFL in sacks in back-to-back seasons.

On the other side of the football, Bo Nix is set to be back in action after a devastating right ankle injury in the postseason that kept him out of the AFC championship game. Nix will make his season debut with a new weapon in the form of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.

The Broncos ended Kansas City’s nine-year reign atop the AFC West by winning the division title last year. Are the Broncos the new sheriffs in the AFC West? This Week 1 primetime battle could provide a preliminary answer to that question.

Week 5 (Monday Oct. 12): Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Rams

A game between the two most recent MVPs. This “Monday Night Football” tilt could easily be a Super Bowl 61 preview.

I really like what the Bills did this offseason, especially with the additions of wide receiver DJ Moore and edge rusher Bradley Chubb. The Bills need both Moore and Chubb to be consistent contributors to get over the hump this year. The biggest question is if Buffalo can be less reliant on Josh Allen.

Meanwhile, the Rams enter the regular season with arguably the most complete team in football. BetMGM’s Super Bowl odds justify it. Reigning MVP Matthew Stafford and the Rams could easily have the NFL’s top offense again as they return almost all their starters.

Week 5 is going to be a good litmus test for both perceived contenders.

Week 10 (Monday, Nov. 16): Los Angeles Chargers vs. Baltimore Ravens

We won’t get a Harbaugh brothers showdown this year, but we will get a teacher vs. pupil matchup as Jim Harbaugh faces his former defensive coordinator, current Ravens head coach Jesse Minter, in Week 10.

Minter upgraded the Chargers to a top-five defense in 2025. The Ravens coach knows the tendencies of Justin Herbert, however, he hasn’t seen the Chargers passer with Mike McDaniel as his offensive coordinator. Conversely, the Chargers have first-hand knowledge of Minter’s defensive scheme. Both set up a fascinating showdown of gameplans.

Minter called Lamar Jackson the best player in the NFL this offseason. The two-time MVP was ultimately the difference when he threw for two touchdowns when Baltimore defeated the Chargers 30-23 in Week 12 of the 2024 season.

Week 11 (Monday, Nov. 23): Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels had his coming out party when these two teams met on “Monday Night Football” Week 3 of the 2024 season. Daniels tossed two touchdowns and rushed for a TD in a thrilling 38-33 win over the Bengals. The victory capitulated Daniels’ NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign.

Joe Burrow’s had bad luck in both career meeting versus the Commanders. He sustained a season-ending knee injury his rookie year versus the Commanders, which was the last time these two teams met in the nation’s capital. Then he was on the losing end of Daniels’ breakout game.

The Bengals should once again have a potent offense if Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins can remain healthy. Cincinnati also bolstered its defense this offseason, adding defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, edge Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook; all three of whom could potentially contain Daniels.

Week 17 (Monday, Jan. 4): Houston Texans vs. Green Bay Packers

An interconference matchup between two potential Super Bowl contenders rings in 2027 on "MNF."

The Texans had a Super Bowl-caliber defense last year but ultimately succumbed to their woes on offense. Texans brass seems to be confident C.J. Stroud can rebound from an up-and-down 2025 after the passer has regressed in passing yards and touchdowns since his rookie year. A Week 17 road win could be a launching pad for Houston if they earn a playoff berth.

The Texans had the NFL’s top defense a year ago and should have one of the league’s stingiest units this season.

The Packers are tough to gauge after three straight playoff appearances. They are banking on wide receiver Matthew Golden to take a leap this year and have to fill the voids of linebacker Quay Walker and edge Rashan Gary.

Green Bay does have home field advantage and weather could be a factor in this January contest.

Monday Night Football schedule 2026

• Week 1 (Sept. 14): Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos, 8:15 p.m., ESPN/ABC

• Week 2 (Sept. 21): Los Angeles Rams vs. New York Giants, 8:15 p.m., ESPN/ABC

• Week 3 (Sept. 28): Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 8:15 p.m., ESPN/ABC

• Week 4 (Oct. 5): New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons, 8:15 p.m., ESPN

• Week 5 (Oct. 12): Los Angeles Rams vs. Buffalo Bills, 8:15 p.m., ESPN/ABC

• Week 6 (Oct. 19): San Francisco 49ers vs. Washington Commanders, 8:15 p.m., ESPN/ABC

• Week 7 (Oct. 26): Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:15 p.m., ESPN/ABC

• Week 8 (Nov. 2): Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears, 8:15 p.m., ESPN

• Week 9 (Nov. 9): Minnesota Vikings vs. Buffalo Bills, 8:15 p.m., ESPN/ABC

• Week 10 (Nov. 16): Baltimore Ravens vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 8:15 p.m., ESPN

• Week 11 (Nov. 23): Washington Commanders vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 8:15 p.m., ESPN

• Week 12 (Nov. 30): Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers, 8:15 p.m., ESPN

• Week 13 (Dec. 7): Seattle Seahawks vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:15 p.m., ESPN/ABC

• Week 14 (Dec. 14): Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 p.m., ESPN

• Week 15 (Dec. 21): Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots, 8:15 p.m., ESPN/ABC

• Week 16 (Dec. 28): Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants, 8:15 p.m., ESPN

• Week 17 (Jan. 4): Green Bay Packers vs. Houston Texans, 8:15 p.m., ESPN

• Week 18 (Jan. 9):

  • TBD vs. TBD, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC
  • TBD vs. TBD, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC

• Wild Card Round (Jan. 16, 17 or 18): TBD vs. TBD, ESPN/ABC

• Divisional Round (Jan. 23 or 24): TBD vs. TBD, Time TBD, ESPN/ABC

• Super Bowl 61 (Feb. 14): TBD vs. TBD, 6:30 p.m., ESPN/ABC

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL schedule release: Top 5 Monday Night Football games