"Monday Night Football" heads to Chicago for a Week 1 NFC North showdown between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears. The Vikings begin their first season with 2024 10th draft pick J.J. McCarthy under center, while Chicago opens the 2025 campaign with first-year coach Ben Johnson. Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge will be on the call live from historic Soldier Field.
Here are key facts about the "Monday Night Football" game:
When is the game?
Kickoff between the Vikings and Bears is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Sept. 8.
How can fans watch?
Fans can catch all the action on ESPN, ABC and ESPN Deportes. "Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli" -- the "ManningCast" -- will air simultaneously on ESPN2. Coverage begins with "NFL Live" at 3 ET on ESPN, followed by "Monday Night Countdown" at 6. Both pregame shows will broadcast live from Soldier Field.
New music for 'Monday Night Football'
Multi-platinum recording artist Saweetie will serve as the first-ever female music curator for "Monday Night Football" during the 2025 NFL season. The Santa Clara, California, native will handpick tracks that will be featured in live "Monday Night Football" broadcasts and promotional spots.
Saweetie joins J Balvin (2024), Timbaland and Justin Timberlake (2023), Marshmello (2022), Drake (2021), DJ Khaled (2020) and Diplo (2019) as ESPN "Monday Night Football" music curators.
How can fans access more NFL content from ESPN?
Check out the ESPN NFL hub page for the latest news, analysis, scores, stats, schedules and more.