Monday Night Football returns on January 12, 2026, to conclude the Wild Card Weekend of the NFL playoffs. This marks the final game of the first round as the Houston Texans face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The Texans, seeded No. 5 with a record of 12-5, will take on the No. 4 Steelers, who finished the season at 10-7.
The kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the game live on ESPN and ABC. Additionally, viewers will have the option of watching the ManningCast, featuring Peyton and Eli Manning, on ESPN2, as well as streaming it on ESPN+.
This matchup comes after a week off for Monday Night Football, with no game played during Week 18 of the regular season. This decision was made to prevent teams from having short weeks as they transition into the playoffs.
Looking back on the NFL’s Monday Night Football lineup during the regular season, a total of 22 games aired, which included several thrilling matchups. The season was notable for its additional broadcasts on select weeks, thanks to a deal with ESPN, demonstrating a robust relationship between the league and its broadcasting partners.
Following this playoff game, the next opportunity for Monday Night Football will not come until the start of the 2026 regular season, set for September 14, 2026.
As teams prepare for this key playoff confrontation, fans are filled with excitement for what promises to be a thrilling game, showcasing the talents of both squads as they vie for a berth in the next round of the playoffs.