Monday Night Football is back for 2026, and so is the ManningCast. Peyton and Eli Manning return with their laid-back alternate broadcast, breaking down select Monday night games with a rotating cast of guests. Here is how to watch the 2026 ManningCast, whether it airs every week, and the full Monday Night Football schedule so you never miss a game.
How to watch the 2026 ManningCast
The ManningCast, officially “Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli,” is an alternate telecast that runs at the same time as the main ESPN and ABC broadcast. You can watch it a few ways:
- On TV: it simulcasts on ESPN2, alongside the primary broadcast on ESPN and ABC.
- Streaming: it is available through ESPN’s apps and streaming service, so cord-cutters can watch without a cable box.
- Same kickoff: the ManningCast starts at the same time as the game it covers, listed in the schedule below (mostly 8:15 PM ET).
If you already have ESPN2 or an ESPN streaming login, the ManningCast costs nothing extra. On a ManningCast night, just switch the channel or pick the alternate feed.
Is the ManningCast on every Monday?
No. Peyton and Eli host a select slate of Monday night games each season rather than all of them, and they take certain weeks off. ESPN announces the specific ManningCast games in waves through the year rather than all at once. We track the confirmed games here and update this page as ESPN adds them, so bookmark it and check back. In the meantime, the full Monday night schedule below shows every game the ManningCast can simulcast.
The 2026 Monday Night Football schedule
| Week | Date | Matchup (Away at Home) | Kickoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sept 14 | Broncos at Chiefs | 8:15 PM ET |
| 2 | Sept 21 | Giants at Rams | 8:15 PM ET |
| 3 | Sept 28 | Eagles at Bears | 8:15 PM ET |
| 4 | Oct 5 | Falcons at Saints | 8:15 PM ET |
| 5 | Oct 12 | Bills at Rams | 7:15 PM ET |
| 6 | Oct 19 | Commanders at 49ers | 8:15 PM ET |
| 7 | Oct 26 | Cowboys at Eagles | 8:15 PM ET |
| 8 | Nov 2 | Bears at Seahawks | 8:15 PM ET |
| 9 | Nov 9 | Bills at Vikings | 8:15 PM ET |
| 10 | Nov 16 | Chargers at Ravens | 8:15 PM ET |
| 11 | Nov 23 | Bengals at Commanders | 8:15 PM ET |
| 12 | Nov 30 | Panthers at Buccaneers | 8:15 PM ET |
| 13 | Dec 7 | Cowboys at Seahawks | 8:15 PM ET |
| 14 | Dec 14 | Steelers at Jaguars | 8:15 PM ET |
| 15 | Dec 21 | Patriots at Chiefs | 8:15 PM ET |
| 16 | Dec 28 | Giants at Lions | 8:15 PM ET |
| 17 | Jan 4 | Texans at Packers | 8:15 PM ET |
For the printable version, kickoff details and any flex changes, see our full 2026 Monday Night Football schedule and TV guide.
Print the ManningCast watch tracker
Want to keep score of the season? Our free printable tracker lists every Monday night game with a box to check off the ones Peyton and Eli called and the ones you watched.
What makes the ManningCast different
The regular broadcast gives you polished play-by-play. The ManningCast gives you two of the best quarterbacks to ever play watching the game the way you would with friends, except they can actually read the coverage. It is loose, unscripted, and heavy on guests: athletes, coaches, actors and musicians drop in for a quarter at a time while Peyton and Eli break down strategy, tell stories, and needle each other between plays. That mix has made it a favorite for hardcore fans who want the game deconstructed and casual viewers who just want the hang.
More from Sports Brackets
- 2026 Monday Night Football schedule and printable TV guide
- NFL on TV today (Pacific Time)
- 2026 NFL printable schedule calendars, all 32 teams
- 2026 NFL Week 1 pick’em with odds
Frequently asked questions
What channel is the ManningCast on?
The ManningCast airs on ESPN2 as a simulcast, alongside the main Monday Night Football broadcast on ESPN and ABC. It also streams through ESPN’s apps.
Do Peyton and Eli do every Monday night game?
No. They host a select group of Monday night games each season and sit out some weeks. ESPN confirms the lineup in waves, and we update this page as each ManningCast game is announced.
Do you need cable to watch the ManningCast?
No. It streams through ESPN’s apps and streaming service, so you can watch without a traditional cable package.
What time does the ManningCast start?
It starts at the same time as the game it covers, which is 8:15 PM ET for most 2026 Monday night games. Week 5 kicks off earlier, at 7:15 PM ET.
