What Time Is Monday Night Football Tonight and How to Watch the Panthers vs. 49ers Game

What time is Monday Night Football tonight and how to watch it are two of the biggest questions NFL fans are asking as Week 12 wraps up with a major NFC showdown. The Carolina Panthers face the San Francisco 49ers tonight at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.

The matchup features two playoff hopefuls heading into December. Carolina enters the night tied for first in the NFC South at 6-5, while San Francisco sits at 7-4 after navigating a season filled with injuries. Both teams are fighting to stay ahead in the NFC playoff race.

How to Watch Monday Night Football Tonight

Tonight’s Panthers vs. 49ers game airs live on ESPN at 8:15 p.m. ET, with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the call. Fans can also tune in early to Monday Night Countdown at 6 p.m. ET for analysis and interviews leading up to kickoff.

If you prefer an alternate broadcast, the popular ManningCast airs on ESPN2 at the same time. Peyton and Eli Manning host the show with their signature unscripted commentary, guest interviews, and breakdowns. This week’s lineup includes Jerry Rice, Luke Combs, Colin Jost, Michael Che, and Jake Delhomme.

For fans streaming the game, Sling offers an accessible option. The Sling Orange package includes ESPN, making it suitable for fans who want to watch Monday Night Football without a traditional cable subscription. Sling Blue offers broader entertainment and news channels but does not include ESPN. Sports fans can add the Sports Extra package for more coverage across major leagues.

Trusted outlets such as AP and CNN have consistently noted the growing shift toward streaming for major sports events, and Monday Night Football remains one of the most-watched primetime broadcasts every season.

Inside the Panthers vs. 49ers NFC Matchup

This game marks a critical point in the NFC playoff chase. Carolina’s Bryce Young is coming off one of the best stretches of his young career, winning six of his last eight games and setting a franchise passing record in Week 11. His development has transformed the Panthers into a legitimate postseason threat.

San Francisco continues to rally despite defensive injuries. Christian McCaffrey remains the focal point of the offense, and quarterback Brock Purdy is back in rhythm after returning from injury. The team regained momentum in Week 11 with key players returning to the lineup.

AP reported earlier this season that the NFC playoff picture is unusually tight, and tonight’s game could shift seeding for multiple teams. With the Panthers rising and the 49ers stabilizing, both sides understand the stakes.

What Tonight Means for the NFC Playoff Race

A Panthers win strengthens their hold on the NFC South and sends a message that their young roster is ahead of schedule. A loss could open the door for New Orleans or Atlanta to regain ground. For the 49ers, a victory keeps pressure on the Seahawks and Rams while supporting their push for a top wild-card spot.

The ManningCast is expected to bring additional spotlight to the matchup, especially with high-profile guests. Fans often tune in for entertainment as much as analysis, and this week’s lineup highlights the importance of the game.

Tonight’s game carries major playoff implications, and fans asking what time Monday Night Football is tonight or how to watch the game have several options. Whether through ESPN, ESPN2, or Sling, this Week 12 finale promises strong viewership and a high-stakes NFC battle.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What time is Monday Night Football tonight?

The game starts at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN, with pregame coverage beginning at 6 p.m. ET on Monday Night Countdown.

Q2: How can I watch Monday Night Football without cable?

You can stream it on Sling through the Sling Orange package, which includes ESPN. It also airs on ESPN2 as a ManningCast alternate broadcast.

Q3: Who plays on Monday Night Football tonight?

The Carolina Panthers face the San Francisco 49ers in a key Week 12 NFC matchup.

Q4: What channel is the ManningCast on?

The ManningCast airs on ESPN2 and features guest commentators alongside Peyton and Eli Manning.

Q5: What is the 2025 Monday Night Football schedule?

Upcoming games include Giants vs. Patriots on Dec. 1 and Eagles vs. Chargers on Dec. 8.