With the NFL trade deadline less than 24 hours away, the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings have one more opportunity to make a statement on the field before teams turn their attention to potential roster moves.
Two conference contenders collide under the Monday night lights in what promises to be one of Week 9's most intriguing matchups.
This game features a fascinating strength-on-strength showdown. Buffalo enters the week boasting the NFL's top-ranked scoring offense, averaging 33.3 points per game, while Minnesota counters with the league's No. 1 scoring defense, surrendering just 13.3 points per contest.
Josh Allen and offensive coordinator Joe Brady will have their hands full trying to solve Brian Flores' aggressive defensive scheme. The
Vikings have blitzed on 73.1 percent of opponent dropbacks this season, according to Next Gen Stats, the highest rate by any team through the first eight weeks in the last decade.
On the other side, Minnesota's 6-1 record has masked some legitimate offensive concerns. The connection between quarterback Kyler Murrayand wide receiver Justin Jefferson has yet to materialize, and the offense has sputtered at times despite the Vikings' impressive start. With the trade deadline looming, speculation is growing about whether Minnesota could look to upgrade at quarterback.
The Minnesota Vikings are turning to their backup in prime time.
In fact, the Vikings are rolling with their backup quarterback tonight. Murray is dealing with a hamstring injury he suffered in the Week 9 loss to the Detroit Lions and Carson Wentz will start tonight's game, coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed Thursday, Nov. 5. The former No. 2 overall pick will lead the offense that ranks 31st in passing yards at 165.6 per game entering Week 9.
Both teams enter the week near the top of their respective conferences, making this more than just another regular-season matchup. A victory would provide a significant boost in momentum, confidence and positioning heading into the second half of the season. Will Buffalo's explosive offense prevail, or can Flores' defense deliver another statement performance?
Where to watch NFL game tonight? Bills vs. Vikings on 'Monday Night Football'
- Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET | 7:15 p.m. CT
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: Fubo | ESPN Unlimited
The Week 9 "MNF" matchup between the Bills and Vikings will air on ESPN at 8:15 p.m. ET, the customary start time for Monday night games.
Streamers can watch "MNF" on Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Watch "Monday Night Football" with Fubo
USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates, highlights, key stats and all the biggest moments as the Bills and Vikings battle in Week 9 on "Monday Night Football." All times are Eastern:
TV channel for NFL game tonight
04:15 PM ET, November 9 2026, Tom Viera- TV channel: ESPN | ABC | ESPN2
Tonight's game will air on ESPN and ABC. Joe Buck will be on the call alongside Troy Aikman, with Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge on the sidelines. There will be no ManningCast broadcast on ESPN2 tonight; however, there will be a sideline "Field Pass" alternate broadcast featuring Pat McAfee alongside regular castmates like Dan Orlovsky and Darius Butler.
What time does the NFL game start?
04:00 PM ET, November 9 2026, Tom Viera- Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
The Bills-Vikings game will wrap up Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season on "Monday Night Football" at 8:15 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Monday Night Football live updates, TV channel, stream, where to watch NFL game tonight
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