NFL's Experimental Monday Night Doubleheader Divides Audiences

As the 2025 NFL season reaches Week 4, the league's new Monday Night Football doubleheader format is delivering a mix of chaos and unpredictability. Unlike the back-to-back setup seen in Week 2, this week's MNF games are running concurrently, with one exclusively on ABC and the other on ESPN.

The concurrent format aims to give the main MNF window two chances at landing a hit, but it also requires more attentive viewing and potentially bifurcates the audience if both games are compelling. The Cincinnati Bengals, who are 2-1 on the season, will face the challenge of keeping up their winning ways without franchise cornerstone and incumbent NFL passing leader Joe Burrow, who is sidelined. They'll have to contend with the Denver Broncos' stifling defense, led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II.