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The San Francisco 49ers have done everything right in 2026.
Six weeks into the season, Brock Purdy’s undefeated squad has steamrolled over the Rams, Dolphins and Broncos while squeaking out victories over the Cardinals and Seahawks.
Tonight, they’ll square up against Jayden Daniels’ 1-3-1 Washington Commanders in a Monday Night Football matchup at Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium.
Watch Commanders vs. 49ers for free
- When: Oct. 19, 8:15 p.m. ET
- Where: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)
- How to watch for free: DIRECTV (five-day free trial)
- Channel: ESPN and ABC
Daniels, 25, will start for the first time since Week 2 when he dislocated his left arm against the Cowboys. After sitting out two games, he returned last Sunday and threw for 302 yards and two touchdown passes in the Commanders’ frustrating overtime tie with the New York Giants.
“I thought he made some incredible plays and showed why he is so unique,” Dan Quinn said after the game.
He’ll need to be extra incredible tonight; oddsmakers list San Francisco as 7.5-point home favorites this evening.
“[They] can keep their spotless record intact as long as they can contain Jayden Daniels and the Commanders on Monday night,” The Post wrote. “The Commanders will come in desperate for a win after an all-time blunder last week that turned a likely win into a tie.”
Here’s how to tune in to Monday Night Football for free.
Who plays MNF tonight (Oct. 19)?
The Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers play in tonight’s Monday Night Football game.
Commanders vs. 49ers start time
The Commanders vs. 49ers game on MNF is scheduled to kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET today, Oct. 19.
How to watch Commanders vs. 49ers MNF for free
If you don’t have cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to stream Monday Night Football live for free.
DIRECTV is our favorite service for trying live TV for free. Right now, you can take advantage of a five-day free trial when you subscribe to the MySports genre pack, which includes ESPN and ABC. You’ll also get $20 off every month for your first six months with the genre pack.
Is there a ManningCast for tonight’s game?
No. Eli and Peyton will return next week when the Cowboys visit the Eagles.
2026 Monday Night Football schedule
| Week | Date | Teams | Time | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Oct. 19 | Commanders vs. 49ers | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN / ABC |
| 7 | Oct. 26 | Cowboys vs. Eagles | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN / ABC |
| 8 | Nov. 2 | Bears vs. Seahawks | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 9 | Nov. 9 | Bills vs. Vikings | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN / ABC |
| 10 | Nov. 16 | Chargers vs. Ravens | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 11 | Nov. 23 | Bengals vs. Commanders | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 12 | Nov. 30 | Panthers vs. Buccaneers | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 13 | Dec. 7 | Cowboys vs. Seahawks | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN / ABC |
| 14 | Dec. 14 | Steelers vs. Jaguars | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 15 | Dec. 21 | Patriots vs. Chiefs | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN / ABC |
| 16 | Dec. 28 | Giants vs. Lions | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 17 | Jan. 4 | Texans vs. Packers | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post
This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.