If you look across NFL history, some of the most well-known broadcast teams were on Monday Night Football. It is a legendary slot that featured broadcasters like Keith Jackson, Howard Cosell, and Al Michaels. Now it has two of the best in the business with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman.
Those two will lead us into a massive interconference showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts. The 49ers sit at 10-4 and have a chance to win the NFC West and clinch the conference’s number one seed if they can win out. In contrast, the Colts have run into problems lately, primarily due to Daniel Jones’ injury.
San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts: Game Details
Date: Monday, December 22, 2025
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
TV: ABC/ESPN
Stream: ESPN App, NFL+
Team Overview for the Colts and 49ers
The Colts began the season 7-1 and now sit at 8-6 and are fighting for a Wild Card berth. This Monday Night game will be the second start of the season for 44-year-old Philip Rivers, who is back in the NFL. With a massive game on deck, it is excellent that the MNF crew will be the ones on the call.
The 49ers won the first three games of the season, orchestrating a strong start. After week 10, they were 6-4, with three of the losses heavily weighing against them. This could be attributed to the multiple injuries, particularly those affecting the starting quarterbacks. After their loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 10, they have won all subsequent games.
Who Will Guide Fans Through 49ers- Colts on ESPN?
Lead Play-by-Play Announcer: Joe Buck
Color Commentator: Troy Aikman
Sideline Reporters: Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge
Buck and Aikman are in their fourth season together on Monday Night Football. They are a perfect tandem, as Buck calls the game with clarity, and Aikman adds his unique perspective as a former quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer.
As for Salters and Rutledge, they both do a great job working the sidelines and getting interviews with both head coaches when necessary.
For those who are unaware, Buck and Aikman became partners at FOX back in 2002. They were the lead broadcast team for FOX for many years before departing to join ESPN. They have called many incredible games over the years and are also the longest broadcast partners in NFL history.
Joe Buck and Troy Aikman begin their 24th season together, extending the record for longest broadcast partners in NFL history 👏
A special duo ❤️🏈 pic.twitter.com/SQmXczc1uZ
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 9, 2025
Buck and Aikman have called many incredible games, including six Super Bowls. Two of the most memorable games were the New York Giants’ victories over the undefeated New England Patriots.
Along with the Patriots’ 28-3 comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in 2017. While Monday Night’s game will not live up to the magnitude of those matchups, there is still plenty on the line between the 49ers and Colts.
