The NFL has made it a point to constantly update its product to make it more alluring for the fan base. From a general shift towards pass-heavy offenses and offenses in general to the pomp and circumstance surrounding the matchups, the league tries to bring an element for every kind of fan. A key ingredient for that spectacle is the different broadcasts and presentations available for most games.
With fans having their preferred voices in sports media, the voice of a football legend always carries more weight. That idea gave birth to the Manning Cast, a special presentation from ESPN featuring the last two Manning brothers to take the football world by storm, Peyton Manning and Eli Manning.
While other cast members rotate, the duo has become an integral part of the football viewing experience, and it continues this season as well.
When Is the First ManningCast?
Over the last four years, the sight of the two legendary brothers breaking down games on Monday Nights has become a common occurrence for the fan base. This season, too, they are back for a fifth time.
With 12 episodes scheduled over the course of the year, fans can catch Peyton and Eli share their analysis and break down the games, typically with an invited guest, during select Monday Night Football broadcasts.
The first ManningCast of the season, though, isn’t too far away. Fans won’t have to wait long, as the brothers kick off their season on September 8, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET, when the Minnesota Vikings take on the Chicago Bears.
But the Manning duo will try to find a worthy replacement after having the greatest coach of all time, Bill Belichick, as a permanent member of the cast last year. The first guest of the season, though, lives up to the billing.
With ties to one of the teams involved in the game, Peyton and Eli will be joined by legendary wide receiver and former Minnesota Vikings first-round pick Randy Moss in his second appearance on the show. His previous experience came in a game between the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 5, 2022.
Peyton + Eli + @RandyMoss
Not a throwback highlight… a preview of Monday night’s ManningCast. pic.twitter.com/7qGKU8l4OA
— Omaha Productions (@OmahaProd) September 7, 2025
In addition to Moss, Philadelphia Eagles superstar Saquon Barkley will appear on the show alongside actor and comedian Bill Murray.
After recently announcing a successful battle with cancer and entering remission, Moss returned to the Sunday NFL Countdown booth this weekend in an emotional moment. Now, he’s doubling down on his work commitment with an appearance alongside the brothers.
The episodes will be available directly on TV on the ESPN2 channel. However, for those who prefer streaming the games, the ManningCast will also be available via ESPN DTC on the ESPN app.
How J.J. McCarthy fares in his first NFL start versus how Caleb Williams fares in his first NFL start with Ben Johnson as his head coach is going to be the biggest talking point heading into the game.
However, fans will have a chance to get some unique insight into the two quarterbacks from two of the greatest to ever do it at the position.
Complete ManningCast Schedule
- Week 1: Vikings at Bears
- Week 3: Lions at Ravens
- Week 5: Chiefs at Jaguars
- Week 8: Commanders at Chiefs
- Week 9: Cardinals at Cowboys
- Week 10: Eagles at Packers
- Week 11: Cowboys at Raiders
- Week 12: Panthers at 49ers
- Week 13: Giants at Patriots
- Week 15: Dolphins at Steelers
- Week 18: TBD
- Wild Card: TBD
