The 2018 NFL season did not end how the New Orleans Saints envisioned it might.
Drew Brees and his team were on the wrong side of a non-call on a helmet-to-helmet pass interference play that would have spotted the ball just inside the 5-yard line. Instead, Sean Payton's Saints kicked a field goal to give themselves just a three-point lead before the end of regulation. A 48-yard field goal on the other side of the field by Greg Zuerlein and a game-winning 57-yard boot in overtime sent the Los Angeles Rams to the Super Bowl and the Saints to the locker room, defeated after a season with such promise.
Now the Saints will have the opportunity to start the season right when they host the Houston Texans on Monday in a game where the Saints are favored by seven points. The Saints have one of the best defenses in the league and a still dangerous led by the never-aging Brees, the speedy Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas, the now-highest paid wide receiver in NFL history.
The Texans, meanwhile, were dealt a rough hand before the season even began, having lost Lamar Miller to a season-ending knee injury. They still have a potentially potent offense led by Deshaun Watson and Deandre Hopkins, and the offensive line only got better with the addition of offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil. However, the defense will have taken some steps back after trading Jadeveon Clowney despite returning J.J. Watt.
Below is all the info you need to watch the Texans vs. Saints on Monday night, including kickoff time and TV channel.
What channel is Texans vs. Saints on today?
- TV channel (National): ESPN
- Live stream: WatchESPN
The Texans and Saints will be the first "Monday Night Football" game of the year, and first with the new group of commentators. Joe Tessitore will handle play-by-play and Booger McFarland will provide commentary, while Lisa Salters will be the sideline reporter.
MORE: Watch every NFL game and RedZone on DAZN (Canada only)
Texans vs. Saints: What time is kickoff?
- Date: Monday, Sept. 9
- Start time: 7:10 p.m. ET
The game will be the first of two Monday Night Football games aired on ESPN, with the second being the Broncos against the Raiders at 10:20 p.m. ET.
NFL schedule, scores for Week 1
Thursday, Sept. 5
| Game |
|---|
| Green Bay Packers 10, Chicago Bears 3 |
Sunday, Sept. 8
Monday, Sept. 9
| Game | Time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|
| Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints | 7:10 p.m. | ESPN |
| Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders | 10:20 p.m. | ESPN |
