Double-Take: ESPN And NFL Considering “MNF” Doubleheader

An NFL source said the league and ESPN are giving “serious consideration” to opening the ’06 “Monday Night Football” schedule with a doubleheader, with one game starting at 6:00pm ET and the second at 9:00pm, according to Sam Farmer of the L.A. TIMES. ESPN would have the rights to an additional game because its contract promised 17 games per season and there is no “MNF” game in Week 17. The extra game could not be played on Thursday or Saturday because the NFL Network owns those rights (L.A. TIMES, 2/11).