Watch Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the mic, plus ESPN, Sky Sports and Westwood One line-ups

The star attraction of the NFL Regular Season match on 6 October 2026 is not just the clash between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints, but who is calling it. The headline play-by-play commentary returns to the NFL's longest broadcasting tandem in history, with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman back on the mic, backed by reporters Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge. For those tuning in from Britain, the match goes live at 01:15 UK time, so make sure your watches are set.

The traditional ESPN presentation, running on ESPN USA, Sky Sports Main Event HD and Sky Sports NFL HD, brings the full familiar team together. That is the broadcast most British viewers will be reaching for, as Sky Sports carries the American NFL feed straight through to our screens. Alongside the main commentators, Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge return as the on-field reporters, rounding out the lineup that has become a fixture of Monday Night Football week in week out.

The longest-running tandem, back again

Joe Buck and Troy Aikman have been the backbone of the NFL broadcast for years, and their partnership shows. In March 2022, ESPN signed the pair to a multi-year deal that made them the new play-by-play announcers of Monday Night Football, and they remain the NFL's longest broadcasting tandem in history. That longevity is exactly what makes their return so reassuring for viewers who want the commentary they know.

There is also fresh news worth flagging. Over the weekend, Joe Buck was heard saying he hopes Troy Aikman stays at ESPN, as the duo wait on news about Aikman's next contract. It is a candid moment that speaks to how intertwined the two have become, and it adds a little extra drama to an already busy week of NFL broadcasting.

For those who want a little background on the pair, the ESPN Press Room holds a useful profile of Joe Buck and his partnership with Troy Aikman, documenting how the multi-year deal was struck and why they remain the sport's most trusted voices. It is worth a look before you tune in.

ESPN Press Room profile of Joe Buck

The ESPN2 and Westwood One alternatives

If you want a second screen, ESPN2 USA offers a different presentation altogether. Here the Peyton Manning brothers take the lead, with Peyton Manning as presenter and Eli Manning as co-presenter. This is the sixth season of their Monday Night Football show, and it complements the traditional ESPN presentation rather than replacing it. It is a friendly alternative for viewers who have already caught the main feed and want to see the same match from a fresh angle.

Meanwhile, Westwood One offers yet another take on the match. Its lineup is headed by Jeopardy's-style presenter pairing, with Jamierdahl presenting, Kevin Harlan and Ross Tucker as co-commentators, and Doug Pederson rounding out the team as the on-air pundit. That is a sizeable roster for a single channel, and it gives British viewers plenty of options depending on how much detail they want.

Where to watch and what to expect

For most people, the move is simple. Head to Sky Sports NFL HD or Sky Sports Main Event HD if you want the classic American feed here in Britain, or jump onto ESPN USA directly if you prefer the source. The Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints matchup goes live at 01:15 UK time, so plan your log-in around then.

Whether you settle in for Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the traditional feed, follow the Peyton Manning brothers on ESPN2, or watch the Westwood One pundits call it through, the match itself is the same: Atlanta Falcons taking on New Orleans Saints. With so many channels and commentators available, there is a version of this match for every viewer, tonight and beyond.

Article generated: 6 October 2026, 01:16 GMT