<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs expansion . You can help by adding to it . (November 2010) </Td> </Tr> <P> After 45 seasons, there now have been a total of 730 games televised by the Monday Night Football franchise . </P> <P> To avoid any scheduling unfairness where, just before the first playoff game, a team may have five days off and others six, there is no Monday night game during the final week of the regular season . From 2003 to 2005, one game was played on Thursday and another Monday under the Monday Night Football banner . Starting in 2006, when the series moved to cable, two games are played on the opening Monday night to capitalize on fan interest during "NFL Kickoff Weekend". </P> <P> Monday night games early in the season are often highly anticipated since records are new, teams usually are showcasing fresh talent and potential, and storylines coming into the season are often played out as fans try to see if these hyped teams are up to form . Since no one knows during the first month of the season if a team is indeed good, or will rebound from a difficult start, interest is usually high for the first few weeks of the MNF season . </P>

When did espn take over monday night football