INDIANAPOLIS — Philip Rivers makes his second start since coming out of retirement to lead the Indianapolis Colts against San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night Football” today – Monday, Dec. 22 – at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. This game is available on multiple streaming services for free.

What channel is Colts vs. 49ers Monday Night Football?

Today’s game will broadcast live on ABC and ESPN with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Eastern.

Two ways to watch Colts vs. 49ers for free

• DIRECTV (free trial and $40 off your first month)
• FuboTV (free trial and $25 off your first month)

The most flexible non-free option is Sling TV, which now offers new users a Day Pass for $4.99, Weekend Pass for $9.99, Week Pass for $14.99, Monthly for $45.99 and Season Pass for $199.99 for five months and $45.99 per month thereafter

This game is also available on the ESPN app streaming service, which now offers an Unlimited Plan for $29.99 per month (or $299.99 for entire year) and the Select Plan for $12.99 per month (or $129.99 for entire year). The ESPN app replicates its previous coverage of select games and broadcasts on ESPN Plus.

Who is announcing Colts vs. 49ers?

Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (analyst) will be the announcers while Laura Rutledge and Tom Rinaldi report from the sidelines.

What are the latest odds for Colts vs. 49ers?

Spread: IND: (+5.5), SF: (-5.5)

Moneyline: IND: (+225), SF: (-280)

Point total: 46.5

Odds from DraftKings

How to Watch COLTS – 49ERS

• What: NFL Week 16: Indianapolis Colts vs. San Francisco 49ers
• When: Dec. 22, 2025
• Time: 8:15p.m. Eastern
• Where: Lucas Oil Stadium | Indianapolis, Ind.
• Channel: ABC and ESPN
• Best Streaming Options: DIRECTV (free trial and $40 off first month), FuboTV (free trial and $25 off first month) and Sling TV (half off first month and daily, weekend, weekly, monthly and season pass)

What is FuboTV?

FuboTV, which features a free trial and $25 off your first month if you sign up for the Pro or Elite plans, is a streaming service that offers over 200 channels. It offers sports, entertainment, news, business and more. The service also offers on-demand options, including full television shows. You may access this service on multiple devices, including computers, phones, tablets and more.

There are four plans which are Latino, Pro, Elite and Premier ranging from $32.99- $99.99.

What is DIRECTV?

DIRECTV, which offers a free trial and $40 off your first month, lets you enjoy live TV and on-demand services without a contract through multiple packages. These include the entertainment package, the choice package + sports pack, the ultimate package + sports pack. The prices range from $79.99-$109.99.

What is Sling TV?

Sling TV users can now get a Day Pass for $4.99, Weekend Pass for $9.99, Week Pass for $14.99, Monthly Pass for $45.99 and Season Pass for $199.99 for the first five months and $45.99 per month thereafter. You can also subscribe to either the Blue package or the Orange package depending on your viewing preferences. Sling Blue allows up to three streams at a time and Sling Orange allows one stream at a time. Both the Blue and Orange packages are $23 for the first month, then increase to $45.99 per month thereafter.

Here is more information on this matchup from the AP:

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The last time Philip Rivers suited up inside Lucas Oil Stadium, he and his Indianapolis Colts teammates clinched a playoff spot.

A lot has changed in those five years.

Rivers left the NFL, started coaching high school football in Alabama, became a grandfather and shocked the world by coming out of retirement and nearly leading the Colts to a victory last week in Seattle.

He returned to his former team with old friend Shane Steichen calling the plays for a franchise under new ownership. And on Monday night, he’ll be playing in front of a near capacity home crowd — something he didn’t get to do during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic year.

Still, two things have not changed: Rivers remains stuck on 134 career wins and the Colts haven’t reached the playoffs since he was Indy’s starter the last time. The 44-year-old quarterback believes he can achieve both over the next three weeks or he wouldn’t be playing.

“I know the NFL is a big deal and this, and it can be whatever it can be,” Rivers said after rejoining the Colts. “But to me, it’s like ‘Hey, you get to play football, potentially, for four more weeks and maybe then some.’ And as long as I can live with the results, both good or bad, and go back home and move on, then I was willing to go for it, and I was able to get to that place mentally.”

While many around the league — from Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Tennessee defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons — lauded Rivers’ effort to make a comeback, most were intrigued to see how Rivers would play.

Yes, he does have some physical limitations, and, yes, concerns about his mobility, his ability to throw deep and the long layoff prompted Steichen to take a safer approach in last week’s 18-16 loss at Seattle.

While Indy leaned heavily on its ground game and a short passing game to protect Rivers from taking needless hits, he still went 18 of 27 with 120 yards and threw an interception on Indy’s final offensive play.

The Colts (8-6) lost their fourth straight game to remain one spot outside the AFC’s seven-team playoff field, and Rivers acknowledged this week he must be better over the final three games to save Indy’s fading playoff hopes.

Still, the 49ers (10-4) know what they’re up against. Three years ago, when San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan was looking for stability at quarterback, he reached out to Rivers. Because the need didn’t actually arise until the NFC championship game, Rivers never signed.

But after studying last week’s tape, Shanahan believes Rivers still has what it takes.

“I see a guy who knows how to play the position as good as anyone,” Shanahan said. “I think he had 27 throws in that game and every ball goes right to the exact spot. He attacked their coverages great. He played against a very good pass rush and was able to get rid of the ball. He’s one of the best quarterbacks I’ve ever watched, and he definitely helped that team.”

Can Rivers get it done at his age? Only time will tell.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A woman is in critical condition after what Indianapolis Metropolitan Police are now calling an assault at a far East side apartment complex.

IMPD says officers were called just before 2:00 a.m. Monday to a unit at the English Village Apartments at English Avenue and South Mitchner Avenue.

An initial email from the police department said that a person had been shot. But a public information officer on the scene said officers found a woman suffering from “trauma” and would not describe what investigators believe was the weapon used. IMPD Capt. Rob Rider did not give a reason for withholding the information, but said that investigators “have an idea of what happened.”

Capt. Rider says a resident at another building in the apartment complex called 911 after a child ran to their residence and told the neighbor “they killed my mom.”

Rider says the woman was in critical condition when taken to a hospital but would not elaborate further on her injuries. “I’m not going to release that information right now. I just can tell you she is suffering from trauma is how we’ll describe it, and she’s in critical condition. (The) child was unharmed, (and) no one else was injured.”

Police did not release any information about a possible suspect nor what may have led to the attack.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Kountry Kitchen, a beloved Indianapolis restaurant, will serve more than 3,000 free meals to the community on Christmas Day as part of its annual outreach program. This initiative, started in 2008, continues to grow with the support of local partners.

Cynthia Wright-Wilson, the owner of Kountry Kitchen, emphasized the restaurant’s commitment to giving back, stating, “We just wanted to give back to the community because the community has been so good to Country Kitchen through thick and thin.” The outreach program began with a goal to feed 500 people and has dramatically increased, providing 2,300 meals in 2011 and more than 3,000 in 2016 in partnership with organizations like Toys for Tots.

The Christmas outreach began in 2008 when Cynthia and her husband, Isaac, aimed to feed 500 people. With the help of friends and volunteers, they doubled their goal, serving 1,200 meals on that first occasion. Volunteers worked tirelessly, with a remarkable 21-hour preparation period leading up to the event.

In 2016, Toys for Tots collaborated with Kountry Kitchen, enhancing the outreach by not only providing meals but also distributing toys to children in need. This partnership allowed the restaurant to continue expanding its efforts each year, reinforcing the importance of community assistance during the holiday season.

Cynthia describes the mission as family-oriented and inclusive, stating, “It’s about family.” The outreach not only serves meals but also provides essential winter items like hats and gloves for families in need.

During this year’s event, Kountry Kitchen will serve traditional holiday dishes including fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and desserts sponsored by local businesses. Patrick, an active volunteer and family member, expressed the excitement of seeing families receiving toys and meals: “Seeing those kids walk away with the toys was so exciting, you know.”

To participate in this community outreach, individuals can volunteer their time, request a meal, or make financial donations. Cynthia encourages community involvement, mentioning, “In order to volunteer, receive food, or donate, you can go to countrykitchenindy.com, go to the events tab and you’ll see three different forms.”

This year, Kountry Kitchen expects to serve more than 3,000 meals on Christmas Day, continuing its tradition of community service. Volunteers are welcome to join the effort and donations are being accepted to support the outreach.

For more information and details, visit Kountry Kitchen website.