The NFL schedule is more than a list of games—it’s the heartbeat of the football season, shaping rivalries, fantasy football outcomes, betting markets, and even travel plans for diehard fans. With the 2025 NFL season already underway, fans are buzzing over key matchups, international games, and prime-time showdowns that will define the year.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the NFL schedule for 2025, highlight the most anticipated games, explain how the schedule is made, and provide tips for following every matchup—whether you’re watching on TV, streaming online, or attending in person.
How the NFL Schedule Is Made
Factors Influencing Matchups
The NFL doesn’t randomly assign games. A computer formula, combined with input from executives and broadcasters, determines opponents. Teams face divisional rivals twice, rotate conferences, and get seeded matchups based on last season’s performance.
Prime-Time Game Selection
Networks lobby hard for marquee games. Star quarterbacks, historic rivalries, and playoff contenders often land in Sunday Night Football or Monday Night Football slots.
International Games and Global Expansion
Since 2007, the NFL has expanded beyond U.S. borders. The 2025 season features games in Brazil, London, and Dublin, strengthening the league’s global footprint.
NFL Schedule Release 2025: Important Dates
Kickoff Game
The season opener set the tone with Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles on Sept 4, a clash of NFC East giants.
Thursday Night Football
Exclusive to Amazon Prime Video, Thursday matchups offer midweek drama.
Sunday Night Football
The league’s crown jewel on NBC features the Ravens vs. Bills in Week 1 and other playoff-caliber clashes throughout the season.
Monday Night Football
ESPN continues its tradition with doubleheaders and rivalry games—like Vikings at Bears in Week 1.
Week-by-Week Highlights of the 2025 NFL Schedule
Week 1: Opening Games
- Cowboys vs. Eagles (Kickoff)
- Chiefs vs. Chargers in Brazil (international spotlight)
- Ravens vs. Bills (SNF)
- Vikings vs. Bears (MNF)
Week 2–5: Early Rivalries and Storylines
Fans can expect Commanders vs. Packers, Dolphins vs. Bills, and the Vikings vs. Steelers in Dublin.
Midseason Matchups (Weeks 6–10)
By midseason, playoff pictures start forming. Marquee games include 49ers vs. Chiefs and Packers vs. Cowboys.
Thanksgiving Day Games
Thanksgiving football remains a staple, with the Lions and Cowboys hosting traditional home games, joined by a rotating primetime clash.
Christmas & Holiday Games
The league leans into festive scheduling with Christmas Day and New Year’s matchups for maximum fan engagement.
Season Finale (Week 18)
Division rivals close the season in dramatic fashion, often determining playoff fates.
Key Rivalry Games in the 2025 NFL Schedule
Division Showdowns
Divisional matchups are the backbone of the NFL schedule. Every team plays its division rivals twice—once at home and once away. These games often determine playoff spots.
- Packers vs. Bears: One of the NFL’s oldest rivalries continues with both teams undergoing quarterback transitions.
- Ravens vs. Bengals: The AFC North race remains fierce, with Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow leading dynamic offenses.
- Cowboys vs. Eagles: Both teams are perennial NFC East contenders, making their clashes must-watch events.
Inter-Conference Clashes
Inter-conference games add spice to the schedule. Fans eagerly await Chiefs vs. 49ers, a potential Super Bowl preview, and Bills vs. Cowboys, a battle of powerhouse franchises.
International Games in 2025 NFL Schedule
Brazil Showcase
For the second year in a row, the NFL heads to South America. The Kansas City Chiefs faced the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil. This matchup highlighted Patrick Mahomes’ global star power and expanded the NFL’s South American fan base.
Dublin & London Matches
- Dublin, Ireland: The Vikings vs. Steelers game brought Irish fans into the fold, expanding the league’s European reach.
- London, UK: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hosted Browns vs. Vikings, continuing the NFL’s strong tradition in the UK.
These international games not only excite fans abroad but also impact teams’ travel schedules and recovery times.
NFL Bye Weeks Explained
Strategy Behind Bye Weeks
Each team gets one bye week during the season, allowing players time to rest, recover from injuries, and prepare for the playoff push. The timing of a bye can be critical.
Impact on Playoff Contenders
- Early Bye Weeks may hinder momentum for hot teams.
- Late Bye Weeks give contenders a valuable rest before the postseason.
Teams like the 49ers and Bills benefit from later bye weeks in 2025, giving them an edge down the stretch.
Strength of Schedule: Which Teams Have It Easier?
Easiest NFL Schedules in 2025
According to analysts, the San Francisco 49ers have one of the easiest schedules based on 2024 records. Early games against rebuilding franchises like the Cardinals and Raiders give them an upper hand.
Toughest NFL Schedules in 2025
On the other hand, the New England Patriots and New York Jets face grueling slates filled with playoff-caliber opponents like the Bills, Chiefs, and Eagles.
Prime-Time Matchups to Watch
Best Sunday Night Football Games
- Week 1: Ravens vs. Bills
- Week 10: Cowboys vs. Packers
- Week 14: Chiefs vs. Bengals
Monday Night Football Doubleheaders
The NFL continues its tradition of MNF doubleheaders, giving fans more late-night football. Matchups like Chargers vs. Raiders and Texans vs. Buccaneers headline early-season Mondays.
NFL Playoff Schedule 2025
Wild Card Weekend
The playoffs kick off in early January with three AFC and three NFC Wild Card games spread across Saturday and Sunday.
Divisional Round
Winners advance to face the top seeds. Expect powerhouse matchups like Chiefs vs. Ravens or 49ers vs. Eagles.
Conference Championships
The AFC and NFC title games crown the Super Bowl contenders. These games are typically among the most-watched broadcasts of the year.
Super Bowl 2026 Date & Location
Super Bowl LX (60) is scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
How to Watch the NFL Schedule Live
Cable & Network TV Options
Fans can catch games on CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN. Sunday Night Football airs exclusively on NBC, while Monday Night Football is on ESPN/ABC.
Streaming Platforms
- Amazon Prime Video: Thursday Night Football
- NFL+: Mobile streaming and replays
- YouTube TV & Hulu Live: Cord-cutting options for full coverage
International Viewing Options
Fans abroad can stream via NFL Game Pass International, DAZN, or local broadcasters depending on the country.
Fantasy Football Implications of the 2025 NFL Schedule
Best Weeks for Fantasy Players
- Weeks 2–5: Explosive matchups favor quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, and Patrick Mahomes.
- Midseason: Running backs like Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry face soft defenses.
Bye Week Challenges for Managers
Savvy managers must plan around bye weeks, especially when multiple star players rest the same week. For instance, Weeks 7 and 13 feature many playoff-caliber teams taking breaks.
NFL Schedule FAQs
Q1: When does the 2025 NFL season start?
The season kicked off on September 4, 2025, with the Cowboys vs. Eagles.
Q2: How many games are in the NFL regular season?
Each team plays 17 games across 18 weeks, with one bye week.
Q3: Where are the international games being played in 2025?
Games are hosted in Brazil, Dublin (Ireland), and London (UK).
Q4: When is Super Bowl 2026?
The game will be played on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Q5: Which teams have the easiest schedule in 2025?
The San Francisco 49ers are widely considered to have the easiest schedule.
Q6: Where can I watch NFL games without cable?
You can stream games via NFL+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu Live, or YouTube TV.
Conclusion: What the 2025 NFL Schedule Means for Fans
The NFL schedule is more than just a list of dates—it’s a roadmap for rivalries, a test of endurance, and a source of endless drama. From prime-time blockbusters to international showcases and the ultimate Super Bowl showdown, the 2025 season promises excitement for fans worldwide.
Whether you’re planning fantasy football strategies, booking flights to away games, or simply gathering snacks for Sunday watch parties, the NFL schedule ensures there’s always something to look forward to. Buckle up—this season is already shaping up to be unforgettable.