2025 NFL schedule: highlights, key games & must-watch matchups

The wait is finally over, football fans! The NFL has officially released the complete 2025 schedule, and it’s packed with exciting matchups that will keep us glued to our screens from September through January.

After months of anticipation, we now know exactly when and where all 32 teams will be playing their 17 regular-season games. Whether you’re planning your watch parties, preparing for fantasy drafts, or looking to attend a game in person, here’s everything you need to know.

🏟️ Season kickoff: Eagles host Cowboys in prime time

The 2025 NFL season kicks off on Thursday, September 4, with a blockbuster NFC East rivalry:
Philadelphia Eagles (defending Super Bowl champs) vs. Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field.

Expect fireworks as the Eagles raise their championship banner before what’s sure to be a high-energy showdown.

Why it matters: This primetime matchup sets the tone for the season and could have early playoff implications.

🌙 Primetime powerhouses

The Kansas City Chiefs headline the season with seven primetime games, tying the NFL record set by the Bills in 2023. Other notable primetime schedules include:

Dallas Cowboys – 6 primetime games
Philadelphia Eagles – 5 primetime appearances, 8 standalone games total
Teams without primetime slots: Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints

Noteworthy: This is the Browns’ first season without a primetime appearance in 8 years.

🌍 International games expand in 2025

A record-breaking seven international games are set for 2025, including the NFL’s first game in Ireland. Here are some of the international highlights:

Chiefs vs. Chargers – Brazil (AFC West clash)
Vikings vs. Browns – London (October 5)
Colts host a game – Berlin, Germany (opponent TBD)
First-ever NFL game in Ireland – Details coming soon

Global impact: These games further the league’s commitment to international fanbases and global growth.

🦃🎄 Holiday football extravaganza

Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 27)

Chiefs at Cowboys – 4:30 PM EST (CBS)
Bears at Eagles – 3:00 PM EST (Prime Video)

Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25)

Triple-header includes:

Commanders at Cowboys
Lions at Vikings
Broncos at Chiefs

Holiday tradition continues: With high-stakes games on both holidays, fans have plenty to be thankful for.

🔥 Must-see matchups

Week 1 highlights

Monday Night Football: Vikings at Bears (8:15 PM ET, ESPN/ABC)
- QB duel: J.J. McCarthy vs. Caleb Williams
Sunday Night Football: Ravens at Bills
- Rematch of the 2024 AFC Divisional playoff

Other notables

Week 8: Commanders at Chiefs – “President’s Bowl” featuring Mahomes vs. Jayden Daniels
Week 11: Lions at Eagles – A potential NFC Championship preview

Pro tip: These games could decide playoff seeds or MVP conversations by season’s end.

📊 Strength of schedule: Winners & losers

Easiest schedule: San Francisco 49ers
- Based on 2024 opponents’ records, the Niners have the lightest path, reportedly the easiest in over a decade.
Toughest schedule: New York Giants
- Facing a brutal mix of elite offenses and road challenges, Big Blue will need to overachieve to stay in the playoff hunt.

Stat edge: Strength of schedule can heavily influence which teams overperform or underdeliver.

📅 Plan your football calendar now

The regular season wraps on January 4, 2026, with playoffs starting January 10, and Super Bowl LX scheduled for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

✅ Get the full 2025 NFL schedule

For your team’s full schedule and to download game dates to your calendar, visit:
👉 YourSportsCalendar.com/NFL

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Get ready for a season full of rivalries, breakout stars, holiday drama, and international showdowns. The 2025 NFL season is set to be unforgettable.