The 2025 NFL schedule was launched Wednesday night time.
Will quarterback Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles repeat as Tremendous Bowl champions — and even turn out to be the primary group in twenty years to repeat as NFC East champs?
They’ll kick off the NFL season Thursday, Sept. 4, once they host the NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys. ESPN’s “Monday Night time Soccer” opener is Sept. 8 and can characteristic the Minnesota Vikings on the Chicago Bears.
Based mostly on power of schedule, which is set by opponents’ data in 2024, the New York Giants have the hardest schedule of the 2025 season and the San Francisco 49ers have the best.
The ultimate regular-season video games for the 2025 season might be performed Jan. 4, 2026. The playoffs start Jan. 10 and proceed by means of Tremendous Bowl LX on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Here’s a daring prediction for each group following the schedule launch. Click on on the hyperlinks to see the total schedule and extra evaluation from NFL Nation.
Leap to a division:
NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West
AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West
NFC EAST
The Cowboys will finish Kyler Murray’s dominance at AT&T Stadium. The Cardinals’ quarterback has not misplaced in Arlington, Texas, sporting an 8-0 report as a beginning quarterback. Simply two of these video games have come within the NFL. He received 5 video games whereas at Allen (Texas) Excessive College, received a Huge 12 championship recreation for Oklahoma and is 2-0 because the Cardinals’ starter. Solely Dak Prescott and Tony Romo have extra wins at AT&T Stadium. Learn extra from Todd Archer
The Giants will steal a win on the highway within the first two weeks towards a division rival. For many groups, which may not seem to be a lot. However New York went 0-6 within the division final yr and must get off to a robust begin. The Giants have received their season opener simply twice up to now 13 years, with their solely two playoff seasons coming in years once they received in Week 1. Learn extra from Jordan Raanan
The Eagles should combat out of a small gap at the start of the season. The Cowboys, Chiefs and Rams all have one thing to show, with two of them — Kansas Metropolis and Los Angeles — dropping to the Eagles final postseason. Philadelphia might be adjusting to a brand new offensive coordinator in Kevin Patullo following the departure of Kellen Moore this offseason, whereas the protection might be breaking in a number of new starters. That would equal a loss or two early on. Learn extra from Tim McManus
Washington will win three of its final 4 video games to clinch a playoff spot. It should mark the primary time for the reason that 1991-92 seasons that the group has made the playoffs in consecutive years. The Commanders will beat the Giants and Cowboys and break up with the Eagles to comply with up a 12-win first season below coach Dan Quinn. These wins will assist Washington win double-digit video games in back-to-back years for the primary time since 1989-91. Learn extra from John Keim
NFC NORTH
Caleb Williams turns into Chicago’s first 4,000-yard passer by crossing the brink towards Inexperienced Bay in Week 16, two video games fewer than it took Jared Goff in his first season with Ben Johnson calling performs. The Bears closed the 2024 season by snapping a 10-game dropping streak with a win at Lambeau Discipline and can sweep the Packers for the primary time since 2007. Learn extra from Courtney Cronin
The Lions will beat the defending champion Eagles on the highway in Week 11. Previous to a plethora of key accidents, notably on protection, Detroit was arguably probably the most proficient roster within the league. If the Lions are in a position to keep considerably wholesome, they’ll compete — and beat — any group within the league, together with Philadelphia. After dealing with some robust opponents early on, Detroit will rise to the problem towards the Eagles. Learn extra from Eric Woodyard
The Packers will find yourself with greater than the 4 prime-time video games they at present have on the schedule. Versatile scheduling will transfer them into not less than yet another showcase recreation. The Week 16 recreation towards the Bears might be on that Saturday afternoon or Saturday night time. And it is potential both or each of the ultimate two video games, towards the Ravens and on the Vikings, might turn out to be an evening recreation. Learn extra from Rob Demovsky
The Vikings will enter Week 17 needing to win their closing two video games to be able to make the playoffs. That is not due to the high-profile begin to their season, however as a substitute a five-game stretch that may embody 4 highway video games between Weeks 12 and 16. Their solely dwelling recreation throughout that interval is towards the Commanders, and three of the highway video games — at Inexperienced Bay, Seattle and New York — are outside. Learn extra from Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
The Falcons will sweep their most hated rivals, the Saints, for the primary time since their Tremendous Bowl season in 2016. Atlanta’s 2024 season went off monitor in Week 10, a brutal 20-17 loss in New Orleans that featured three area targets missed by Younghoe Koo. The Falcons might be higher this season on either side of the ball, whereas the Saints’ quarterback scenario is in flux. Learn extra from Marc Raimondi
The Panthers will defeat Tampa Bay in Weeks 16 and 18 to win the NFC South with an 8-9 report. OK, so the string of dropping seasons wouldn’t finish at seven. However eight wins could be yet another than any season since 2017 and look nice in comparison with Carolina’s 5.1 common the previous seven years. Learn extra from David Newton
The Saints will determine methods to get off on a superb observe, much like final yr, and lengthen their NFL-best home-opening win streak to seven video games. However the optimistic momentum will not final lengthy, as a Week 2 recreation towards the 49ers, who’re additionally trying to bounce again from a tough season, and prolonged highway journeys will stall their momentum. The primary month will not be straightforward for the Saints with a brand new head coach, an ageing protection and no veteran quarterback to fall again on. Learn extra from Katherine Terrell
Large receiver Mike Evans breaks Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer Jerry Rice’s report for many consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with 12. The 2 are at present tied, with Evans overcoming a three-game absence final season due to a hamstring damage to get 1,000 yards on the ultimate play of the common season. Learn extra from Jenna Laine
10:42
Jon Gruden unboxes the Bucs’ 2025 schedule
Former coach Jon Gruden unveils the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ schedule for the 2025 NFL season.
NFC WEST
The Cardinals will begin the season 4-2, if not 5-1, and take early management of their playoff future. The brand new-look protection will click on early and reside as much as the hype created by a deep draft and busy free company. Learn extra from Josh Weinfuss
The Rams will win not less than seven of their final 10 video games after the bye to finish the season. Los Angeles has gone on a run to make the playoffs every of the previous two seasons with an identical stretch, though each had been essential given their 3-6 (2023) and 1-4 (2024) begins to the season. The schedule units up for a robust finish to the season in 2025, particularly with few potential chilly climate video games. Learn extra from Sarah Barshop
The 49ers open the season 4-0. There was plenty of change in San Francisco over the offseason, but when the Niners can beat the Seahawks on the highway in Week 1, they may bounce into early playoff conversations. Having a full offseason of relaxation appears to have energized among the group’s older stars and lots of of them have been round for the offseason program. They’re additionally extra more likely to be wholesome early within the yr, which ought to lend itself to a scorching begin at the same time as a few of their youthful gamers are getting their toes moist. Learn extra from Nick Wagoner
The Seahawks will go 4-1 throughout their robust November stretch. Three of these video games are on the highway, with two requiring cross-country flights, and three are towards 2024 playoff groups. Successful 4 out of 5 could be a formidable feat, however take into account that the stretch begins proper after Seattle’s bye. Coach Mike Macdonald drew reward inside Seahawks headquarters final yr for the best way he attacked the bye week, main a turnaround that noticed Seattle win 4 straight after the break. Learn extra from Brady Henderson
AFC EAST
The Payments might be undefeated getting into the bye week. The opening recreation towards the Ravens definitely might be a tough one, however 4 of the primary six being dwelling video games might go a great distance. Three early video games towards the AFC East (Jets, Dolphins and Patriots) is sooner than regular, however the Payments are 24-6 towards the division since 2020. Learn extra from Alaina Getzenberg
The Dolphins will end with a profitable report on the highway for the primary time since 2020. Underneath Mike McDaniel, Miami owns a 10-16 highway report — however take a look at its opponents away from South Florida this season. Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Cleveland and Carolina are winnable video games, as are not less than two of the Dolphins’ division video games on the highway. That is the yr McDaniel’s group turns issues round away from dwelling. Learn extra from Marcel Louis-Jacques
The Patriots are nonetheless in playoff rivalry popping out of the early-December bye. This assumes a clear invoice of well being for quarterback Drake Maye, however the total schedule seems to be extra forgiving than final yr’s slate. Learn extra from Mike Reiss
The Jets will shut the season with a flurry and win 5 out of their final six video games, falling wanting the playoffs however sparking hope for 2026. Solely one in every of their closing six opponents posted a profitable report in 2024 (Payments). The Jets face 2023 MVP Lamar Jackson in Week 12 and 2024 MVP Josh Allen in Week 18. Between them, they play largely groups in the identical boat as they’re — groups with new coaches and/or comparatively inexperienced quarterbacks. Learn extra from Wealthy Cimini
AFC NORTH
The Ravens win three highway video games in three weeks for the primary time in group historical past, sweeping their video games at Miami (Week 9), Minnesota (Week 10) and Cleveland (Week 11). The Ravens have by no means been in a position to pull off the trifecta of their seven earlier cases of three immediately video games. And enjoyable truth: Minnesota is likely one of the two locations the place Harbaugh has but to win (Las Vegas is the opposite). The excellent news for Baltimore is Lamar Jackson’s 34-13 highway report (.723) is second to solely Patrick Mahomes (44-12) since he entered the league in 2018. Learn extra from Jamison Hensley
Cincinnati will win two out of three video games within the “Killer B’s” portion of the schedule. The Bengals have traditionally matched up effectively towards quarterback Josh Allen and the Payments. Having a number of additional days of relaxation after which a house matchup towards Baltimore ought to give the Bengals the sting to win not less than two video games within the three-game stint that options two Ravens contests and a highway recreation in Buffalo. Learn extra from Ben Child
The Browns will lose their first 4 highway video games earlier than the bye week. It is a robust slate that includes the Ravens, Lions, Steelers and a Patriots group that added a bevy of expertise this offseason. Popping out of the bye with a matchup towards the Jets at MetLife Stadium, Cleveland needs to be well-rested and on place to begin its second-half schedule on a robust observe. Learn extra from Daniel Oyefusi
The Steelers will win their first worldwide regular-season recreation. The Steelers have not performed a global recreation since dealing with the Vikings in London in 2013, a recreation they misplaced 34-27. The Vikings are rolling with J.J. McCarthy, who although a 2024 first-round choose, is primed to be a first-year starter after recovering from a season-ending knee damage. The Steelers’ protection is notoriously deadly towards rookie quarterbacks, and catching the Vikings early within the season might assist them proceed their reign of terror on younger sign callers. Learn extra from Brooke Pryor
5:53
Sacking Sasquatch: Steelers 2025 schedule revealed
Will Herbig and Keaanu Benton journey to rural Pennsylvania on the hunt for Sasquatch and the Steelers’ NFL schedule reveal.
AFC SOUTH
The Texans might be combating to clinch the division in Week 18. Every group within the AFC South has added expertise, whereas the Texans have a first-place schedule. So, it isn’t assured the Texans will run away with the division like they did in 2024. There is a respectable likelihood their divisional competitors improves sufficient to push the Texans to the brink. Learn extra from DJ Bien-Aime
Search for the Colts to come back out of September with a 3-1 report. That will be an enormous shift for a group that too typically has difficult its late-season panorama with poor begins. Indianapolis has not managed to register a profitable report by means of 4 video games since 2020, which can also be the final time it made the postseason. Learn extra from Stephen Holder
The Jaguars will head into their Chiefs matchup 4-0. After beating the Panthers within the season opener, they go on the highway to upset a Bengals group has struggled at the beginning of the final two seasons (2-5 report in September video games). The house matchup towards Houston would be the first time the groups have performed since linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair ended Trevor Lawrence’s 2024 season with a questionable hit and the Jaguars needs to be able to roll in a revenge recreation. They’ll then exit to San Francisco and upset the 49ers, who let 17 free brokers (together with key starters) stroll this offseason. Learn extra from Michael DiRocco
The Titans will win each of their back-to-back journeys to the West Coast in October. The primary win will are available a conflict of No.1 picks when Cam Ward leads the Titans over Kyler Murray’s Cardinals. The second might be over the Raiders in Las Vegas. That may put the Titans at 3-3 heading into their match up with New England in Week 7. Learn extra from Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
The Broncos protection will pressure not less than three turnovers within the season opener. Tennessee is predicted to begin rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who was chosen with the No. 1 choose of the 2025 draft, and his first regular-season begin might be a rocky one. He’ll debut towards a Denver protection which sports activities the league’s reigning defensive participant of the yr in Pat Surtain II, led the NFL in sacks in 2024 and made additions in free company and early within the draft. Learn extra from Jeff Legwold
The Broncos will sweep the two-game season collection from the Chiefs for the primary time since 2014. Denver has been all of the Chiefs might deal with within the 4 video games between the groups since Sean Payton was employed as Broncos coach. The Chiefs managed a two-game break up by blocking a area aim on the final play of their Week 10 recreation in Kansas Metropolis. Denver broke a 16-game dropping streak to the Chiefs in 2023 and routed the Chiefs 38-0 in Week 18 final season, albeit towards an opponent that rested Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones and different starters for the playoffs. Learn extra from Adam Teicher
Coach Pete Carroll has talked about getting the ball rolling early, and that is what his group will do. The Raiders will go into the bye week with a 4-3 report. Las Vegas may need issues taking down the Chargers and Commanders in back-to-back weeks. However it would not be stunning the Raiders win three in a row earlier than dealing with the Chiefs at Arrowhead in Week 7. Learn extra from Ryan McFadden
The Chargers will not win double-digit video games. Of the Chargers’ 11 wins final season, simply three came to visit groups with a profitable report, with two wins over the Broncos and one over Cincinnati. L.A. benefited mightily from the NFL’s fifth-easiest schedule in 2024 and beat up on among the league’s worst groups in Harbaugh’s first season. With a a lot more durable schedule and the Chargers roster not a lot improved from final season, it is going to be an uphill battle for this group to hit double-digit wins in 2025. Learn extra from Kris Rhim
