The NFL schedule release week for 2025 is finally upon us! Get ready to dive into all the juicy details and leaks surrounding the upcoming season. So, when exactly can you expect to see the full schedule for the 2025 NFL season? Well, mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 14th at 8 p.m. ET, when the NFL will drop all the matchups. You can catch the schedule release show on NFL Network and stream it on NFL+.
Leading up to the big reveal, the NFL and its broadcast partners are teasing fans with featured games on the 2025 schedule. Recently, FOX, NBA, and Prime have all shared some schedule updates to keep everyone on their toes. ESPN is set to announce more details on Tuesday, May 13 on Good Morning America, while CBS will follow suit on Wednesday, May 14 on CBS Mornings. Even Netflix is joining the party on Wednesday, May 14.
The 2025 NFL season will kick off with the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles facing off against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, September 4th. Tom Brady even made a special announcement at FOX’s Upfront, revealing a Saturday doubleheader for Week 16 of the season. And let’s not forget about the NFL Black Friday game, featuring the Chicago Bears against the Philadelphia Eagles. Additionally, there will be seven international games in 2025, including matchups in Berlin, Dublin, London, Madrid, and São Paulo.
As for Christmas Day, the NFL is expanding to three games this year, with Netflix and Amazon airing the matchups. Prime has revealed that the Denver Broncos will take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the final game of the day. If you’re curious about past NFL schedule release dates, you can see a trend of releases in April and May over the years.
Now, how exactly does the NFL determine the schedule each season? Well, each team plays 17 regular-season games, with a bye week included. Teams alternate hosting nine regular-season games and one preseason game or eight regular-season games and two preseason games. Matchups are based on divisional opponents, conference rivals, and teams from the other conference. The 17th game for each team is an additional matchup against a non-conference opponent based on the previous season’s division ranking.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, each team has a lineup of opponents both home and away. From the AFC East to the NFC West, every team will face off against familiar foes and new challengers. Get ready for an action-packed season filled with intense rivalries and thrilling matchups. So, grab your jerseys, snacks, and get ready to cheer on your favorite teams as the 2025 NFL season unfolds.
