2025 NFL schedule release live updates: Thanksgiving, Christmas, international games and more as full schedule is announced

Yahoo

15-05-2025

Home and away opponents have been set for the 2025-26 NFL season since the conclusion of last season, but the timing of each of those matchups (as well as bye weeks) was revealed in full on Wednesday. Earlier this week, the NFL and its broadcast partners announced several different primetime and holiday games.
On Monday morning, it was revealed that the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles will open their 2025 season against the Dallas Cowboys in prime time. On Wednesday, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce appeared to spoil his team's appearance in Brazil ahead of the official announcement.
Check out the full international, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day games below, and the top 10 grudge matches of the season here.
Date: Wednesday, May 14
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV channel: NFL Network | ESPNNFL players prepare for the Super Bowl. NFL social-media teams prepare for schedule release day.
What was once a straight-forward day of revealing when and where teams will be playing each week has turned into a 32-team battle royale to go viral on social media, with production values increasing every year. The competition is fierce.
Wednesday's schedule release day was no different, though some teams tried harder than others. Some teams released television parodies longer than five minutes. Some just let their players have fun. The Cincinnati Bengals pretended like they were too cool for any of it.
Here are this year's standouts.
Welcome to ATL Kart! pic.twitter.com/moDDimA2db
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 15, 2025
The three NFL teams that got the most standalone games are a curious mix.
The league leaders, at eight standalone games each (barring games being flexed): Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL's current dynasty, Washington Commanders coming off a breakthrough season with exciting young star Jayden Daniels, and the Dallas Cowboys, the league's biggest brand. A 7-10 Cowboys season didn't dissuade the league from putting it on prime time and other exclusive windows.
One proven contender, one potential contender, and a team whose popularity doesn't wane despite its record.
When the NFL puts together its regular season schedule, which was released Wednesday evening, an easy way to gauge which teams the league considers its most popular draws is by looking at standalone games: prime time games on Thursday, Sunday and Monday nights, international games, holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas and a late-season Saturday doubleheader for Fox (there will also be games on the Saturday of Week 17 that will be scheduled late in the season).
Some things, like the perception of the long-suffering Commanders, have changed. Other things stayed the same.
Read more here.
should we REALLY make our schedule release video in minecraft?yes yes yesyesyesyes yes yes yesyes yes yes yes yesyes yesyes yes yesyes yesye yes yesyes yes yesyes pic.twitter.com/gxk31Dql5L
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) May 15, 2025
One year ago at this time, it was one of the easiest games to circle on the schedule and know that as a fan of young quarterbacks, you were going to want to see it: Week 8, Chicago Bears at the Washington Commanders — pitting the No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams, against the No. 2 overall pick, Jayden Daniels.
Little did we know that game would change the trajectories of both franchises, with Daniels throwing a game-winning Hail Mary. Neither team was the same after that moment. The Commanders became a collective that believed it was never out of any game, finishing 12-5 and flying all the way into the NFC championship game. The Bears? They went into that matchup sitting at 4-2 and coming off what would be Williams' best game of the season in a 35-16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. But when Daniels broke them with that Hail Mary, it triggered a 10-game losing streak that would end with the coaching staff being swept out the door.
It's time.⏰ 2025 Schedule Release pic.twitter.com/EKyCNlCk3Q
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 15, 2025
That Week 8 game is the stuff that makes the schedule release such an exciting event. It gives everyone an opportunity to circle the games that could end up making or breaking seasons. Or in the case of that Bears-Commanders tilt, provide a window into the future of two young quarterbacks.
With that in mind, here are the five 'young quarterback' games I've circled after Wednesday night's schedule release.
It's beautiful, isn't it?
The 2025 NFL Schedule Grid - all 272 regular season games🏈 pic.twitter.com/PxdINX7h4d
— Jack Andrade (@RealJackAndrade) May 15, 2025
With each new year of revamped rosters and coaching staffs, the NFL schedule offers a fresh set of chances for revenge — and a fresh set of moments when someone will go home disappointed.
Playoff rematches lure competitive hype. Discarded players eagerly await the chance to show their former employers what they still have left in the tank. Every once in a while, even a coach is happy to show their ex-team: It wasn't me — it was you.
So as the NFL reveals its full 2025 schedule Wednesday night, we present Yahoo Sports' top 10 grudge matches of the coming season. Here's where you'll want to tune in for an extra dose of drama.
Here's a look at the full 2025 season schedule for each team in the NFC South.
🚨 OUR 50TH SEASON SCHEDULE IS HERE 🚨 pic.twitter.com/XSrodNCFCK
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) May 15, 2025
All systems go 🔥https://t.co/EO2s3OmA9T pic.twitter.com/8BZsBsypGF
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 15, 2025
The wait is finally over@MillerLite pic.twitter.com/kxYAStZO9P
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) May 15, 2025
2025 Saints Schedule 🏈#Saints | @SeatGeek pic.twitter.com/HEW42htFGJ
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 15, 2025
Here's a look at the full 2025 season schedule for each team in the NFC North.
For immediate release: pic.twitter.com/cXC10lLZs2
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 15, 2025
Detroit, we love you@Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/PWAZHxMTCS
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 15, 2025
Full 2025 Packers schedule: pic.twitter.com/xBsBxSBX0y
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) May 15, 2025
Ready for what's in front of us.#Skol🎟️: https://t.co/3vtoWqFhAT pic.twitter.com/w4R3mFTQHY
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 15, 2025
Here's a look at the full 2025 season schedule for each team in the NFC West.
Saddle up, Faithful. It's go time.@Ticketmaster | #FTTB pic.twitter.com/p8naBCB8uA
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) May 15, 2025
Our official 50th Season schedule. 🚨🎟️ https://t.co/FLbcSFU4Vk | @Delta pic.twitter.com/qUZDoJ7HLt
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) May 15, 2025
Wondering what the hype about? Come around and find out. pic.twitter.com/gWbYHYdKsx
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 15, 2025
To whom it may concern, we will not be available on any of the following dates in 2025.🎟️ https://t.co/ScVt3PUKfb | 📺 NFLN, 5/14 5PM pic.twitter.com/34Moe7AaA6
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 15, 2025
Here's a look at the full 2025 season schedule for each team in the NFC East.
gearin' up for game days 🤠🎟️ Limited single game tickets on sale now: https://t.co/FCzHg3KRmU#DallasCowboys | @SeatGeek pic.twitter.com/afFvgTFFVY
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) May 15, 2025
It's (officially) here. Our 2025 Schedule‼️@Ticketmaster | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/w51YkEg4Xn
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 15, 2025
Repeat after us: Anybody, Anywhere, Anytime🎟️ https://t.co/aSQQqWGJdw | @SeatGeek | 📺 @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/twythO5lXt
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 15, 2025
OUR 2025 SCHEDULE!! pic.twitter.com/cWi1YX4jGt
— New York Giants (@Giants) May 15, 2025
Here's a look at the full 2025 season schedule for each team in the AFC North.
OUR 2025 SCHEDULE‼️ @laurelhighlands 📝: https://t.co/aWstINO7Iy pic.twitter.com/zAx1k5pFuw
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 15, 2025
your fall/winter plans have been madebuy 🎟️ now » https://t.co/srtwKwIuVo pic.twitter.com/Z0wsyQpkBQ
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 15, 2025
The 2025 schedule is available upon request.🎟: https://t.co/nazkH256vZ pic.twitter.com/B3mFgoRw4G
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 15, 2025
Stripes. Camera. Action. 🎬#WhoDey | 🎟️: https://t.co/KeJFObdbEs pic.twitter.com/sRjjjfXZZW
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) May 15, 2025
Here's a look at the full 2025 season schedule for each team in the AFC East.
𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄‼️https://t.co/v8vL05zdhf | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/F77HDrBOlt
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) May 15, 2025
Your 2025 Jets schedule 👏See you at MetLife ➡️ https://t.co/rxJ1DzR53i pic.twitter.com/ITMt5uZkES
— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 15, 2025
For Immediate Release pic.twitter.com/bcxYRZE2da
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 15, 2025
No spirit can outlast the one that's building beneath the surface.Our 2025 schedule is here 🐬😤 pic.twitter.com/QDkteHcGQi
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 15, 2025
Here's a look at the full 2025 season schedule for each team in the AFC South.
GET READY FOR THE SHOW 🍿 pic.twitter.com/hRVqP1CIjq
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) May 15, 2025
The 2025 Tennessee Titans Schedule presented by @SeatGeek‼️Get your tickets NOW » https://t.co/WSm93J9Lw5 pic.twitter.com/g86wkQtKIQ
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) May 15, 2025
You can lie, but your routine won't.@Dream_Finders | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/1peAVNH0iL
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) May 15, 2025
Our 2025 schedule. 🗓️ pic.twitter.com/4msGs3MChX
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 15, 2025
While it was already known the Chargers were playing in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Friday, Sept. 5, the opponent hadn't been officially announced.
Now we know: it's Chiefs vs. Chargers in an AFC West battle, streamed on YouTube.
free. on. youtube. pic.twitter.com/wtVLSih6As
— YouTube (@YouTube) May 14, 2025
How is each NFL team's 17-game schedule put together?
It takes a complicated formula that incorporates division opponents, matchups against another in-conference division, additional games against an out-of-conference division and then in-conference and inter-conference opponents determined by that team's record.
The NFL showed its work in a quick clip on social media:
An in-depth analysis of how the NFL schedule is created 🔥📺: NFL Schedule Release — TONIGHT 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN2📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/FHNYqQq17Z
— NFL (@NFL) May 14, 2025
The Chargers stand out every year for their anime-based schedule release videos. But many fans still point to two years ago and the Tennessee Titans' video in which they showed NFL logos to people visiting downtown Nashville and walking along Broadway as the standard.
Note: This clip is from 2023 and is not the Titans' schedule release for 2025.
We asked people on Broadway to help us with our 2023 schedule release. 🤣📺: 2023 Schedule Release on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/31LsUUDn3O
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) May 12, 2023
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell got into the Christmas spirit to announce Netflix's two Christmas Day games, donning a Santa Claus suit at the streamer's upfronts presentation.
No beard or hat, though, which could call the commish's commitment to the bit into question.
NFL chief Roger Goodell dons a silly Santa suit to announce Netflix's Xmas games, Cowboys-Commanders and Lions-Vikings. pic.twitter.com/42Wrpeg3aR
— Gary Levin (@GaryMLevin) May 14, 2025
For the second straight year, the league will hold multiple Christmas Day matchups. Netflix will exclusively stream Cowboys at Commanders and Vikings and Lions, followed by the previously announced Broncos at Chiefs game on Amazon Prime.
Here's an early Christmas gift: the NFL is LIVE on Netflix!Thursday December 25 Cowboys vs. Commanders at 1 PM ET Lions vs. Vikings at 4:30 PM ET pic.twitter.com/DjhnV3yAfA
— Netflix (@netflix) May 14, 2025
The NFL's annual schedule release is fun because everyone wants to see key matchups or maybe a road trip for their favorite teams.
When teams play certain opponents matters, but probably not as much as the strength of schedule itself.
The NFL doesn't have a balanced schedule and some teams will benefit from having an easier path. The Washington Commanders had the second-easiest schedule in the NFL last season. They went 12-5, piling up 11 wins over teams that did not make the playoffs last season. Washington had a fun, tremendous season, but it obviously benefited from the schedule. The schedule gets tougher this season for the Commanders.
The San Francisco 49ers had the opposite experience. They had the toughest schedule last season. There were many reasons, such as injuries, the 49ers went 6-11. But the NFL's hardest schedule was a factor too. Of the teams with the six-toughest schedules last season — 49ers, Bears, Giants, Raiders, Browns and Cardinals — none made the playoffs. The schedule gets much, much easier for the 49ers this season.
Trying to predict strength of schedule is inexact. Teams have changed since last season and will be better or worse than expected once the season starts. But here is the strength of schedule for the 2025 season, based on the total win percentage of their opponents in 2024:
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is taking on a new role ahead of the 2025 NFL season: Breaking-news reporter. For his first major scoop, Kelce revealed where the Chiefs would open the regular season.
Kelce confirmed the Chiefs will play against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil in Week 1. He made the announcement on the "New Heights" podcast, though may have jumped the gun in putting the news out there.
Early in the episode, Travis and his brother, retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, were talking about rumors the Chiefs were opening the season in Brazil. Travis was careful to talk around the issue initially, but finally stopped the charade.
"This doesn't come out until Wednesday?" Kelce asked. "Yeah, we're definitely playing in Brazil. I also heard those rumors."
Travis' comment drew laughs from everyone in the studio.
He then went into more detail on playing in Brazil, and it doesn't sound like he's super pumped about the idea.
"I'll be there playing football in the f***ing heat." He continued, "There's just something about getting closer to the equator that I don't want to put on a football uniform doing that. I've been in Jacksonville in September and that's f***ing miserable."
He later added, "If it's humid, I'm going to be miserable."
NFL players prepare for the Super Bowl. NFL social-media teams prepare for schedule release day.
What was once a straight-forward day of revealing when and where teams will be playing each week has turned into a 32-team battle royale to go viral on social media, with production values increasing every year. The competition is fierce.
Wednesday's schedule release day was no different, though some teams tried harder than others. Some teams released television parodies longer than five minutes. Some just let their players have fun. The Cincinnati Bengals pretended like they were too cool for any of it.
Here are this year's standouts.
Welcome to ATL Kart! pic.twitter.com/moDDimA2db
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 15, 2025
The three NFL teams that got the most standalone games are a curious mix.
The league leaders, at eight standalone games each (barring games being flexed): Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL's current dynasty, Washington Commanders coming off a breakthrough season with exciting young star Jayden Daniels, and the Dallas Cowboys, the league's biggest brand. A 7-10 Cowboys season didn't dissuade the league from putting it on prime time and other exclusive windows.
One proven contender, one potential contender, and a team whose popularity doesn't wane despite its record.
When the NFL puts together its regular season schedule, which was released Wednesday evening, an easy way to gauge which teams the league considers its most popular draws is by looking at standalone games: prime time games on Thursday, Sunday and Monday nights, international games, holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas and a late-season Saturday doubleheader for Fox (there will also be games on the Saturday of Week 17 that will be scheduled late in the season).
Some things, like the perception of the long-suffering Commanders, have changed. Other things stayed the same.
Read more here.
should we REALLY make our schedule release video in minecraft?yes yes yesyesyesyes yes yes yesyes yes yes yes yesyes yesyes yes yesyes yesye yes yesyes yes yesyes pic.twitter.com/gxk31Dql5L
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) May 15, 2025
One year ago at this time, it was one of the easiest games to circle on the schedule and know that as a fan of young quarterbacks, you were going to want to see it: Week 8, Chicago Bears at the Washington Commanders — pitting the No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams, against the No. 2 overall pick, Jayden Daniels.
Little did we know that game would change the trajectories of both franchises, with Daniels throwing a game-winning Hail Mary. Neither team was the same after that moment. The Commanders became a collective that believed it was never out of any game, finishing 12-5 and flying all the way into the NFC championship game. The Bears? They went into that matchup sitting at 4-2 and coming off what would be Williams' best game of the season in a 35-16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. But when Daniels broke them with that Hail Mary, it triggered a 10-game losing streak that would end with the coaching staff being swept out the door.
It's time.⏰ 2025 Schedule Release pic.twitter.com/EKyCNlCk3Q
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 15, 2025
That Week 8 game is the stuff that makes the schedule release such an exciting event. It gives everyone an opportunity to circle the games that could end up making or breaking seasons. Or in the case of that Bears-Commanders tilt, provide a window into the future of two young quarterbacks.
With that in mind, here are the five 'young quarterback' games I've circled after Wednesday night's schedule release.
It's beautiful, isn't it?
The 2025 NFL Schedule Grid - all 272 regular season games🏈 pic.twitter.com/PxdINX7h4d
— Jack Andrade (@RealJackAndrade) May 15, 2025
With each new year of revamped rosters and coaching staffs, the NFL schedule offers a fresh set of chances for revenge — and a fresh set of moments when someone will go home disappointed.
Playoff rematches lure competitive hype. Discarded players eagerly await the chance to show their former employers what they still have left in the tank. Every once in a while, even a coach is happy to show their ex-team: It wasn't me — it was you.
So as the NFL reveals its full 2025 schedule Wednesday night, we present Yahoo Sports' top 10 grudge matches of the coming season. Here's where you'll want to tune in for an extra dose of drama.
Here's a look at the full 2025 season schedule for each team in the NFC South.
🚨 OUR 50TH SEASON SCHEDULE IS HERE 🚨 pic.twitter.com/XSrodNCFCK
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) May 15, 2025
All systems go 🔥https://t.co/EO2s3OmA9T pic.twitter.com/8BZsBsypGF
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 15, 2025
The wait is finally over@MillerLite pic.twitter.com/kxYAStZO9P
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) May 15, 2025
2025 Saints Schedule 🏈#Saints | @SeatGeek pic.twitter.com/HEW42htFGJ
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 15, 2025
Here's a look at the full 2025 season schedule for each team in the NFC North.
For immediate release: pic.twitter.com/cXC10lLZs2
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 15, 2025
Detroit, we love you@Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/PWAZHxMTCS
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 15, 2025
Full 2025 Packers schedule: pic.twitter.com/xBsBxSBX0y
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) May 15, 2025
Ready for what's in front of us.#Skol🎟️: https://t.co/3vtoWqFhAT pic.twitter.com/w4R3mFTQHY
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 15, 2025
Here's a look at the full 2025 season schedule for each team in the NFC West.
Saddle up, Faithful. It's go time.@Ticketmaster | #FTTB pic.twitter.com/p8naBCB8uA
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) May 15, 2025
Our official 50th Season schedule. 🚨🎟️ https://t.co/FLbcSFU4Vk | @Delta pic.twitter.com/qUZDoJ7HLt
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) May 15, 2025
Wondering what the hype about? Come around and find out. pic.twitter.com/gWbYHYdKsx
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 15, 2025
To whom it may concern, we will not be available on any of the following dates in 2025.🎟️ https://t.co/ScVt3PUKfb | 📺 NFLN, 5/14 5PM pic.twitter.com/34Moe7AaA6
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 15, 2025
Here's a look at the full 2025 season schedule for each team in the NFC East.
gearin' up for game days 🤠🎟️ Limited single game tickets on sale now: https://t.co/FCzHg3KRmU#DallasCowboys | @SeatGeek pic.twitter.com/afFvgTFFVY
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) May 15, 2025
It's (officially) here. Our 2025 Schedule‼️@Ticketmaster | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/w51YkEg4Xn
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 15, 2025
Repeat after us: Anybody, Anywhere, Anytime🎟️ https://t.co/aSQQqWGJdw | @SeatGeek | 📺 @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/twythO5lXt
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 15, 2025
OUR 2025 SCHEDULE!! pic.twitter.com/cWi1YX4jGt
— New York Giants (@Giants) May 15, 2025
Here's a look at the full 2025 season schedule for each team in the AFC North.
OUR 2025 SCHEDULE‼️ @laurelhighlands 📝: https://t.co/aWstINO7Iy pic.twitter.com/zAx1k5pFuw
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 15, 2025
your fall/winter plans have been madebuy 🎟️ now » https://t.co/srtwKwIuVo pic.twitter.com/Z0wsyQpkBQ
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 15, 2025
The 2025 schedule is available upon request.🎟: https://t.co/nazkH256vZ pic.twitter.com/B3mFgoRw4G
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 15, 2025
Stripes. Camera. Action. 🎬#WhoDey | 🎟️: https://t.co/KeJFObdbEs pic.twitter.com/sRjjjfXZZW
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) May 15, 2025
Here's a look at the full 2025 season schedule for each team in the AFC East.
𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄‼️https://t.co/v8vL05zdhf | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/F77HDrBOlt
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) May 15, 2025
Your 2025 Jets schedule 👏See you at MetLife ➡️ https://t.co/rxJ1DzR53i pic.twitter.com/ITMt5uZkES
— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 15, 2025
For Immediate Release pic.twitter.com/bcxYRZE2da
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 15, 2025
No spirit can outlast the one that's building beneath the surface.Our 2025 schedule is here 🐬😤 pic.twitter.com/QDkteHcGQi
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 15, 2025
Here's a look at the full 2025 season schedule for each team in the AFC South.
GET READY FOR THE SHOW 🍿 pic.twitter.com/hRVqP1CIjq
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) May 15, 2025
The 2025 Tennessee Titans Schedule presented by @SeatGeek‼️Get your tickets NOW » https://t.co/WSm93J9Lw5 pic.twitter.com/g86wkQtKIQ
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) May 15, 2025
You can lie, but your routine won't.@Dream_Finders | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/1peAVNH0iL
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) May 15, 2025
Our 2025 schedule. 🗓️ pic.twitter.com/4msGs3MChX
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 15, 2025
While it was already known the Chargers were playing in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Friday, Sept. 5, the opponent hadn't been officially announced.
Now we know: it's Chiefs vs. Chargers in an AFC West battle, streamed on YouTube.
free. on. youtube. pic.twitter.com/wtVLSih6As
— YouTube (@YouTube) May 14, 2025
How is each NFL team's 17-game schedule put together?
It takes a complicated formula that incorporates division opponents, matchups against another in-conference division, additional games against an out-of-conference division and then in-conference and inter-conference opponents determined by that team's record.
The NFL showed its work in a quick clip on social media:
An in-depth analysis of how the NFL schedule is created 🔥📺: NFL Schedule Release — TONIGHT 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN2📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/FHNYqQq17Z
— NFL (@NFL) May 14, 2025
The Chargers stand out every year for their anime-based schedule release videos. But many fans still point to two years ago and the Tennessee Titans' video in which they showed NFL logos to people visiting downtown Nashville and walking along Broadway as the standard.
Note: This clip is from 2023 and is not the Titans' schedule release for 2025.
We asked people on Broadway to help us with our 2023 schedule release. 🤣📺: 2023 Schedule Release on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/31LsUUDn3O
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) May 12, 2023
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell got into the Christmas spirit to announce Netflix's two Christmas Day games, donning a Santa Claus suit at the streamer's upfronts presentation.
No beard or hat, though, which could call the commish's commitment to the bit into question.
NFL chief Roger Goodell dons a silly Santa suit to announce Netflix's Xmas games, Cowboys-Commanders and Lions-Vikings. pic.twitter.com/42Wrpeg3aR
— Gary Levin (@GaryMLevin) May 14, 2025
For the second straight year, the league will hold multiple Christmas Day matchups. Netflix will exclusively stream Cowboys at Commanders and Vikings and Lions, followed by the previously announced Broncos at Chiefs game on Amazon Prime.
Here's an early Christmas gift: the NFL is LIVE on Netflix!Thursday December 25 Cowboys vs. Commanders at 1 PM ET Lions vs. Vikings at 4:30 PM ET pic.twitter.com/DjhnV3yAfA
— Netflix (@netflix) May 14, 2025
The NFL's annual schedule release is fun because everyone wants to see key matchups or maybe a road trip for their favorite teams.
When teams play certain opponents matters, but probably not as much as the strength of schedule itself.
The NFL doesn't have a balanced schedule and some teams will benefit from having an easier path. The Washington Commanders had the second-easiest schedule in the NFL last season. They went 12-5, piling up 11 wins over teams that did not make the playoffs last season. Washington had a fun, tremendous season, but it obviously benefited from the schedule. The schedule gets tougher this season for the Commanders.
The San Francisco 49ers had the opposite experience. They had the toughest schedule last season. There were many reasons, such as injuries, the 49ers went 6-11. But the NFL's hardest schedule was a factor too. Of the teams with the six-toughest schedules last season — 49ers, Bears, Giants, Raiders, Browns and Cardinals — none made the playoffs. The schedule gets much, much easier for the 49ers this season.
Trying to predict strength of schedule is inexact. Teams have changed since last season and will be better or worse than expected once the season starts. But here is the strength of schedule for the 2025 season, based on the total win percentage of their opponents in 2024:
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is taking on a new role ahead of the 2025 NFL season: Breaking-news reporter. For his first major scoop, Kelce revealed where the Chiefs would open the regular season.
Kelce confirmed the Chiefs will play against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil in Week 1. He made the announcement on the "New Heights" podcast, though may have jumped the gun in putting the news out there.
Early in the episode, Travis and his brother, retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, were talking about rumors the Chiefs were opening the season in Brazil. Travis was careful to talk around the issue initially, but finally stopped the charade.
"This doesn't come out until Wednesday?" Kelce asked. "Yeah, we're definitely playing in Brazil. I also heard those rumors."
Travis' comment drew laughs from everyone in the studio.
He then went into more detail on playing in Brazil, and it doesn't sound like he's super pumped about the idea.
"I'll be there playing football in the f***ing heat." He continued, "There's just something about getting closer to the equator that I don't want to put on a football uniform doing that. I've been in Jacksonville in September and that's f***ing miserable."
He later added, "If it's humid, I'm going to be miserable."