NFL Schedule Release 2025: What We Know and What to Expect
The NFL schedule release is one of the most anticipated events of the offseason. We already know who plays who — the opponents are determined by a formula — but we don't know when. The schedule release tells us the dates, times, and TV assignments for all 272 regular-season games. Here's what to expect.
When does the schedule come out?
The NFL typically releases the full schedule in mid-May, usually on a Wednesday evening. The exact date for 2025 hasn't been announced yet, but expect it around May 14-15. The NFL makes a big event out of it — there's a prime-time show on NFL Network, and teams release their schedules simultaneously on social media.
Before the full release, the NFL announces a few games early: the season opener (usually on a Thursday night), the international games (London, Germany, Brazil), and the Thanksgiving games. These are typically announced in April.
What we already know: the opponents
The NFL schedule formula is straightforward. Each team plays:
- 6 games against divisional opponents (home and away vs. each)
- 4 games against a division from the same conference
- 4 games against a division from the other conference
- 2 games against same-conference teams that finished in the same position in their division
- 1 game against an other-conference team that finished in the same position
This means we know all 17 opponents for every team. What we don't know is the order, the dates, and the TV windows.
Prime-time games to watch for
The NFL assigns prime-time games based on market size, team quality, and storylines. Here are the matchups most likely to get prime-time slots:
Chiefs vs. Bills: The best rivalry in the NFL right now. This will be a Sunday Night Football game, guaranteed.
Cowboys vs. Eagles: NFC East rivalry, huge markets, always gets prime time.
49ers vs. Rams: NFC West rivalry with playoff implications. Likely a Thursday or Monday night game.
Lions vs. Packers: The Lions are the new darlings of the NFL, and this rivalry has been revitalized. Expect at least one prime-time game.
Ravens vs. Bengals: AFC North is always physical, and this matchup has been great in recent years.
International games
The NFL is expanding its international presence. In 2025, expect 5 games in London (at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley), 1 game in Germany (Frankfurt or Munich), and 1 game in Brazil (São Paulo). The Jaguars will play in London as usual, and the other teams will be announced in April.
The flex scheduling factor
One thing to remember: the schedule isn't set in stone. Starting in Week 5, the NFL can flex games into or out of prime-time windows. If a game that was supposed to be a marquee matchup turns out to be between two bad teams, the NFL can move it to an earlier time slot and replace it with a better game.
This means the late-season schedule is fluid. The games you see in May might not be the games you watch in December. The NFL wants the best matchups in the best time slots, and flex scheduling gives them the flexibility to make that happen.
How to find your team's schedule
Once the schedule is released, you can find it on NFL.com, the NFL app, or your team's official website. Most teams also release creative schedule announcement videos on social media — these have become a competition among teams, and some of them are genuinely hilarious.
For the best experience, follow your team on Twitter/X and turn on notifications. They'll post the schedule the moment it drops, along with ticket information and key dates.