The 2025 NFL schedule release is still a ways off, likely to happen sometime in May 2025. While specific dates and matchups are impossible to predict accurately so far in advance, we can discuss the general structure and factors that will determine the schedule.
Schedule Structure: The NFL schedule consists of 17 regular season games and 3 preseason games for each of the 32 teams. This structure is expected to remain consistent for the 2025 season. Every team plays each of the other three teams in its own division twice (home and away). They also play one game against each team in another division within their conference, determined on a rotating basis. They’ll play one game against each team in a division within the other conference, also determined by rotation.
Finally, each team plays two games against teams from the other two divisions in their own conference based on where they finished in their division standings the previous season (2024). For example, if a team finishes first in its division, it will play the other two division winners in its conference who didn’t already appear on its schedule.
Key Dates and Considerations: While we can’t pinpoint the exact date of the schedule release, keep an eye on the NFL’s official website and social media channels around late April and early May of 2025. Rumors and potential leaks often surface in the weeks leading up to the official announcement, so staying informed can give you a head start on planning your season.
Several factors will influence the 2025 schedule: * 2024 Season Results: As mentioned earlier, the final standings of the 2024 season will determine some of the matchups. * Primetime Games: The NFL carefully curates primetime games (Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football) based on projected competitiveness and market appeal. Teams with star quarterbacks, exciting offenses, and strong rivalries are more likely to be featured. * International Games: The NFL continues to expand its global presence, and international games are a regular part of the schedule. Teams volunteering to play in locations like London, Germany, and Mexico City need to be factored in. The exact locations and teams are revealed ahead of the complete schedule release. * Bye Weeks: Each team receives one bye week during the regular season. The league attempts to stagger bye weeks to avoid having too many teams off at the same time. * Holiday Games: Thanksgiving Day always features a few high-profile games. The NFL is also increasingly scheduling games on Christmas Day, if it falls on a day other than Sunday.
How to Prepare: While you wait for the official schedule, you can start thinking about potential travel plans and which games you’d be most interested in attending. Consider the likely opponents based on the divisional rotations and previous season standings. Following your favorite team’s social media and reputable NFL news outlets will keep you informed of any schedule-related rumors or announcements as they emerge. Remember that the actual schedule is a complex puzzle, and numerous factors go into its creation, so patience is key until the official release.