The Ultimate Guide to the 2025 NFL Schedule
Get ready for the 2025 NFL schedule-and-key-statistics/”>season–preview-roster-breakdown-schedule-and-bold-predictions/”>season! This comprehensive ultimate–guide-to-nfl-games-schedules-channels-and-streaming-options-for-every-week/”>ultimate–guide-to-the-ncaa-football-schedule-week-by-week-dates-tv-times-and-how-to-track-results-this-season/”>guide covers everything you need to know about the upcoming schedule, from release dates and week-by-week matchups to prime-time games and the best ways to watch. We’ll break down the details to make sure you don’t miss a single down.
Release Dates and Key Information
The official 2025 NFL schedule is anticipated to be released in late May 2025, with the finalization expected by mid-May. Several reputable sources, including Bleacher Report and the Democrat & Chronicle, support this timeframe. We will provide updates as soon as the official date is confirmed.
Key Dates:
- Finalization: Mid-May 2025
- Anticipated Release: Late May 2025 (May 7-14, 2025)
This article will be updated regularly with the latest information. You can trust the accuracy of our reporting due to our commitment to editorial integrity and sourcing from verified news outlets such as USA today.
Week 1: A Detailed Look
Week 1 kicks off with a thrilling Sunday slate, culminating in the highly anticipated Sunday and Monday Night Football games. Here’s a breakdown of the kickoff times and networks:
| Window | Kickoff (ET) | Typical Network Assignment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:00 PM ET Window (early Sunday) | 1:00 PM | CBS or FOX (varies by matchup) | Regional slates; AFC games often on CBS, NFC on FOX in many markets |
| 4:25 PM ET Window (late Sunday) | 4:25 PM | CBS or FOX (varies by matchup) | Second national slate; networks split based on game assignments |
| Sunday Night Football | 8:20 PM | NBC | Marquee primetime matchup to cap Sunday |
| Monday Night Football | 8:15 PM | ESPN | Season kickoff for MNF in primetime |
Local Kickoff Times:
| Market | Local Kickoff (1:00 PM ET window) | Local Kickoff (4:25 PM ET window) |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY (ET) | 1:00 PM | 4:25 PM |
| Chicago, IL (CT) | 12:00 PM | 3:25 PM |
| Dallas, TX (CT) | 12:00 PM | 3:25 PM |
| Denver, CO (MT) | 11:00 AM | 2:25 PM |
| Seattle, WA (PT) | 10:00 AM | 1:25 PM |
| Los Angeles, CA (PT) | 10:00 AM | 1:25 PM |
| Miami, FL (ET) | 1:00 PM | 4:25 PM |
| Atlanta, GA (ET) | 1:00 PM | 4:25 PM |
Note: No international games are currently scheduled for Week 1.
To stay updated on the latest schedule information, bookmark this page! Exact network assignments for CBS and FOX games can change, but the general structure remains the same.
Week-by-Week Schedule Template (Weeks 1-18)
Use this template to track your favorite teams throughout the season:
| Week X — Matchups, times, and networks | Matchup (Away @ Home) | Kickoff ET | Local Kickoff | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Away Team] @ [Home Team] | [Kickoff ET] | [Local Time] | [Network] | |
| [Away Team] @ [Home Team] | [Kickoff ET] | [Local Time] | [Network] |
Tip: Copy and paste this table for each week, filling in the appropriate details.
Prime-Time Highlights
Sunday Night Football (SNF): [Matchup] — Kickoff ET [Time]
Monday Night Football (MNF): [Matchup] — Kickoff ET [Time]
Thursday Night Football (TNF): [Matchup] — Kickoff ET [Time]
Bye Weeks and International Games
Keep track of bye weeks and international games below:
| Bye Weeks | Team | Bye Week |
|---|---|---|
| [Team] | [Week] |
| International / Special Games | Date | Location | Teams | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Date] | [Location] | [Teams] | [Broadcast] |
Time Zone Strategy
Kickoff times are displayed in Eastern Time (ET) by default. A local time toggle is available for each game. Here is a quick reference chart:
| ET Kickoff Time | Central Time (CT) | Mountain Time (MT) | Pacific Time (PT) | Major local markets (examples) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM CT | 11:00 AM MT | 10:00 AM PT | CT examples: Chicago, Dallas; MT examples: Denver, Salt Lake City; PT examples: Los Angeles, Seattle; ET examples: New York, Atlanta, Miami |
| 4:25 PM ET | 3:25 PM CT | 2:25 PM MT | 1:25 PM PT | CT: Chicago, Dallas; MT: Denver; PT: Los Angeles, Seattle; ET: New York, Atlanta |
| 8:20 PM ET (prime/SNF) | 7:20 PM CT | 6:20 PM MT | 5:20 PM PT | CT: Chicago; MT: Denver; PT: Los Angeles; ET: New York |
Remember that Daylight Saving Time (DST) and late-season flex scheduling can impact kickoff times.
Viewing Options
Here are several ways to watch the games:
Traditional Broadcast
Watch on CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN through cable or satellite.
Streaming Options
- NFL+: Live local and primetime games on mobile devices.
- YouTube Sunday Ticket: Out-of-market games across devices.
- YouTube TV bundles: May include local networks.
International Platforms
Availability varies by country. Check your local provider for information.
Pros and Cons of Each Viewing Method
| Viewing Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Cable/Satellite | Broad coverage, local access | High cost, less flexibility |
| NFL+ Streaming | Mobile-first, near-universal access to in-market streams | May not include all games or full regional coverage |
| YouTube Sunday Ticket/YouTube TV Bundles | Wide access to out-of-market games | Platform-specific requirements and potential regional restrictions. |
| International Viewing | Regional access | Varying blackout rules and language options |
Recommendation: Combine NFL+ for mobile access and YouTube for broader out-of-market coverage; supplement with local broadcasts for in-market games when traveling.
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