Prepare your calendars and ready the popcorn because the NFL schedule rollout is imminent. This week, football fans are buzzing with anticipation as the league’s broadcast partners kick off the excitement by unveiling select games on Monday. Come Wednesday night, the full schedule will be officially revealed. The fervor for football runs so deep that the release event itself is a three-hour, prime-time spectacle broadcasted on the NFL Network.
Although teams have been aware of their 2025 opponents since the end of last season, the specifics about dates and times have yet to be disclosed. Adding to the excitement, this year’s schedule will include seven international games spread across five diverse countries. England will host three of these clashes while Germany, Brazil, Spain, and Ireland each get their moment in the spotlight as they welcomes their first-ever NFL games.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, and Cleveland Browns are gearing up as the home teams for the games in London, while the Indianapolis Colts are set to play in Berlin, the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin. Amongst these international and domestic games, a spectacular triple-header on Christmas Day stands as a key highlight.
Football’s return brings with it a slew of highly anticipated matchups this season. One standout is the Super Bowl rematch between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Following a stunning performance by Jalen Hurts, who was awarded MVP earlier this year during their last encounter, fans will eagerly watch if the Chiefs can avenge their loss.
Additionally, the burgeoning rivalry between the Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills sees another chapter, with Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen once again dueling in Buffalo. Despite the Bills having bested the Chiefs consecutively in the regular season over the past few years, Kansas City has had the upper hand in playoff clashes.
Intriguing personnel narratives spice up the schedule, such as former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson leading the Chicago Bears against his old Detroit team. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers could face his past with the Jets if he joins the Steelers. Having felt slighted previously by the Jets’ management, Rodgers may have something to prove on the field.
Elsewhere, new Patriots coach Mike Vrabel will face off against his former team, the Tennessee Titans, where fans may reminisce about his tenure as Coach of the Year back in 2021. The Eagles will lock horns with the Lions, a matchup that many anticipated as last year’s NFC championship battle.
In addition, Lamar Jackson will aim to improve his record against Mahomes when the Ravens meet the Chiefs, and young quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels will renew their on-field rivalry when the Bears battle the Commanders.
Interestingly, Sam Darnold will return to battle when his current team, the Seattle Seahawks, takes the field against his former squad, the Minnesota Vikings. Finally, last season’s playoff nail-biter between the Rams and Eagles will see a new chapter in Philadelphia’s drive for supremacy.
No doubt, the upcoming NFL season and its eclectic mix of international games and tantalizing matchups will captivate and entertain fans across the globe as football reclaims its throne in our sporting consciousness.