Table of Contents
Introduction
The 2025 NFL season promises to be one of the most exciting in league history. With a record number of international games, a Christmas Day triple-header, and the road to Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium, fans can expect a season packed with drama, rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Here’s everything you need to know about the NFL schedule 2025–26.
Key Dates of the NFL 2025 Season
- Season Kickoff: Thursday, September 4, 2025
- Regular Season Ends: Sunday, January 4, 2026
- Playoffs Begin: Saturday, January 10, 2026
- Super Bowl LX: Sunday, February 8, 2026 – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Each team will play 17 regular-season games across 18 weeks, with one bye week.
NFL Week 1 Highlights
- Season Opener: Defending Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys (Sept 4, NBC, 8:20 PM ET).
- First-Ever Brazil Game: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo (Sept 5, NFL+/YouTube).
- Sunday Showdowns (Sept 7): Rivalries include Packers vs. Lions and Ravens vs. Bills (Sunday Night Football).
- Monday Night Football: Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears (Sept 8).
International Games in 2025
The NFL sets a new record with seven international matchups across five countries:
- Brazil (São Paulo): Chiefs vs. Chargers (Sept 5)
- Ireland (Dublin): Vikings vs. Steelers (Sept 28)
- UK (London): Vikings vs. Browns (Oct 5), Jets vs. Broncos (Oct 12), Rams vs. Jaguars (Oct 19)
- Germany (Berlin): Falcons vs. Colts (Nov 9)
- Spain (Madrid): Commanders vs. Dolphins (Nov 16)
This is part of the NFL’s global expansion strategy, making the league more international than ever.
Special Holiday Games
- Thanksgiving Day (Nov 27, 2025):
- Packers vs. Lions (traditional early game)
- Chiefs vs. Cowboys (afternoon classic)
- Bengals vs. Ravens (primetime showdown)
- Christmas Day (Dec 25, 2025):
For the first time ever, fans get a Thursday triple-header:- Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Primetime)
These holiday matchups ensure fans have festive football action all day long.
Rule Changes for 2025
The NFL introduced several permanent rule adjustments:
- Kickoff moved back to the 35-yard line.
- Both teams guaranteed possession in overtime.
- Automated virtual chains for first-down measurements.
- Expanded use of replay reviews for critical plays.
These changes are designed to make the game safer and more competitive.
Broadcast & Streaming Options
Fans can watch across multiple platforms, including:
- NBC, FOX, CBS, ESPN, ABC (traditional TV)
- Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, NFL+, ESPN+, Paramount+ (streaming)
This wide coverage ensures global accessibility for the growing NFL fanbase.
Why the NFL Schedule 2025 Stands Out
- Global Reach: First time the NFL plays in five countries in a single season.
- Holiday Extravaganza: Unprecedented Christmas triple-header alongside the traditional Thanksgiving slate.
- Flex Scheduling: Games can be shifted into prime TV slots, ensuring fans always get the best matchups.
- Star Power: Anticipated battles like Eagles vs. Chiefs (Week 2) and new rookie debuts make this a must-watch season.
Conclusion
The NFL schedule 2025–26 sets the stage for a historic season filled with international expansion, holiday spectacles, and a clear path to Super Bowl LX in California. Whether you’re tuning in from the U.S. or abroad, this season is designed to keep fans engaged from kickoff in September to the Super Bowl in February.
Football is not just America’s game anymore—it’s going global. 🌍🏈