As we inch closer to the start of the 2025 NFL season, tonight marked another key event on the league calendar: the release of the full season schedule. At 8 p.m. on Wednesday evening, teams across the league learned the order of their 2025 matchups.
The Cleveland Browns already knew their home and away opponents for the upcoming season, but the order of games was still unknown—until now. With the full schedule revealed, it’s clear the Browns face a tough road ahead following a rough 2024 campaign.
At this point, it’s hard to predict what Cleveland’s quarterback situation will look like throughout the season. However, the timing of the BYE week—falling near the midway point—might offer a clue as to when a change under center could occur. I predict the Browns will end up playing at least three quarterbacks this year: Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and a rookie.
Browns’ 2025 Schedule
- Week 1: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Sunday, Sept. 7, 1 p.m.)
- Week 2: at Baltimore Ravens (Sunday, Sept. 14, 1 p.m.)
- Week 3: vs. Green Bay Packers (Sunday, Sept. 21, 1 p.m.)
- Week 4: at Detroit Lions (Sunday, Sept. 28, 1 p.m.)
- Week 5: vs. Minnesota Vikings (London) (Sunday, Oct. 5, 9:30 a.m.)
- Week 6: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday, Oct. 12, 1 p.m.)
- Week 7: vs. Miami Dolphins (Sunday, Oct. 19, 1 p.m.)
- Week 8: at New England Patriots (Sunday, Oct. 26, 1 p.m.)
- Week 9: BYE (Sunday, Nov. 2)
- Week 10: vs. New York Jets (Sunday, Nov. 9, 1 p.m.)
- Week 11: vs. Baltimore Ravens (Sunday, Nov. 16, 4:25 p.m.)
- Week 12: at Las Vegas Raiders (Sunday, Nov. 23, 4:05 p.m.)
- Week 13: vs. San Francisco 49ers (Sunday, Nov. 30)
- Week 14: vs. Tennessee Titans (Sunday, Dec. 7, 1 p.m. )
- Week 15: at Chicago Bears (Sunday, Dec. 14, 1 p.m.)
- Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills (Sunday, Dec. 21, 1 p.m.)
- Week 17: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday, Dec. 28 1 p.m.)
- Week 18: at Cincinnati Bengals (TBD)
Biggest games for Cleveland during the 2025 season
All AFC North games: The Browns aren’t going to be competing for the division this year but they need to be more competitive against it. Finding a way to split against each team would be best case scenario for the Browns. Cleveland may be able to play spoiler late.
Browns vs. Titans: A matchup with the No. 1 overall pick is a game the Browns will want to have their defensive front at its best. Cleveland had a lot of interest in Cam Ward but knew Tennessee was taking him. This one should be fun.
Browns at Raiders: Cleveland has struggled in recent memory against the Raiders and they’ll go on the road for this one. I’m interested to see how Kevin Stefanski’s team does in this one when they play. Another winnable game for the Browns.
Which games will be primetime viewing and which ones will be streamed?
There are no scheduled primetime games for Cleveland. The NFL knows it is going to be a rough season for the Browns.
Strength of Schedule (based off Vegas win totals, not 2024 record)
Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis does this cool thing every year where he ranks teams' strength of schedule based off Vegas' projected win totals for the upcoming season. He doesn't base it off the standard last-year's-record model and it makes a lot more sense, because of all the change teams go through during the offseason.
Sharp has the Browns SOS as the second hardest in the NFL at No. 31. A tough spot to be in for a team that won three games last season.
5 Must-watch Matchups
Ja’Marr Chase vs. Denzel Ward: Every time these two teams play there is a matchup to watch out on the boundary. Chase was strong against the Browns last year but they’ve consistently held him in check throughout his career. Two of the best at their position going at it is always fun.
Browns cornerbacks vs. Elijah Moore: Cleveland will see a familiar face when they play the Bills this season. The Browns were interested in bringing Moore back but he ended up signing with Buffalo. Now, the Browns face him after he spent two seasons with the team.
Ashton Jeanty vs. new-look front in Cleveland: The addition of Mason Graham will be needed in a game like this one. I’m interested to see how Jeanty does as a rookie and the Browns never play well against the Raiders it seems. This matchup caught my eye.
Kevin Stefanski vs. the Vikings: The trip to London will be a chance for Stefanski to take on his old team. Can he grab a win over Minnesota, who will be favorites big time likely.
Quinshon Judkins vs. TreVeyon Henderson: When the Browns and Patriots meet this season it’ll be a battle between Ohio State’s two running backs from last season. Two different styles of running backs that have a real chance to shine in the NFL. I can’t wait to see who is better in the head-to-head.
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