Panthers' NFC South rival takes huge blow with 2025 NFL schedule release

The Carolina Panthers got their first look at the 2025 schedule on Wednesday night. While the team faces a few key matchups with three of the first four on the road, it's a decent set of games.

However, the Panthers have better luck than one of their NFL South rivals. The New Orleans Saints' 2025 schedule features no prime time games, marking the first time since 2000 that they will not play at night, unless the NFL chooses to flex them later in the season. There were several reasons to put the Saints in a big-time TV slot during the Sean Payton era, but that seems like another lifetime ago.

The Saints will ease into the season with first-year head coach Kellen Moore. A friendly pair of home contests with the Cardinals and 49ers comes right off the bat. From there, it's going to be a tough ride. A near coast-to-coast road trip to Seattle and Buffalo starts in Week 3. The Saints don't play a division opponent until hosting the Buccaneers in Week 8.

Carolina will host New Orleans in Week 10. The November 9th matchup comes before a two-game road stand against the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers. The Panthers and Saints will meet again in Week 15 on Dec. 14.