Takeaways from 2025 NFL schedule news: TV executives still love the Cowboys, Chiefs

The NFL releases its schedule on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network and ESPN. However, some games have already been leaked. Here's a list of these matchups and some takeaways:

Thursday, Sept. 4

- Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock), per NBC Sports' Mike Tirico

Friday, Sept. 5

- Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers, TBD, Sao Paulo, Brazil (YouTube), per Front Office Sports' Eric Fisher

Sunday, Nov. 16 

- Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins, Madrid TBD, per Diario AS (h/t the Palm Beach Post's Hal Habib). 

Friday, Nov. 28

- Chicago Bears at Eagles, TBD (Amazon Prime)

Saturday, Dec. 20 

- Eagles at Commanders, TBD (Fox)

- Green Bay Packers at Bears, TBD (Fox)

Thursday, Dec. 25

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs, TBD (Amazon Prime)

TV executives still love the Cowboys

The Cowboys seem outmatched in Week 1 against the reigning Super Bowl champions. Dallas went 7-10 last season, missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 season.

This offseason, they fired head coach Mike McCarthy and replaced him with Brian Schottenheimer, who has no head-coaching experience. 

Even then, the league thinks featuring the Cowboys in an early prime-time matchup will keep TV networks happy, a testament to the team's brand power. 

Regardless, Dallas could be in store for an early loss against the Eagles. NFL.com's Nick Shook states that defending Super Bowl champions are 20-5 in Week 1 since the 2000 season. 

The only team TV executives may love more than the Cowboys are the Chiefs

Have the Chiefs, who have won two Super Bowls over the past three seasons, supplanted the Cowboys as the league's most popular team? 

Their 27-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens last season set an NFL Kickoff Game ratings record with an average audience of 28.9 million viewers, via Sports Media Watch's Jon Lewis.

According to Nielsen, Kansas City's 40-22 loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX drew an average audience of 127.7 million viewers, the largest for a Super Bowl.   

ToThechedule makers have already slated the Chiefs for two massive matchups.  to capitalize on their booming popularityExpect Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes and Co. to be in more high-profile games when the full schedule drops.

The league may be promoting one young QB

During his rookie season, Commanders QB Jayden Daniels shattered expectations. The 24-year-old tied for 10th in the league in touchdown passes (25 in 17 starts), leading Washington to its first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1991. 

The 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year could be poised to take another leap this upcoming season. As of Monday, FanDuel Sportsbook gives him the fifth-best odds (+850) to win MVP. 

The league may want to showcase the budding star to a larger audience, which is why he's being featured in bigger matchups this season. 

Despite the increased pressure, don't expect him to fizzle. In a story published May 6, he told Yahoo Sports' Jori Epstein he has been watching film throughout the offseason to eliminate his bad habits, even though he likely has few.

The league may be aiming to grow its international fan base 

In February, Commissioner Roger Goodell said he's open to an international Super Bowl. To increase global interest in the NFL, he's sending more games overseas. 

The Dolphins will reportedly play the Commanders at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on Nov. 16. The Chiefs and Chargers, meanwhile, will reportedly play in the second game in Sao Paulo, Brazil. 

It's worth noting these are some of the better teams in the NFL, as three made the playoffs last season. 

These won't be the only international games this upcoming season. According to Jacob Camenker and Ayrton Ostly of USA Today, the league is expected to hold five more international games in three different countries (Germany, Ireland and England).