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NFL schedule release FAQ: Date, how to watch, potential foes for Eagles in opener
Get your planners ready. The 2025 NFL schedule will be released soon, giving fans a chance to plot their fall itineraries. Ahead of the big day, here are questions (and answers) to get you prepared.
1. When will the 2025 schedule be released? How can I watch it?
During the 2025 NFL Draft, the league announced the date for the schedule announcement: Wednesday, May 14. The NFL loves to make a spectacle out of everything.
ESPN2 and NFL Network will cover the schedule reveal with separate broadcasts beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
2. Who do teams play?
Every team already knows its 2025 opponents.
Teams play division opponents twice, making up six of the 17 games. They also play all four teams from two other divisions — one AFC, one NFC — bringing us to 14. The final three opponents are dependent on where each team finished in its division the previous season. They include two intraconference and one rotating interconference game.
Here's a quick refresher of who each division plays (Note: Asterisk is for the division with one opponent):
• AFC East (AFC North, NFC South, NFC East*)
• AFC North (AFC East, NFC North, NFC West*)
• AFC South (AFC West, NFC West, NFC South*)
• AFC West (AFC South, NFC East, NFC North*)
• NFC East (NFC North, AFC West, AFC East*)
• NFC North (NFC East, AFC North, AFC West*)
• NFC South (NFC West, AFC East, AFC South*)
• NFC West (NFC South, AFC South, AFC North*)
3. Will games be announced before the full schedule release?
Yes. On Monday (May 12), "select games" will be revealed on NBC, Fox and Prime Video, per NFL.com. Perhaps then we'll learn who the Eagles will play to start the season and who's on the docket for Amazon's Black Friday or Christmas evening game.
On Tuesday (May 13), ESPN will share a sneak peek with "Good Morning America," and the international slate will be announced on "Good Morning Football." CBS will reveal a game Wednesday (May 14), when Netflix will also share one of its Christmas Day games.
4. What are the best possible options for the Thursday Night Kickoff?
The Philadelphia Eagles will celebrate their Super Bowl LIX win by hosting the first game of the 2025 season.
They have several intriguing options for Week 1, including a potential NFC Championship Game rematch with the Commanders. They also play the Rams, who nearly beat Philly in the divisional round at Lincoln Financial Field, as well as last year's NFC No. 1 seed, the Lions. Both would be solid Week 1 option s. (Memo to league: Please spare us the Cowboys in this opener.)
If the league wants to save those games between 2024 playoff teams for later in the season, it could put the Broncos, coming off their first playoff appearance in nine seasons, in prime time. The Bears, under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, will be fascinating to watch and are another strong option.
5. How many international games are scheduled?
Seven are scheduled, with the Chargers (São Paulo), Browns (London), Jets (London), Jaguars (London), Colts (Berlin), Steelers (Dublin) and Dolphins (Madrid) already announced as the designated home teams.
6. How much will watching games cost?
Fans might as well start saving now. If there's a subscri ption-based streaming service, the NFL is probably linked to it.
While games on Fox, CBS and NBC are available over the air without a cable or app subscription, it's an investment to watch every notable weekly game.
Since 2022, Prime Video ($14.99 per month) has had exclusive rights to the league's Thursday night package. In 2023, it added a Black Friday game to its inventory.
ESPN Plus ($11.99 per month) will air an exclusive game for the fourth consecutive year, while NFL Network has broadcast international games, which can be viewed with an NFL Plus subscription ($6.99 per month).
For the second consecutive year, Netflix ($7.99 per month with ads) will air two games on Christmas Day.
Peacock ($7.99 per month) will also air one regular-season game, while the league is looking to spin off its Week 1 Friday night international game in Brazil to another partner, with Max ($16.99 per month) being a potential streaming home. (h/t CBS Sports).
Fans have needed a cable subscription to watch "Monday Night Football" on ESPN for years, although that will change this season. Per reports, Disney, ESPN's parent company, soon plans to reveal a direct-to-consumer ESPN subscription app, which is expected to cost between $25-$30.
People can expect to pay over $200 to watch every Thursday and Monday night game, plus other streaming exclusive games — or more if you forget to cancel those pesky subscriptions.
More must-reads:
- The greatest game from every NFL season
- Sam Darnold expands on signing with Seahawks in free agency
- The '2024-25 NFL rushing touchdown leaders' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Jets coaches try to calm situation in wake of Justin Fields' comments
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Commanders veteran blows final audition with future on the line
The Washington Commanders' final preseason engagement against the Baltimore Ravens represented the last chance for players looking to make a big impression before their respective fates are determined. Some thrived under the pressure, but others wilted. And for one veteran whose future was firmly on the line, their status looks all but sealed after another dismal outing. Things looked promising for Chris Moore earlier in the offseason. The wide receiver caught the eye over early workouts, displaying the reliability and contested catch prowess that managed to stand out in a crowded room. Unfortunately for the player, things have taken a downward turn since. Chris Moore blew another shot to impress in Commanders' preseason finale Moore couldn't keep up his initial consistency at training camp. Things got even worse in the preseason, which began with two crucial drops in Washington's opening warmup outing versus the New England Patriots. With several starters and rotational pieces sitting out at Northwest Stadium, this was Moore's chance to silence his doubters and prove worthy of an extended stay. And his final audition arrived when quarterback Sam Hartman delivered a deep ball down the sideline that fell within his catch radius. The former fourth-round pick out of Cincinnati, who began his NFL journey with the Ravens, needed to make this catch. Much to the dismay of fans, the wideout fluffed his lines. Moore dropped the target when it was makeable. He did bring in one reception for five receiving yards after that, but the damage had been done. And any slim hope he had of making the 53-man roster evaporated in the blink of an eye. Competition for places in Washington's receiver group is fierce. While Hartman and Josh Johnson didn't do their pass-catchers many favors, Moore's problems were self-inflicted. It's hard to envisage how he makes the team now, and even sticking around on the practice squad might be a stretch if others also come through waivers. It'll be an anxious wait for Moore. However, the experienced pro has been around long enough to know what comes next. And when his inevitable fate is sealed, he cannot have many complaints. The Commanders gave him chances to excel. Moore didn't take advantage of them emphatically enough, and this won't go unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters when he starts to trim the fat. Whether Moore comes back onto the practice squad or not is anyone's guess. But after a preseason to forget, even that is hanging in the balance now. More Commanders news and analysis
Steelers Get Promising News Regarding The Return Of Several Playmakers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a rash of injuries following the 2025 preseason, headlined by an MCL Sprain to first-round pick defensive end Derrick Harmon in their third and final game. However, there might not be anyone they need to get healthy more than wide receiver Calvin Austin III, who suffered an oblique injury early in camp and has yet to play in 2025. With depth lacking at the position, the Steelers will need Austin to be ready to go right away - and they just received a promising update regarding his status. With the team practicing on Saturday, the status of several players was brought up by Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin. "It's good to get guys working their way back. We have some guys that have been limited in their participation and less so today. Guys like Calvin Anderson, Calvin Austin, Jonnu [Smith], [Cory] Trice, Juan [Thornhill], and Donte Kent," Tomlin explained. While Austin had been practicing individually the past few days, he missed all three preseason games for Pittsburgh. Austin was less than clear when asked if he would be ready for Week 1, so it's good to get some confirmation that he is ramping up and the team is optimistic. Austin, the 5'9" speed threat out of Memphis, had a breakout year in 2024. After not playing his rookie season and having a limited role in 2023, Austin had a career high 36 receptions, 548 yards, and 4 touchdowns in his latest season. It wouldn't be a surprise to see those numbers explode even more in 2025 with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers under center, but first, Austin has to get healthy. Steelers Getting Healthier As Regular Season Approaches As Tomlin mentioned, several other faces returned to practice in addition to Austin. Among those were new tight end Jonnu Smith, who was traded to the Steelers from the Miami Dolphins in June after a career season. Smith hasn't played in a game yet either this year, although it's less clear if his absence was injury related or simply a matter of resting a veteran. Other returning players include cornerback Cory Trice, safety Juan Thornhill, offensive tackle Calvin Anderson, and defensive back Donte Kent. While getting all of these players back is crucial, there's no position that's thinner for Pittsburgh than wide receiver. Without Austin in the lineup, the Steelers are depending on Roman Wilson, who played just 5 snaps in 2024, to fill the role of WR2 behind DK Metcalf. Wilson showed a lot of promise in college at Michigan, and has had a strong preseason, but has yet to prove it in the regular season. The Steelers are aware that they lack receiver depth as well, and are still open to bringing in outside help at the position. On Tuesday, free agent wide receiver Gabe Davis had a second visit with the team, although he left without a contract. While the Steelers are depending on a number of players in the 2025 season, there's not a position group they can afford an injury to less than wide receiver. If an injury were to strike Metcalf or Austin again, the outlook would be bleak. While there's still no promise that Austin will be ready to suit up for Week 1, his participation in practice is surely a step in the right direction.
Pat McAfee has strong reaction to Hall of Fame honor
Former punter Pat McAfee is receiving an honor that is rare for a special teams member. On Friday, West Virginia announced that McAfee was one of six players entering the program's Hall of Fame for the 2025 class. McAfee is thankful for the recognition from his former school. He used some strong language to react to WVU's reveal. "It was nice to have an opportunity to think back and reminisce about a great era of my life," McAfee posted on X. "I am so thankful for the recognition. This is normally something I would try and f------ hate.. I’d say that it’s b------- and they feel obligated to do this but; this call made my soul feel good. Thanks for the opportunity to be a Mountaineer @RealCoachRod.. it was an honor." McAfee was a highly productive specialist at West Virginia, earning First-team All-American honors in 2008. During his time with the Mountaineers, he set the school record for most games played (51), scoring (384) and extra points made (210). He held the Big East record for most extra points made, when he made 210 of 212 attempts. McAfee's success at West Virginia propelled the Indianapolis Colts to select him in the seventh round of the 2009 draft. He earned All-Pro honors in 2014 and made the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2016. He has the highest career net average in punting years with 41.1. McAfee should be proud of his achievements during his days in college and the legacy he is building with the program. The ESPN pundit even used his influence to speak with WVU athletic director Wren Baker to help with the coaching search that ultimately brought back Rich Rodriguez to the school.
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