2025 NFL Season Schedule Unveiled: Unprecedented Global Expansion and Key Matchups
A Historic Season of Global Football
The 2025 NFL season will make history with seven regular season games played outside the United States, including first-ever games in iconic venues across Berlin, Dublin, and Madrid. This expansion is part of the NFL’s long-term commitment to driving year-round engagement in international markets.
Season Timeline and Key Dates
The 106th NFL season begins on September 4, 2025, with the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL Kickoff Game. The regular season concludes on January 4, 2026, with the playoffs starting on January 10, culminating in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8.
International Game Highlights
The international series kicks off with the Pittsburgh Steelers facing the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, on September 28 – the country’s first-ever regular season NFL game. The Vikings will then make history by playing two consecutive international games, traveling to London to face the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 5, marking the 40th regular season game in the British capital.
Berlin’s Olympic Stadium will host its first NFL game when the Indianapolis Colts face the Atlanta Falcons on November 9, part of the league’s commitment to German market expansion. The international slate concludes in Madrid, Spain, on November 16, featuring the Miami Dolphins against the Washington Commanders at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid C.F.
Broadcasting and Viewing Innovation
The season brings significant broadcasting developments, with Paramount+ simulcasting in-market and national CBS games, along with a new digital pregame show called ‘The NFL Today+’. Fox One will simulcast in-market and national Fox games, while Netflix will exclusively stream two Christmas Day games in 2025.
Competition Format
The season will follow an 18-week schedule, with each of the league’s 32 teams playing 17 games and having one bye week. Following tradition, all games during the final weekend will be intra-division matchups, ensuring intense competition as teams vie for playoff positions.
