2025 NFL Schedule Breakdown: Must-Watch Matchups for Every Week
The full 2025 NFL regular season schedule is out, bringing with it a mix of fierce rivalries, playoff previews, and historic rematches. While leaks teased fans, the official release confirmed a loaded lineup that promises drama from Week 1 to Week 18.
Here’s a week-by-week look at the most anticipated matchups—games that every NFL fan should circle on their calendar. Teams like the Eagles, Chiefs, and Lions headline multiple times, with major playoff implications in nearly every primetime slot.
Week 1: Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
📅 Thursday, Sept. 4 | 8:20 p.m. ET | NBC
The Eagles raise their Super Bowl banner at home as they welcome in longtime NFC East rivals, the Cowboys. Dak Prescott returns under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, with key additions like George Pickens adding excitement.
Week 2: Philadelphia Eagles at Kansas City Chiefs
📅 Sunday, Sept. 14 | 4:25 p.m. ET | FOX
A rematch of Super Bowl LIX sees the Chiefs hosting the Eagles. Kansas City looks to avenge last season’s title loss in what could again be a championship preview.
Week 3: Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings
📅 Sunday, Sept. 21 | 1 p.m. ET | CBS
Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson reunite on the field, bringing their LSU legacy to an NFL clash. Expect a fireworks show from two elite offenses.
Week 4: Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs
📅 Sunday, Sept. 28 | 4:25 p.m. ET | CBS
Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes square off in a potential AFC Championship preview. Mahomes has dominated the matchup historically—can Lamar turn the tide?
Week 6: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams
📅 Thursday, Oct. 2 | 8:15 p.m. ET | Prime Video
The 49ers-Rams rivalry is alive and well as Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan face off again. This NFC West clash could determine the division leader.
Week 7: Washington Commanders at Chicago Bears
📅 Monday, Oct. 13 | 8:15 p.m. ET | ABC
Top draft picks Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels battle in primetime. Both QBs will be eager to prove themselves on the national stage.
Week 8: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions
📅 Monday, Oct. 20 | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN, ABC
A potential playoff preview sees a surging Buccaneers squad visiting the top-seeded Lions. Expect physical play and postseason intensity.
Week 9: Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills
📅 Sunday, Nov. 2 | 4:25 p.m. ET | CBS
A now-legendary duel continues as Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen meet again. Mahomes owns the postseason; Allen has the regular-season edge.
Week 10: Detroit Lions at Washington Commanders
📅 Sunday, Nov. 9 | 4:25 p.m. ET | FOX
The Commanders shocked the Lions in the playoffs last year. This time, Detroit seeks revenge—and control of the NFC.
Week 11: Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles
📅 Sunday, Nov. 16 | 8:20 p.m. ET | NBC
Arguably the biggest NFC matchup of the season. The winner of this showdown could secure home-field advantage in January.
Week 12: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
📅 Sunday, Nov. 23 | 1 p.m. ET | FOX
Classic NFC North football. If the Lions slip, this game might determine the division champion between two heated rivals.
Week 13: Kansas City Chiefs at Dallas Cowboys
📅 Thursday, Nov. 27 | 4:30 p.m. ET | CBS
Mahomes returns to Texas for a Thanksgiving duel with America’s Team. This is one of the season’s marquee matchups.
Week 14: Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills
📅 Sunday, Dec. 7 | 4:25 p.m. ET | FOX
Burrow has bested Allen twice already. With playoff positioning at stake, this is one of the week’s biggest contests.
Week 15: Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Rams
📅 Sunday, Dec. 14 | 4:25 p.m. ET | FOX
A huge NFC game that could decide who gets a bye or who travels in the first round of the playoffs.
Week 16: Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders
📅 Saturday, Dec. 20 | Time TBD | FOX
An NFC Championship rematch late in the season. Expect playoff seeding drama and rivalry tension.
Week 17: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
📅 Thursday, Dec. 25 | 4:30 p.m. ET | Netflix
Christmas Day could bring us a division-deciding matchup between J.J. McCarthy and Kirk Cousins.
Week 18: Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos
📅 Date & Time TBD
The AFC West crown may belong to the Chiefs, but this could be a play-in game for the final wild-card spot.
References
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