The NFL’s popularity knows no bounds, so much so that its annual schedule release has become an event itself. Below, we will deliver all the information currently available on when the NFL schedule will be released.
We will also look at some of the key games on the 2025-26 NFL schedule that have already been finalized.
NFL Schedule Release Date
The NFL typically takes its sweet time when it comes to announcing its schedule.
Early to mid-May and during the middle of the week seems to be the sweet spot when it comes to when the release date lands. Last year, it took place on Wednesday, May 15. Two years ago, it took place on Thursday, May 11.
2025 NFL Schedule Release Date: Expect this year’s NFL schedule release date to be around May 14, 2025 which lands on a Wednesday. Sportsbooks will then post NFL odds immediately afterwards.
NFL schedule rumors
There are plenty of NFL schedule rumors this time of year, with football fans eagerly anticipating the release of the full slate. Here are some recent schedule rumors.
- Steelers vs. Bills in Dublin, Ireland: The NFL's Vice President of Broadcast Planning and Scheduling, Mike North, told the Always Gameday podcast that Steelers versus Bills in Dublin is not "completely off the table just yet." At the very least, North said that Pittsburgh - Buffalo will likely get a marquee slot.
- Week 1 Eagles vs. TBD: We do know that the Super Bowl champion Eagles will be kicking off the NFL season with a game on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. The most likely opponent for Philly is the Detroit Lions. Another enticing option is the Chicago Bears, which are now led by former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
2025 Important NFL Dates
Here are some important dates on the upcoming 2025 NFL calendar.
- April 18: Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets
- April 21: Teams with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs
- April 23: Deadline for prior teams to exercise right of first refusal to restricted free agents who signed offer sheets
- April 23: Deadline for NFL teams to time, test, visit, interview, or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at any location
- April 24 - 26: NFL Draft
- May 2-5 or May 9 - 12: NFL teams may elect to hold three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp
Key Games on the 2025 NFL Schedule
Arguably the biggest game that will occur this fall/early winter is the Super Bowl rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, which will take place at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Eagles will open the NFL schedule on Thursday, September 4, at Lincoln Financial Field, though their opponent has yet to be named. The defending Super Bowl champs have notable road games in the 2025-26 season, including matchups at Buffalo and Green Bay.
Chicago will be a must-watch team this coming season as former Lions offensive whiz Ben Johnson takes over as head coach. Johnson will face his former team twice each season, given that both teams reside in the NFC North.
Another interesting intra-division matchup to watch features the New England Patriots taking on the New York Jets. Both teams have new head coaches who were once part of this rivalry as players: Mike Vrabel and Aaron Glenn.
One other piece of the scheduling puzzle involves the Los Angeles Chargers. Jim Harbaugh’s crew will play in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Friday, September 5 against an opponent to be determined.
NFL Futures
NFL betting markets are mostly scarce this time of year, but one market that is always available is Super Bowl odds.
The Eagles, Chiefs, Ravens, and Bills find themselves at the top of boards at the moment. These odds should change a bit once free agency and the NFL Draft takes place.
Super Bowl 60 Odds
| Team |  |
|---|---|
 Philadelphia Eagles |
+625 |
 Kansas City Chiefs |
+650 |
 Baltimore Ravens |
+675 |
 Buffalo Bills |
+675 |
 Detroit Lions |
+1100 |
 San Francisco 49ers |
+1400 |
 Washington Commanders |
+1700 |
 Green Bay Packers |
+2000 |
 Cincinnati Bengals |
+2000 |
 Los Angeles Rams |
+2200 |
 Los Angeles Chargers |
+2400 |
 Houston Texans |
+2800 |
 Minnesota Vikings |
+3500 |
 Denver Broncos |
+3500 |
 Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
+3500 |
 Chicago Bears |
+3500 |
 Miami Dolphins |
+5000 |
 Pittsburgh Steelers |
+5500 |
 Arizona Cardinals |
+6000 |
 Dallas Cowboys |
+6000 |
 Seattle Seahawks |
+6000 |
 Atlanta Falcons |
+6000 |
 New York Jets |
+8000 |
 Cleveland Browns |
+10000 |
 Jacksonville Jaguars |
+10000 |
 New England Patriots |
+10000 |
 Las Vegas Raiders |
+10000 |
 Carolina Panthers |
+10000 |
 Indianapolis Colts |
+10000 |
 New Orleans Saints |
+12500 |
 New York Giants |
+20000 |
 Tennessee Titans |
+20000 |
Odds as of 2-21-2025.
