The wait is almost over for fans eager to plan their fall weekends. The highly anticipated NFL schedule release is one of the biggest milestones on the league’s offseason calendar. From primetime clashes to Thanksgiving face-offs, the release sets the stage for storylines that will unfold from September to February.

When Is the 2025 NFL Schedule Release?

Mark your calendars: The 2025 NFL schedule release is slated for Wednesday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET. The NFL will unveil the complete 18-week regular season schedule, revealing every game, kickoff time, and network assignment. The event, broadcast live on NFL Network and NFL+, officially closes the book on the draft and shifts focus to the season ahead.

According to USA TODAY, leaks and teasers about international matchups may surface before the big reveal. This year, the international games schedule expands, with contests in Berlin, Dublin, Madrid, London, and São Paulo. These global clashes add an exciting wrinkle, giving fans around the world a front-row seat.

Most Anticipated Games and Matchups

Every season brings its share of must-watch games, but some 2025 matchups are already generating special buzz. NFL.com has ranked the top 10 games for the upcoming year:

• Chiefs at Bills: The rivalry between Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes continues. Their regular season meetings often shape playoff seeding and create thrilling moments.
• Lions at Eagles: A battle of NFC powerhouses, with expectations sky-high for both teams.
• Super Bowl Rematch (Eagles at Chiefs): Always a marquee event, this game promises to showcase two of the league’s elite squads.
• Vikings at Seahawks: Storylines abound, including Sam Darnold facing his former team. Both clubs have much to prove.

For a full breakdown of these and other showdowns, check out NFL.com’s list of the top 10 matchups for the 2025 season.

Strength of Schedule: Which Teams Face the Toughest Road?

Once the schedule drops, fans and analysts will debate which teams caught a break and who’s up against a gauntlet. Yahoo Sports has shared insights into every team’s projected strength of schedule, based on win totals and off-season changes.

For example, the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots headline the list with the league’s easiest projected paths. Meanwhile, squads like the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants are set to face the toughest opponents. These rankings are key for fans piecing together playoff and Super Bowl predictions.

What Happens Next?

After the NFL schedule release, teams ramp up preparations for training camps in July. Fans can start mapping out which games to attend or watch each week. Plus, the expanded international slate and packed holiday schedules add more excitement than ever.

In summary, the 2025 NFL schedule release doesn’t just fill in dates—it kicks off a new wave of anticipation. For in-depth previews, visit USA TODAY’s schedule release guide and Yahoo Sports’ analysis for more details.

Ready for kickoff? Mark May 14 on your calendar and get set for another thrilling NFL season!