NFL Schedule 2025-2026: Key Dates of the Season

As NFL teams prepare for another thrilling season, fans eagerly anticipate the year’s biggest matchups. From the preseason to the heated race for the playoffs and the highly anticipated Super Bowl LX, football enthusiasts can expect an action-packed year. Here are all the key dates from the NFL Schedule 2025-2026 that you won’t want to miss.

NFL Schedule 2025: Preseason Kickoff in August

As every year, the NFL will feature a series of preseason games, allowing teams to fine-tune their strategies before the regular season begins. While these games do not impact the standings, they are crucial for players striving to secure a roster spot. They also provide franchises with an opportunity to assess their new talents, particularly rookies from the 2025 Draft.

The preseason will kick off with the iconic Hall of Fame Game in early August. This opening matchup will take place in Canton, Ohio, as part of the induction festivities for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Over the following three weeks, teams will play multiple exhibition games before the final break leading up to the official season opener.

NFL Game Schedule August 2025

NFL Schedule 2025: Regular Season Kickoff in September

The first official game of the NFL 2025 season is expected to take place around Thursday, September 4, 2025. As tradition dictates, the defending champions will face a high-profile opponent in this opening matchup. This highly anticipated game will be a chance for fans to celebrate the return of football and see their favorite stars back on the field.

The regular season will span 18 weeks, featuring a total of 272 games. Each team will play 17 games with one well-deserved bye week. Divisional rivalries, marquee matchups, and unexpected twists will make this phase of the season thrilling from start to finish.

NFL Game Schedule – September 2025

NFL Game Schedule – October 2025

NFL Game Schedule – November 2025

NFL Game Schedule – December 2025

NFL Game Schedule – January 2026

Sunday, January 4, 2026: Final Week of the Regular Season

After more than four months of intense competition, the regular season will conclude in Week 18, likely taking place from January 1 to January 4, 2026. This final week is often decisive for teams still in contention for a playoff spot.

Fans can expect high-stakes battles where every play could determine a team’s fate. Some teams will fight to secure their postseason berth, while others will battle for survival in must-win games. The closing moments of the regular season often bring stunning twists and unforgettable drama.

Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11, 2026: Wild Card Round

The 2025-2026 NFL Playoffs will kick off with the Wild Card Round on January 10 and 11, 2026. At this stage, 12 teams will be in contention: the division champions and the three best remaining teams from each conference (the well-known wild cards).

The top-seeded teams in each conference will enjoy a well-deserved bye week as they await their next opponents. For the other teams, it’s do-or-die: one game, one chance to advance or be eliminated. The pressure will be immense, and upsets are inevitable.

Saturday, January 17 & Sunday, January 18, 2026: Divisional Round

On January 17 and 18, 2026, the remaining teams will battle in the Divisional Round. This stage is often considered the most exciting part of the playoffs, as the top-seeded teams return to action after their bye week.

These games are typically highly competitive, leading to unforgettable performances. Star quarterbacks, impenetrable defenses, and strategic coaching decisions will be under the microscope. A spot in the Conference Championship is at stake, and every detail will matter.

Sunday, January 25, 2026: Conference Championships

The Conference Championships, set for January 25, 2026, will determine the two finalists for Super Bowl LX. Only the champions of the AFC and NFC will secure their ticket to the biggest stage in American football.

These finals often feature legendary battles and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a historic rivalry, a stunning comeback, or an overtime thriller, these matchups embody the very essence of the NFL.

Sunday, February 8, 2026: Super Bowl LX

Super Bowl LX is the most-watched sporting event in the world. It will take place on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. After Las Vegas in 2024 and New Orleans in 2025, the NFL has chosen to return to California for this milestone 60th edition.

As always, the spectacle will be grand—both on and off the field. The iconic Halftime Show, featuring the biggest music stars, will add an extra layer of entertainment to this exceptional event. Whether it’s for the game itself or the legendary commercials aired during the broadcast, the Super Bowl is more than just a final—it’s a true celebration of American culture.

Other Events in the NFL Schedule 2025

Beyond the regular season and the playoffs, the NFL Schedule 2025 is packed with key events that keep fans engaged throughout the year. From the Draft, which shapes the future of franchises, to the Pro Bowl, a showcase of the league’s top talent, these moments are must-watch.

The NFL is also continuing its global expansion, with games played outside the United States, particularly in Europe. Let’s take a look at the key events that extend the excitement of the 2025-2026 NFL season beyond the Super Bowl.

NFL Draft 2026

After the season ends, all eyes will turn to the future with the NFL Draft 2026. This highly anticipated event will take place in the spring, offering franchises the chance to strengthen their rosters by selecting the best college prospects.

Teams that finished with the worst records in the previous season will have the first picks, allowing them to rebuild their squads. This process ensures a fair distribution of talent and maintains the competitive balance of the league.

Pro Bowl 2026

Before the Super Bowl, the NFL will host the Pro Bowl. This exhibition game brings together the best players of the season. It’s an opportunity for the league’s stars to compete without pressure and provide fans with a more relaxed and entertaining show! Alternative formats, such as skill competitions and fun challenges, are increasingly being integrated to make the event even more engaging.

NFL International Games

For several years, the NFL has been expanding its global reach. In 2025, regular season games will once again be played outside the United States. London, Madrid, and Berlin will host matchups, thrilling a growing European fanbase!

A Promising 2025-2026 NFL Season

With an intense regular season, unpredictable playoffs, and a Super Bowl as spectacular as ever, the NFL Schedule 2025 promises to be exciting. Who will lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy in February 2026? The answer will come in just a few months, after what promises to be a memorable season!

Featured Image Credit: NATO color guard at NFL Frankfurt opening ceremony, Public Domain, U.S. Army photo by Capt. Edward Benedictus.