Overview of the 2025 NFL Schedule
Every year, the NFL puts together a rigorous schedule, aiming to accommodate all 32 teams. However, pleasing everyone proves to be a tall order, especially with a total of 272 games.
In this article, we will explore favorable aspects and potential challenges for each team’s schedule, starting with the AFC East.
AFC East
Miami Dolphins
Positive Aspect: The Dolphins have a chance to start strong; six of their first eight games are against teams that didn’t perform well last season, with a three-game friendly stretch in Week 4 against teams that went 5-12 or worse last season (Jets, Panthers, Browns).
Negative Aspect: Conversely, the Dolphins have struggled in cold weather, losing 12 consecutive games when temperatures drop below 40 degrees. Starting December 1, they have three out of their last five games in colder cities, which could complicate their season.
New York Jets
Positive Aspect: The Jets will enjoy a favorable schedule with only one true road game across a six-week span starting September 30, where they will play three home matches, one game in London, and a bye week.
Negative Aspect: Unfortunately, the Jets are set to face powerful teams right from the get-go, starting their season against the Steelers, Bills, and Buccaneers, all playoff teams from the last season.
New England Patriots
Positive Aspect: The Patriots can exploit an early advantage, facing three home games in their first four and seven of the first nine games against teams with losing records from last year.
Negative Aspect: However, a rough patch awaits after Week 12, with three out of four games against tough competitors like the Bengals, Bills, and Ravens.
Buffalo Bills
Positive Aspect: Following their initial game against the Ravens, the Bills face six consecutive opponents who didn’t reach the playoffs last year—setting them up for a potentially impressive start.
Negative Aspect: The Bills struggled with away games last year, and starting from Week 10, they will have a rigorous stretch of road games that could expose weaknesses in their previous away record.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Positive Aspect: The Ravens look to capitalize on a favorable set of matchups following their Week 7 bye week, where they will play against several teams that had poor seasons last year.
Negative Aspect: Initial weeks could be tough as they face multiple Super Bowl contenders in the first half of the season.
Cincinnati Bengals
Positive Aspect: They aim for a strong start with back-to-back games against teams at the lower end of last season’s standings.
Negative Aspect: A brutal Thanksgiving stretch awaits, facing the Ravens followed by the Bills.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Positive Aspect: An early slate of winnable games could set them up for a solid start, particularly if they secure victories against low-performing teams.
Negative Aspect: The Steelers face a challenging stretch in late November against strong playoff contenders.
Cleveland Browns
Positive Aspect: The Browns will have where they can capitalize on new coaching changes in several of their opponents during a four-game stretch in late October.
Negative Aspect: Unfortunately, they have a tough start to the season, which may see them struggle significantly.
For the complete analysis of teams in the AFC South, AFC West, NFC East, NFC North, NFC South, and NFC West, and many more insights into the upcoming NFL season, please follow the provided links and details in the main article.
