Global Games Take Center Stage

Historic International Debuts

• The NFL launches its 2025 season in São Paulo with an AFC West showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers
• Ireland welcomes its first NFL game in Week 5 featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings
• Spain joins the international circuit with a Week 11 matchup between Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins in Madrid

Team Travel Challenges

• Minnesota Vikings face consecutive international games in Weeks 4-5 (Germany followed by Ireland)
• Kansas City Chiefs become first NFL team to play in four different countries

Prime-Time Showdowns

Super Bowl Rematch Highlights

• Eagles vs Chiefs Week 2 rematch at Arrowhead Stadium (8:20 PM ET NBC)
• Patrick Mahomes faces three 2024 playoff teams in first six weeks

Thursday Night Spotlight

• 49ers-Rams Week 5 matchup features NFC West rivals at Levi's Stadium
• Lions-Cowboys Thanksgiving game marks Detroit's 85th holiday tradition

Playoff Picture Predictions

Schedule Difficulty Factors

• New York Giants face toughest slate (.574 opponent win percentage)
• San Francisco 49ers enjoy league's easiest schedule (9 games vs 2024 non-playoff teams)

Division Race Watch

• AFC West: Chiefs aim for 10th consecutive division title
• NFC North: Lions face critical late-season stretch against Eagles/Chiefs/Vikings

Holiday Football Festivities

• Thanksgiving Tripleheader: Cowboys vs Chiefs headlines afternoon slate
• Christmas Day Triple Feature: Broncos-Chiefs nightcap in Denver

Championship Timeline

• Regular Season: September 4, 2025 - January 4, 2026
• Super Bowl LXI: February 8, 2026 (Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara)

Teams to Watch

Kansas City Chiefs

• Face 7 playoff teams from 2024 season
• Patrick Mahomes needs 4,200 yards to reach 50,000 career passing

San Francisco 49ers

• Feature league-high 5 prime-time appearances
• Brock Purdy enters contract year with revamped offensive line