May 15, 2025 - 11:05
By espn.com

2025 NFL schedule release: Predictions, takeaways for 32 teams - ESPN

The 2025 NFL schedule was released Wednesday night.

Will quarterback Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles repeat as Super Bowl champions — and even become the first team in two decades to repeat as NFC East champs?

They will kick off the NFL season Thursday, Sept. 4, when they host the NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys. ESPN's "Monday Night Football" opener is Sept. 8 and will feature the Minnesota Vikings at the Chicago Bears.

Based on strength of schedule, which is determined by opponents' records in 2024, the New York Giants have the toughest schedule of the 2025 season and the San Francisco 49ers have the easiest.

The final regular-season games for the 2025 season will be played Jan. 4, 2026. The playoffs begin Jan. 10 and continue through Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Here is a bold prediction for every team following the schedule release. Click on the links to see the full schedule and more analysis from NFL Nation.

The Cowboys will end Kyler Murray's dominance at AT&T Stadium. The Cardinals' quarterback has not lost in Arlington, Texas, sporting an 8-0 record as a starting quarterback. Just two of those games have come in the NFL. He won five games while at Allen (Texas) High School, won a Big 12 championship game for Oklahoma and is 2-0 as the Cardinals' starter. Only Dak Prescott and Tony Romo have more wins at AT&T Stadium. Read more from Todd Archer

The Giants will steal a win on the road in the first two weeks against a division rival. For most teams, that might not seem like much. But New York went 0-6 in the division last year and needs to get off to a strong