5 Key Takeaways from The 2025 NFL Schedule Release
The NFL schedule release is always one of the most exciting moments of the offseason. It’s that first real taste of football after months without it when fans start circling dates, planning road trips, and dreaming about primetime showdowns. This year’s schedule doesn’t disappoint. It’s loaded with high-stakes matchups and plenty of drama that should keep us all locked in from Week 1 to Week 18. Here are five takeaways that stood out:
The San Francisco 49ers Have the Easiest Schedule
The San Francisco 49ers couldn’t have asked for a better setup heading into the 2025 season. Based on last year’s win percentages, they have
the easiest schedule in the NFL; their opponents combined for just a .415 winning percentage. That’s the kind of stat that makes you do a double-take.
They’ll face several teams still trying to find their footing, like the Saints, who finished 5-12 and are still figuring out their quarterback situation, and the Giants, who went 3-14 and currently have the lowest projected win total in the league at just 5.5. The Titans, despite picking first overall in the draft, also went 3-14 and share that same bleak outlook.
It doesn’t stop there—San Francisco also gets matchups with the Browns, Panthers, and Jaguars, all of whom struggled last year. That’s six opponents who couldn’t crack six wins in 2024.
Oddsmakers clearly like their chances: the Niners are favored in 15 of 17 games, and even in the two where they aren’t, they’re only 1.5-point underdogs. Their win total is set at 10.5, and with plus money (+110) on the over, it’s definitely a number worth looking at, especially with this kind of schedule. If you’re high on the Niners, this might be the time to jump in.
The Super Bowl Champ Philadelphia Eagles Face the Hardest Schedule
Unlike the 49ers, the Philadelphia Eagles are staring down one of the toughest schedules in the NFL—and possibly one of the hardest ever. They’re the first team in league history to face 10+ opponents who made the playoffs the year before, a brutal gauntlet even for a defending Super Bowl champion.
This kind of challenge was probably expected after hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, but no one could’ve predicted it would be this rough. Technically, they rank 5th in strength of schedule based on opponent win percentage (.561), but that’s largely softened by getting to play the Giants twice, a team with the league’s lowest projected win total.
Despite the uphill battle, the Eagles’ expectations remain sky-high. Their win total is set at 11.5 (-110), and they’re still the Super Bowl favorites at +650. The question is: will this gauntlet of a schedule wear them down, or will it just be another proving ground for a team built to repeat?
Aaron Rodgers’ Revenge Game in Week 1?
Right now, it’s all speculation; no one really knows what Aaron Rodgers plans to do. However, the Steelers are reportedly waiting on his decision, and whether he ends up playing for them or another team remains up in the air. If he does sign with Pittsburgh, things get even more interesting: they’re scheduled to face his former team, the New York Jets, in Week 1. Currently, the Steelers are listed as 1.5-point favorites in that matchup, which also features a reunion with their former quarterback, Justin Fields.
As of now, the Steelers don’t have a definitive answer at quarterback. They’re expected to start either Mason Rudolph or rookie Will Howard out of Ohio State. So, is this point spread already factoring in the possibility of Aaron Rodgers starting for Pittsburgh? It’s hard to say, but either way, this game has the potential to be a great one.
Commanders Receive 8 Nationally Televised Games
Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders are getting plenty of love from the NFL schedule makers this season. They’re slated
for eight nationally televised games, including five in prime time, a clear sign of the league’s excitement around this team. And rightfully so. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered an outstanding debut campaign, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and even leading Washington to an NFC championship game after beating the Tampa Bay Buccaners in the Wild Card round and a Detroit Lions team that was supposed to go far in the playoffs.
For a franchise that’s long struggled to find a true franchise quarterback, Daniels looks like the real deal. He’s quickly become one of the most electrifying young talents in the league, and the NFL clearly wants to put him in the spotlight. With a win total set at 9.5 and odds of -110, expectations are high for Washington to build on last year’s momentum and put together another strong season.
Seven International Games Expand the NFL’s Global Reach
The NFL is expanding its international presence like never before in 2025, scheduling seven regular-season games across five countries: Brazil, Ireland, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. With debut games in Dublin and Madrid, plus stops in Berlin, London, and São Paulo, the league is making a clear push to grow the game globally.
From a betting perspective, international games, especially in London, have shown some interesting trends. Favorites have won outright 65.6% of the time in London, but their record against the spread is less reliable, covering just 51.5% of the time, according to Odds Shark. Moneyline bettors may find more consistency here than those betting ATS.
Totals can offer an interesting edge for bettors when it comes to international games. The Under has hit a bit more often in London matchups, but when the Over does hit, it usually does so in a big way, with final scores that blow past expectations. As teams get more used to the travel and the unique atmosphere of these overseas games, they’re becoming prime opportunities for sharp bettors to find value where the market might be a step behind.
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