NFL Schedule 2025–26
Super Bowl LIX recap: The Eagles clinched Super Bowl LIX in February 2024 by defeating the Chiefs 40–22.
When does the 2025–26 NFL season start?
- The regular season officially kicks off on Thursday, September 4, 2025, with the defending champions Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field—prime time on NBC and Peacock at ~8:20 p.m. ET.
- The 2025 Hall of Fame Game, a preseason exhibition, opens the football calendar on Thursday, July 31, 2025, with the Detroit Lions hosting the Los Angeles Chargers in Canton, Ohio. Coverage airs at 8 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock.
Preseason Highlights
- The Hall of Fame Game on July 31 marks the official preseason kickoff.
- The rest of the three-week preseason runs through approximately August 24, with games scheduled each week for all 32 teams. Notably, the Chargers vs. Lions game leads off the action.
Regular Season Delivery
- The regular slate begins Sept 4, continues for 18 weeks and covers 272 games. It includes divisional matchups, inter-conference rotations, and newly flexible scheduling windows.
- The final week (Week 18) wraps on Sunday, January 4, 2026, with two additional Saturday games on January 3.
- Playoffs begin on January 10, 2026, leading to Super Bowl LX, set for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Format & Structure
- The Kickoff Game remains hosted by the reigning Super Bowl champ (the Eagles) for the second straight year. Given they won Super Bowl LIX, they host to open the 2025 season.
- 6 divisional games,
- 4 intra‑conference (other division),
- 4 inter‑conference,
- 1 additional intra‑conference based on divisional standings.
