The full 2025 NFL schedule is officially here. Before a single snap is even played, the schedule release gives us a glimpse into the journey that each team will take in the new season. For every franchise, the calendar tells a different story. Some will battle grueling gauntlets, while others caught a break from the schedule-makers.
We’ve combed through all 32 teams’ schedules to find each team’s toughest stretch of games, softest stretch, the mileage each team will travel in 2025, strength of schedule, and one game that you won’t want to miss. This breakdown maps out the road your team will travel during the 2025 NFL season.
Arizona Cardinals
Toughest Stretch: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, vs. Los Angeles Rams, @ Houston Texans
Easiest Stretch: @ New Orleans Saints, vs. Carolina Panthers, @ San Francisco 49ers
Travel Miles: 20,336 (12th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 11/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: @ Cincinnati Bengals
Although neither the Cardinals nor the Bengals reached the playoffs in 2024, both finished the season with elite offenses. The defenses on either side ranked in the bottom six in our Defense+ metric, which means this game could be a shootout — especially with weapons like Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Trey McBride on the field.
Atlanta Falcons
Toughest Stretch: vs. Seattle Seahawks, @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, @ Arizona Cardinals, vs. Los Angeles Rams
Easiest Stretch: @ New England Patriots, @ Indianapolis Colts, vs. Carolina Panthers, @ New Orleans Saints
Travel Miles: 25,947 (6th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 4/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Washington Commanders
This game is an intriguing matchup between two quarterbacks taken in the top-10 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft — Jayden Daniels and Michael Penix Jr. One is the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the other is poised to enter his first season as the full-time starter. The Falcons and Commanders met last year, with Washington coming out on top in an overtime thriller.
Baltimore Ravens
Toughest Stretch: @Buffalo Bills, vs. Cleveland Browns, vs. Detroit Lions, @ Kansas City Chiefs
Easiest Stretch: @Cleveland Browns, vs. New York Jets, vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Travel Miles: 10,647 (30th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 21/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Detroit Lions
A duel between the two most explosive offenses in our Offense+ metric a season ago just screams fireworks. But both the Ravens and Lions had their defenses also finish as top-10 units, so it will be fun to watch the chess match when either team has the ball. From Lamar Jackson to Aidan Hutchinson, there will be no shortage of elite talent on the field at all times.
Buffalo Bills
Toughest Stretch: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, at Miami Dolphins, vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, @ Houston Texans
Easiest Stretch: @ New York Jets, vs. Miami Dolphins, vs. New Orleans Saints, vs. New England Patriots
Travel Miles: 10,546 (31st-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 5/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Bills suffered another crushing playoff defeat at the hands of the Chiefs. Josh Allen and company have been unable to get over the hump and knock off Patrick Mahomes in the postseason. Buffalo did beat Kansas City in the 2024 regular season, but getting it done in the playoffs matters more. Regardless, every time these two teams meet, it’s a must-watch.
Carolina Panthers
Toughest Stretch: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, vs. Seattle Seahawks, @ Buccaneers
Easiest Stretch: @ Jacksonville Jaguars, @ Arizona Cardinals, vs. Atlanta Falcons
Travel Miles: 15,645 (23rd-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 7/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Panthers enter the 2025 season as the 27th-ranked team in our power rankings, but they did show progress late last season. The Buccaneers are the team to beat in the NFC South, and Carolina pushed them to overtime in one of their 2024 meetings. This will be a good test to see how much they’ve improved this offseason.
Chicago Bears
Toughest Stretch: @Minnesota Vikings, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, @ Philadelphia Eagles, @ Green Bay Packers
Easiest Stretch: vs. Dallas Cowboys, @ Las Vegas Raiders, BYE
Travel Miles: 12,522 (28th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 26/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: @ Washington Commanders
The Bears and Commanders gave us one of the most thrilling endings of any game last season. Jayden Daniels and Noah Brown’s Hail Mary connection was heroic, and just as memorable was Tyrique Stevenson’s blunder on the same play. Plus, we get to see the top two picks in last year’s draft face off again.
Cincinnati Bengals
Toughest Stretch: @ Baltimore Ravens, @ Buffalo Bills, vs. Ravens
Easiest Stretch: @ Miami Dolphins, vs. Arizona Cardinals, vs. Cleveland Browns
Travel Miles: 8,753 (32nd-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 17/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens swept the Bengals last season, but both games were decided by three points or less. They were also high-scoring affairs, including a 41-38 OT thriller in Week 5. You can’t go wrong with two elite offenses led by Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, especially considering how hotly contested AFC North matchups can be.
Cleveland Browns
Toughest Stretch: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, @ Baltimore Ravens, vs. Green Bay Packers, @ Detroit Lions
Easiest Stretch: @ Las Vegas Raiders, vs. San Francisco 49ers, vs. Tennessee Titans, @ Chicago Bears
Travel Miles: 15,028 (25th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 30/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Tennessee Titans
The Titans and Browns check in at 30th and 32nd, respectively, in our power rankings. However, this matchup could garner a significant ratings spike for the NFL if Shedeur Sanders can overtake the Browns’ starting quarterback job. Sanders and Ward have a close relationship, and the two rookies have developed a friendly rivalry heading into the league.
Dallas Cowboys
Toughest Stretch: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, vs. Kansas City Chiefs, @ Detroit Lions, vs. Minnesota Vikings
Easiest Stretch: vs. New York Giants, @ Chicago Bears, vs. Green Bay Packers, @ New York Jets, @ Carolina Panthers
Travel Miles: 18,897 (15th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 22/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Green Bay Packers
You can bet that Cowboys players remember what happened the last time the Packers traveled to AT&T Stadium. Jordan Love and company knocked the NFC East champs out of the playoffs and did so in convincing fashion. It was an embarrassing moment for the Cowboys, one that likely still sticks with them to this day.
Denver Broncos
Toughest Stretch: @ Los Angeles Chargers, vs. Cincinnati Bengals, @ Philadelphia Eagles
Easiest Stretch: @ New York Jets (London), vs. New York Giants, vs. Dallas Cowboys
Travel Miles: 23,267 (9th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 14/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: at Kansas City Chiefs
The Broncos and Chiefs will clash on the Christmas Day edition of Thursday Night Football. Kansas City has claimed nine straight AFC West titles, but Denver may have what it takes to push them for the crown in 2025. Bo Nix led the Broncos to a surprising playoff berth last season, and offseason improvements suggest they could reach even greater heights.
Detroit Lions
Toughest Stretch: vs. Minnesota Vikings, @ Washington Commanders, @ Philadelphia Eagles
Easiest Stretch: vs. New York Giants, vs. Green Bay Packers, vs. Dallas Cowboys
Travel Miles: 11,411 (29th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 30/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Chicago Bears
This matchup doesn’t necessarily jump off the page on the surface, especially since the Bears were one of the biggest disappointments of the 2024 season. However, former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is now the head man in Chicago. His return to Detroit should be an emotional one, and a game he hopes to win against his former team.
Green Bay Packers
Toughest Stretch: @ Denver Broncos, @ Chicago Bears, vs. Baltimore Ravens, @ Minnesota Vikings
Easiest Stretch: @ Arizona Cardinals, @ Pittsburgh Steelers, vs. Carolina Panthers
Travel Miles: 12,929 (26th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 23/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: @ Pittsburgh Steelers
This matchup may be contingent on the Steelers’ ability to come to terms with Aaron Rodgers, but it’s hard to ignore the massive spectacle that we could see with this one. The 4-time MVP spent 18 seasons with the Packers, and although he’s coming off a down year, you can bet he’ll be motivated to take down his former team.
Houston Texans
Toughest Stretch: @ Baltimore Ravens, BYE, @ Seattle Seahawks, vs. San Francisco 49ers, vs. Denver Broncos
Easiest Stretch: vs. Arizona Cardinals, vs. Las Vegas Raiders, @ Los Angeles Chargers, vs. Indianapolis Colts
Travel Miles: 18,982 (14th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 25/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: @ Kansas City Chiefs
After back-to-back 10-7 seasons, the Texans aren’t exactly sneaking up on anyone heading into 2025. Still, they won’t be favored against the Chiefs, who sent them packing in the Divisional Round last season. Houston’s top-tier defense against Andy Reid’s offense and C.J. Stroud’s rebound attempt will be keys to watch in this one.
Indianapolis Colts
Toughest Stretch: @ Pittsburgh Steelers, vs. Atlanta Falcons, BYE, @ Kansas City Chiefs, vs. Houston Texans
Easiest Stretch: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, vs. Arizona Cardinals, @ Los Angeles Chargers, vs. Tennessee Titans
Travel Miles: 25,089 (7th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 12/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Houston Texans
A lackluster quarterback room and a defense that took a step back in 2024 suggest that there’s not a lot for Colts fans to be excited about heading into 2025. Indianapolis was competitive against the Texans in 2024, though, with two narrow losses by a field goal or less.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Toughest Stretch: @ Cincinnati Bengals, vs. Houston Texans, @ San Francisco 49ers, vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Easiest Stretch: @ Tennessee Titans, vs. Indianapolis Colts, vs. New York Jets
Travel Miles: 29,006 (4th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 6/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Seattle Seahawks
While expectations may not be high for the Jaguars in the 2025 season, the arrival of Travis Hunter does inject some life and much-needed excitement into the building. Pairing Hunter with Brian Thomas Jr. creates a dynamic wide receiver duo. On the other side, we’ll see another strong tandem in Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp — a tough test for Hunter on the defensive end.
Kansas City Chiefs
Toughest Stretch: vs. Washington Commanders, @ Buffalo Bills, BYE, @ Denver Broncos
Easiest Stretch: @ Tennessee Titans, vs. Denver Broncos, @ Las Vegas Raiders
Travel Miles: 21,695 (10-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 27/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
This one goes without saying — it’s a rematch of Super Bowl LIX. The Eagles dominated the Chiefs and denied Kansas City’s attempt at a historic three-peat. Even if these two teams didn’t meet in the Super Bowl, it goes without saying that this matchup would be must-see TV. The Eagles and Chiefs come in at No. 4 and No. 5 in our 2025 post-draft power rankings, respectively.
Las Vegas Raiders
Toughest Stretch: @ Los Angeles Chargers, vs. Denver Broncos, @ Philadelphia Eagles, @ Houston Texans
Easiest Stretch: vs. Chicago Bears, @ Indianapolis Colts, vs. Tennessee Titans
Travel Miles: 18,055 (18th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 18/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: @ Los Angeles Chargers
It’s a new era for the Raiders, with a new general manager (John Spytek), head coach (Pete Carroll), and quarterback (Geno Smith). This game will feature some exciting young offensive weapons from the previous two draft classes. Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey established themselves as go-to targets in 2024, while rookie running backs Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton are physical runners who could be tone-setters for their respective offenses.
Los Angeles Chargers
Toughest Stretch: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, @ Kansas City Chiefs, @ Dallas Cowboys, vs. Houston Texans, @ Denver Broncos
Easiest Stretch: @ Tennessee Titans, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, @ Jacksonville Jaguars, BYE, vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Travel Miles: 37,086 (1st-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 15/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Houston Texans
The Chargers’ 2024 season ended in disappointing fashion after an early playoff exit at the hands of the Texans. Jim Harbaugh should have his guys motivated for this one. It will also be an intriguing matchup of two quarterbacks in C.J. Stroud and Justin Herbert, who enter the 2025 season with questions around their respective ceilings.
Los Angeles Rams
Toughest Stretch: @ Philadelphia Eagles, vs. Indianapolis Colts, vs. San Francisco 49ers, @ Baltimore Ravens
Easiest Stretch: @ Jacksonville Jaguars, BYE, vs. New Orleans Saints, @ San Francisco 49ers
Travel Miles: 34,832 (2nd-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 20/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Rams moved on from Cooper Kupp this offseason after he spent the first eight seasons of his NFL career with the franchise. Now, he’ll face his former team as a member of the Seahawks. The NFC West rivals will square off twice, but returning to the place where he put together one of the most productive WR seasons in NFL history will be special.
Miami Dolphins
Toughest Stretch: vs. Baltimore Ravens, vs. Buffalo Bills, vs. Washington Commanders
Easiest Stretch: vs. New Orleans Saints, @ New York Jets, @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Travel Miles: 24,409 (8th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 9/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
This matchup will feature two of the most explosive wide receiver duos in the league — Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle of the Dolphins and Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for the Bengals. Miami is coming off a disappointing season, but they do have the pieces to keep pace with Cincinnati. This could be one of those swing games they’ll need to win for a shot at the playoffs.
Minnesota Vikings
Toughest Stretch: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, @ Los Angeles Chargers, @ Detroit Lions, vs. Baltimore Ravens
Easiest Stretch: @ Chicago Bears, vs. Atlanta Falcons, vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Travel Miles: 19,319 (13th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 28/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Baltimore Ravens
It’s been four years since we’ve seen the NFL’s two purple teams play each other. The last meeting between the Ravens and the Vikings ended with a Justin Tucker game-winning field goal in overtime. There could be similar fireworks this time around, with the likes of Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Justin Jefferson on the field.
New England Patriots
Toughest Stretch: vs. Buffalo Bills, @ Baltimore Ravens, @ New York Jets, vs. Miami Dolphins
Easiest Stretch: @ New Orleans Saints, @ Tennessee Titans, vs. Cleveland Browns
Travel Miles: 12,547 (27th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 2/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Drake Maye’s rookie season wasn’t perfect, but he showed why he’s capable of being the Patriots’ franchise quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. is preparing for his first season as the Falcons’ full-time starter. Expectations may not be sky-high for either squad in 2025, but the pressure remains the same for these young quarterbacks heading into Year 2.
New Orleans Saints
Toughest Stretch: vs. Arizona Cardinals, vs. San Francisco 49ers, @ Seattle Seahawks, @ Buffalo Bills
Easiest Stretch: vs. Carolina Panthers, vs. New York Jets, @ Tennessee Titans, @ Atlanta Falcons
Travel Miles: 16,784 (20th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 3/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: @ Atlanta Falcons
The Saints’ hot start to the 2024 season would quickly fizzle out, and things will look considerably different heading into the new season after Derek Carr’s retirement. But New Orleans and Atlanta had a couple of tightly contested games last season — both decided by three points or less. They split the season series, and with Carr out of the picture, that likely guarantees this game will be another battle between young signal-callers.
New York Giants
Toughest Stretch: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, @ Denver Broncos, @ Eagles, vs. San Francisco 49ers
Easiest Stretch: vs. Minnesota Vikings, @ Las Vegas Raiders, vs. Dallas Cowboys
Travel Miles: 16,081 (21st-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 32/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: @ Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have dominated the Giants over the past several years. New York hasn’t beaten Dallas since January 2021, and they’re 1-15 against their NFC East foes since the 2017 season. Although the Cowboys aren’t world beaters, the Giants play them twice a year, proving they can hang could go a long way toward building some momentum.
New York Jets
Toughest Stretch: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, vs. Buffalo Bills, @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Easiest Stretch: vs. Miami Dolphins, @ Jacksonville Jaguars, @ New Orleans Saints, vs. New England Patriots
Travel Miles: 17,486 (19th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 16/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The short-lived Aaron Rodgers era in New York is officially over, but the Jets might not be able to get rid of him just yet. His future is still up in the air, but he’s been heavily linked to the Steelers. If Pittsburgh signs him, Rodgers could return to MetLife as the opposing starting quarterback. He didn’t do much winning with the Jets, but he’ll be motivated to beat them.
Philadelphia Eagles
Toughest Stretch: vs. Dallas Cowboys, @ Kansas City Chiefs, vs. Los Angeles Rams, @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, vs. Denver Broncos
Easiest Stretch: @ New York Giants, @ Minnesota Vikings, vs. Giants, BYE
Travel Miles: 15,924 (22nd-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 29/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: at Buffalo Bills
The Eagles have quickly gone from the hunter to the hunted, and they are poised to be one of the NFL’s best once again. They’ll have plenty of must-watch games, but this one stands out, as it’ll pit Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts against league MVP Josh Allen. Philadelphia and Buffalo are both ranked in the top 5 in our power rankings, and this is a potential Super Bowl preview.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Toughest Stretch: vs. Buffalo Bills, @ Baltimore Ravens, vs. Miami Dolphins, @ Detroit Lions
Easiest Stretch: @ New York Jets, vs. Seattle Seahawks, @ New England Patriots
Travel Miles: 15,062 (24th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 24/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: @ Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens-Steelers rivalry is one of the most heated in NFL history. While it may not have the same feel as when Ray Lewis and Ben Roethlisberger were playing, these teams get up to play each other. Baltimore went 2-1 against Pittsburgh last season, including the playoffs. If the Steelers land Aaron Rodgers, this matchup will feature two of the three current players with multiple MVPs.
San Francisco 49ers
Toughest Stretch: @ Los Angeles Rams, @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, vs. Atlanta Falcons, @ Houston Texans
Easiest Stretch: BYE, vs. Tennessee Titans, @ Indianapolis Colts, vs. Chicago Bears
Travel Miles: 28,363 (5th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 1/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Arizona Cardinals
The 49ers are coming off a disappointing 2024 season that saw them finish last in the NFC West for the first time since 2020. Behind an elite offense, the Cardinals pose a real threat to San Francisco, especially with key losses on the defensive side of the ball. They swept the 49ers last season. It will be interesting to see if the Niners can return to prominence or if the Cardinals will keep flying.
Seattle Seahawks
Toughest Stretch: @ Washington Commanders, vs. Arizona Cardinals, @ Los Angeles Rams
Easiest Stretch: @ Jacksonville Jaguars, vs. Houston Texans, BYE
Travel Miles: 31,302 (3rd-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 13/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: @ Pittsburgh Steelers
After six productive seasons, 2-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf is no longer with the Seahawks after the team traded him to the Steelers this offseason. There’s no doubt that Metcalf, a player who wears his emotions on his sleeve, will be fired up for this one. The matchup will also be a chess match between a veteran head coach in Mike Tomlin and the rising star Mike Macdonald.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Toughest Stretch: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, @ Seattle Seahawks, vs. San Francisco 49ers, @ Detroit Lions
Easiest Stretch: @ Carolina Panthers, vs. Miami Dolphins, vs. Panthers
Travel Miles: 18,477 (16th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 10/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are reigning Super Bowl champions, and every team will give them their best shot. While beating Philadelphia is a tall task, the Buccaneers have the offensive firepower to put points on the board, especially after drafting Emeka Egbuka. They also handed the Eagles a double-digit loss in Week 4 last season.
Tennessee Titans
Toughest Stretch: @ Denver Broncos, vs. Los Angeles Rams, vs. Indianapolis Colts, @ Houston Texans
Easiest Stretch: @ Las Vegas Raiders, vs. New England Patriots, @ Indianapolis Colts
Travel Miles: 18,157 (17th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 8/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. New England Patriots
The Titans don’t necessarily fit the bill as must-watch, but they do have No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward running the show on offense. He may not have a ton to work with, but this will be a litmus test against another young quarterback in Drake Maye. As a sub-storyline, Tennessee moved on from edge rusher Harold Landry III, and he’ll be trying to sack Ward as a member of the Patriots.
Washington Commanders
Toughest Stretch: @ Dallas Cowboys, @ Kansas City Chiefs, vs. Seattle Seahawks, vs. Detroit Lions
Easiest Stretch: vs. New York Giants, @ Green Bay Packers, vs. Las Vegas Raiders, @ Atlanta Falcons
Travel Miles: 21,363 (11th-most out of 32)
Strength of Schedule: 19/32
Must-Watch Game of the Year: vs. Detroit Lions
The Commanders pulled off the stunner of the 2024 playoffs when the defeated the Lions by two touchdowns in the Divisional Round. Both teams are legitimate Super Bowl contenders heading into 2025. While Detroit wants to avenge the loss, Washington will be looking to prove they are no fluke.
Does 32/32 mean “easiest” or “toughest” shcedule?
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