With the entire 2025-26 NFL schedule now released, it’s time to take a look at which games are the best on the schedule.
More specifically, which standalone games — Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, holiday games, and international games — are setting up to be the best?
We ranked all 59 of them.
Ranking Every Standalone NFL Game Across the 2025-26 Schedule
59) Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns, Week 5 (London)
This will be the Vikings’ second straight game overseas, and they’ll face a Browns team without a clear answer at quarterback. This one could get messy — a first-year starting QB on one side, and an offense with no defined identity on the other.
58) New York Jets vs. New England Patriots, Week 11 (TNF)
Yes, it’s an AFC East rivalry game, but these teams combined for just nine wins last season. Both hope to bounce back in 2025, but from the outside, expectations are still low.
57) Carolina Panthers vs. San Francisco 49ers, Week 12 (MNF)
Bryce Young showed some growth last year and brings a bit of intrigue. Still, a trip to San Francisco doesn’t scream must-see TV — even if the 49ers look like their dominant selves again.
56) Atlanta Falcons vs. Indianapolis Colts, Week 10 (Berlin)
The NFL heads to Berlin for the first time, but the matchup won’t turn heads. The Falcons and Colts both missed the playoffs last year and aren’t being picked as serious contenders in 2025 either.
55) San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts, Week 16 (MNF)
By Week 16, the Colts could be out of the race and just trying to get Anthony Richardson more reps. Even if the 49ers are still in it, this one doesn’t jump off the screen as a compelling game right now.
54) New York Giants vs. New England Patriots, Week 13 (MNF)
Ah yes, the rematch of Super Bowls XLII and XLVI. Except this time it’s Drake Maye vs.… Russell Wilson? Jameis Winston? Not quite the Brady-Manning matchup we once loved. You get the idea.
53) Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 4 (Ireland)
The Steelers’ QB situation is still up in the air, but second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy gives this one some juice. It’ll be his first international game — and just his fourth career start — against a nasty Pittsburgh defense. Intriguing, if nothing else.
52) Miami Dolphins vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 15 (MNF)
This could get rough. The Steelers’ defense is built to slow down Miami’s speed, and by Week 15, we might be watching sixth-round rookie Will Howard leading the Pittsburgh offense.
51) Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets, Week 6 (London)
This could be a turning point for both squads. The Broncos will look to keep building momentum from last season, while new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn tries to spark a long-dormant team. London fans might get a grind-it-out, defensive battle.
50) New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills, Week 5 (SNF)
Maye vs. Allen has the potential to bring this rivalry back to life — just not yet. On Sunday night, the youngster will flash some ability, but he’s in for a tough test against a Buffalo team with Super Bowl hopes again.
49) Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings, Week 2 (SNF)
For a Week 2 Sunday Night Football game, this one underwhelms. Sure, it’s a rematch of the 2024 College Football National Championship, but McCarthy’s second pro start against Penix’s seventh isn’t likely to be very polished.
48) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Week 10 (SNF)
It’s hard to justify this one getting a Sunday night slot — unless Aaron Rodgers suddenly signs with the Steelers and fills their QB void. Without that surprise twist, expect a gritty, run-heavy game better suited for a 1 p.m. window.
47) Los Angeles Rams vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Week 7 (London)
It doesn’t jump off the page, but this London matchup could be sneakily fun. Matthew Stafford vs. Trevor Lawrence is a solid QB duel, and by Week 7, CB/WR Travis Hunter should be comfortable enough to make a splash overseas.
46) Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals, Week 4 (TNF)
This NFC West rivalry has cooled in recent years with Pete Carroll and Wilson gone. Still, it’ll be Sam Darnold’s first prime-time start for Seattle, and the outcome could prove meaningful in the division race down the line.
45) Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Week 15 (TNF)
Last year’s TNF clash was a thriller, but don’t count on a repeat. This one might hold playoff implications in the NFC South, but it’s not drawing much interest outside the region.
44) Los Angeles Rams vs. Atlanta Falcons, Week 17 (MNF)
The final Monday night game of the year pits Stafford against Penix in a matchup we don’t see often. With so much football packed into Christmas weekend, this one might quietly go down as one of the least-watched games of the year.
43) Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys, Week 9 (MNF)
This could be a measuring stick for both teams as they try to rebound from letdowns in 2024. One exciting piece: the WR showdown between Marvin Harrison Jr. — assuming he flashes his elite talent — and CeeDee Lamb, arguably the best in the league right now.
42) Atlanta Falcons vs. San Francisco 49ers, Week 7 (SNF)
Penix taking center stage early in his second season is interesting, but both teams missed the playoffs last year and didn’t make big leaps this offseason. The intrigue here is limited.
41) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Week 7 (TNF)
Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are always worth tuning in for, but the former’s history with the Steelers is rocky — he’s thrown more picks against them (10) than any other team. Mike Tomlin’s defense always seems to make him work.
40) Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Week 13 (Black Friday)
By Week 13, we’ll know more about Caleb Williams’ development, and this game will be a big test. The defending champs won’t go easy on the Bears’ supposedly improved offensive line — this could be the lowest point of Williams’ career if things go poorly.
39) Cincinnati Bengals vs. Miami Dolphins, Week 16 (SNF)
If everyone’s healthy, this one should be a track meet. Tyreek Hill and Chase bring elite speed, and Burrow vs. Tagovailoa offers pinpoint passing on both sides. With playoff seeding likely at stake, this could be one of the better games of December.
38) Kansas City Chiefs vs. New York Giants, Week 3 (SNF)
The draw here is simple: Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce under the lights in New York. It’d be a shock if this one’s close, as the Giants will likely be heavy underdogs — just don’t tell WR Malik Nabers, who could give the prime-time crowd something to remember.
37) Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Week 17 (Christmas Night)
Not the most anticipated Christmas night game on paper, but it still brings intrigue. Will Bo Nix have Denver in playoff contention by this point? And how will the Chiefs look as they (presumably) begin their Super Bowl push?
36) Dallas Cowboys vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Week 11 (MNF)
Two of the league’s most iconic franchises meet on Monday night. The Raiders have talent with QB Geno Smith, RB Ashton Jeanty, and TE Brock Bowers, but Micah Parsons always seems to turn things up a notch under the lights.
35) Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders, Week 17 (Christmas Day)
Last year’s wild finish saw 41 points scored in the fourth quarter, with Cooper Rush outdueling Jayden Daniels. Now, Daniels is closing out his second full season and gets a prime-time shot at Dak Prescott. It’s Christmas — everyone will be watching.
34) Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills, Week 3 (TNF)
Early in the year, both teams should be at full strength. With Hill and Jaylen Waddle healthy, Tua usually lights it up. On the flip side, Allen — a known Dolphins killer — enters with a career 12-2 record against Miami.
33) Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears, Week 1 (MNF)
It’s McCarthy’s debut, but the spotlight might shift to the other sideline. Vikings DC Brian Flores throws complex looks, and Williams will face a serious test in his first outing of Year 2 after a rocky rookie campaign.
32) Las Vegas Raiders vs. Denver Broncos, Week 10 (TNF)
This rivalry always brings physical football, and both teams should look different by midseason. The Raiders’ new-look offense facing a young Denver squad could have playoff implications — or at least some extra juice for wild-card positioning.
31) Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions, Week 14 (TNF)
Two years after the infamous two-point conversion that never was, the Cowboys and Lions meet again in primetime. Dan Campbell’s crew embarrassed Dallas 47-9 last season. Will Dallas be ready to answer back?
30) Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers, Week 17 (SNF)
This could be a flex-worthy showdown or a flex-out candidate — depends on how each team fares down the stretch. With playoff hopes on the line, it’ll also feature a fun QB storyline: No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams vs. Mr. Irrelevant, Brock Purdy.
29) Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Week 14 (MNF)
Don’t be surprised if this one wraps in under three hours — but you’ll want to catch every snap. The Eagles rode RB Saquon Barkley and a dominant run game to a Super Bowl title, exactly the style new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh hopes to recreate with his squad.
28) Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks, Week 16 (TNF)
This one is right where it should be on the schedule. When these NFC West foes meet late in the season, there’s usually playoff positioning at stake. Add in WR Cooper Kupp facing his former team, and this game has intrigue from kickoff.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Los Angeles Rams, Week 12 (SNF)
Baker Mayfield gets a shot at his former team — even if it was just a five-game stint in 2022 — and you know he’ll bring the fire. Across the field, Matthew Stafford is still a borderline top-10 QB and can go throw-for-throw with anyone in the league.
26) San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams, Week 5 (TNF)
These two always seem to put on a show, and their first clash of 2025 should be no different. The coaching battle between Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan is one of the best in football and often dictates the tempo and tone of the night.
25) Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Week 8 (TNF)
The storyline writes itself: the former Michigan QB, McCarthy, faces his college coach, Harbaugh, who now leads the Chargers.
MORE: 2025 Power Rankings — Projecting Every Team After Schedule Release
Expect some warm greetings pregame — then ultra-competitive fire when the ball is kicked off.
24) Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Commanders, Week 9 (SNF)
Jayden Daniels under the lights is must-watch TV. The 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year brings flash and explosiveness, while Seattle and Sam Darnold will be looking to grind out a tough cross-country win in prime time.
23) Minnesota Vikings vs. Dallas Cowboys, Week 15 (SNF)
McCarthy in Jerry’s World under the lights? Sign us up. With his second season nearly in the books, we’ll get to see how he handles a big-stage showdown against Micah Parsons and a Cowboys team that always brings drama.
22) Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins, Week 11 (Madrid)
The Madrid crowd is in for a treat. In a country where soccer games often end under five total points, fans will get to see touchdowns galore. Between Daniels and the Dolphins’ fast-paced offense, expect fireworks in Spain.
21) Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings, Week 17 (Christmas Day)
These teams gave us a thriller in Week 18 last season — now they’re back on Christmas with possibly even more on the line. Kevin O’Connell always seems to have the Vikings in the mix, while Campbell will be pushing Detroit toward another deep playoff run.
20) Denver Broncos vs. Washington Commanders, Week 13 (SNF)
Two of the top QBs from the 2024 NFL Draft — Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels — headline this one, but don’t overlook the coaching battle. Sean Payton’s offensive mind vs. Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme is a high-level chess match sure to shape the outcome.
19) Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants, Week 6 (TNF)
Every time Barkley faces his old team, it’s must-see TV. Even if the Eagles manage his workload on a short week, he can still do damage — like last season when he torched New York for 176 yards and a touchdown on just 17 carries.
18) Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins, Week 9 (TNF)
Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry under the lights in Miami is already enough to get your attention. Add in the speed of Hill and Waddle on the other side, and you’ve got a Thursday night shootout in the making.
17) Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Week 1 (Brazil)
Mahomes vs. Herbert is always a thriller — this time in Brazil to start the season. Both teams made the playoffs last year, and this one has all the makings of a 60-point slugfest to open the NFL year with a bang.
16) Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 8 (SNF)
Why would this game land on SNF? Well, if Rodgers ends up signing with Pittsburgh — and that’s been rumored for a while — it would instantly become a must-watch revenge game against his former team.
15) Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers, Week 10 (MNF)
A Wild Card rematch from last season, the Eagles rolled over Green Bay then — and now head to Lambeau to try again. This could be a measuring stick game for a Packers team that had a strange offseason, strengthening strong spots and ignoring some key needs.
14) Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys, Week 4 (SNF)
This is a chance for Dallas to get revenge after getting steamrolled at home by the Packers in the 2023 Wild Card round. The Cowboys host their first prime-time game of the year and will be fired up for the NFC clash.
13) Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Week 1 (TNF)
The NFL opens its season with a classic rivalry. Can the Eagles’ new-look defense hold off Dak Prescott in his return from injury? We’ll find out fast. This one is going to be intense.
12) Washington Commanders vs. Green Bay Packers, Week 2 (TNF)
Daniels’ first prime-time game in Year 2 comes against a Packers offense that loves to light up the scoreboard. With a tough Week 1 against the Lions, Green Bay could be staring at a 0-2 start if they drop this one in Washington.
11) Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Week 14 (SNF)
Their playoff showdown last year was electric — and this one should bring the same juice. C.J. Stroud continues to grow in Year 3 and will try to match Patrick Mahomes throw for throw under the lights.
10) Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Week 5 (MNF)
Travis Hunter, the two-way rookie, gets his first taste of the big stage against the best in the business: Mahomes and the Chiefs. There’s no bigger welcome-to-the-NFL moment than this.
9) Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans, Week 12 (TNF)
The Texans won last year’s matchup with a last-second field goal, despite Josh Allen completing just nine passes. Expect a sharper version of Allen this time, which could put serious pressure on Houston’s talented secondary.
8) Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens, Week 3 (MNF)
Both teams were offensive fireworks on MNF last year — Detroit averaged 41 points, and Baltimore 35.5. If they keep that pace up, this game could be one of the wildest clashes of the season.
7) Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions, Week 13 (Thanksgiving)
An old-school NFC North rivalry kicks off Thanksgiving Day. Both teams could be in the playoff mix, and with two top offenses, this game might turn into a shootout in front of the whole country.
6) Kansas City Chiefs vs. Dallas Cowboys, Week 13 (Thanksgiving)
Mahomes vs. America’s Team on Thanksgiving? The NFL couldn’t have drawn it up better. It’s a potential ratings monster — and an even better matchup on the field as both teams push toward the playoffs.
5) Detroit Lions vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Week 11 (SNF)
This could be an NFC title game preview. The Eagles and Lions haven’t clashed in the playoffs yet, but this regular-season showdown might be the spark. Look for power rushing on both sides and two QBs ready to sling it.
4) Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens, Week 13 (Thanksgiving)
These two played classics in 2024 — and now they meet again on Thanksgiving. With Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson both healthy, expect another down-to-the-wire thriller with playoff positioning on the line.
3) Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Week 6 (SNF)
This game has been floated as a Super Bowl matchup for a while. Now they face off in Kansas City with a chance to see who’s still a true contender. Both teams had some offseason losses — now it’s time to see who’s still elite.
2) Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills, Week 1 (SNF)
The NFL wasted no time putting star power on display. Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen to open SNF? Yes, please. Their playoff clash last season ended 27-25 in favor of the Bills — this one could be just as tight.
1) Washington Commanders vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Week 8 (MNF)
Mahomes vs. Daniels. Old king vs. rising star. It’s their first-ever meeting, and it could very well be a Super Bowl preview. No matter who wins, this is can’t-miss football — a true masterpiece in the making.
