The full 2025 NFL schedule has been released, and some are happier than others about their squad’s slate. While some teams have five or more prime-time games, others have zero. One of just three teams not to appear in prime time in 2025 will be the New Orleans Saints.
2019 Draft Pick Furious Over Saints Schedule
New Orleans defensive tackle Khalen Saunders was not shy in expressing his distaste at his team’s schedule upon the release. The former Kansas City Chief took to X, where his post left a vulgar message.
“Zero prime times is f***** insane,” said Saunders. “Wow, bro, wow. League said here take y’all funky a** schedule and gtfo my face.”
Saunders, who may be used to prime-time games coming from Kansas City, cannot believe that he and the Saints have none. Regardless, 2024 featured two other wildly disappointing teams who are also left empty-handed in prime-time slots.
Deep Diving Number of Prime-Time Games for Various Teams
To no one’s surprise, the Chiefs hold the most prime-time contests in 2025. This comes with their difficult schedule and reigning Super Bowl appearance. Kansas City’s seven prime-time games tie an NFL record for the most in one season with the 2023 Buffalo Bills.
The Dallas Cowboys come in at second as they will appear under the lights six times in 2025. Following a disappointing 2024 campaign and the addition of star wideout George Pickens, all eyes will be on America’s team.
Eight NFL teams tie for third place, playing in five prime-time contests. These teams are: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, and San Francisco 49ers.
Half of the league ranges in the two-four prime-time game slot with 16 NFL teams earning games in that range.
Finally, here are the six teams that will have one or fewer prime-time outings in 2025. The Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Carolina Panthers narrowly earned any as they will each play once on the big stage.
However, for the aforementioned Saints, Cleveland Browns, and Tennessee Titans, there will be no prime-time games. This means exciting rookies like Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Quinshon Judkins, Tyler Shough, Devin Neal, and a handful more will have to wait their turn to show all the NFL’s eyes what they are made of.
With a top-heavy batch of prime-time games, it is no surprise some players and fans are left unhappy. Could this pose as a motivator for the teams with one or none to move in silence in 2025 and earn more notoriety in 2026?