NFL 2025 Schedule Release Timeline: Key Dates, International Games, and Broadcast Innovations NFL 2025 Schedule Release Timeline: Key Dates, International Games, and Broadcast Innovations
NFL 2025 Schedule Leaks: Real-Time Tracker for Matchups, Rumors, and Key Dates NFL 2025 Schedule Leaks: Real-Time Tracker for Matchups, Rumors, and Key Dates

As the regular season reaches its decisive phase, Week 17 delivers one of the most important weekends on the NFL calendar. With postseason spots and seeding still unsettled, nearly every game carries weight—making accurate scheduling and viewing information essential for fans.

Below is a clear, updated, and matchup-specific guide to the NFL games taking place this weekend (Dec 26–28, 2025), including confirmed pairings, kickoff windows, and viewing options. While exact broadcast networks can be flexed late in the week, the matchups and time slots listed here reflect the league’s official Week 17 slate.

NFL schedule this weekend
NFL schedule this weekend

Are There NFL Games on Friday, December 26, 2025?

No.

The NFL does not schedule regular-season games on Friday at this stage of the season. Teams use Friday for travel and final preparation. The on-field action begins Saturday.

NFL Games on Saturday, December 27, 2025

Week 17 features two nationally televised Saturday games, both carrying major playoff implications.

Saturday Matchups & Kickoff Times

  • Houston Texans at Los Angeles Chargers
    Kickoff: 4:30 PM ET

  • Baltimore Ravens at Green Bay Packers
    Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET

Both games are national broadcasts, meaning fans across the U.S. will see the same matchups regardless of location.

How to Watch Saturday Games

  • Afternoon game: typically carried on NFL Network

  • Prime-time game: often assigned to a major streaming or national broadcast partner

  • Live TV streaming services that include NFL Network or national sports channels also carry these games

Because Saturday games sometimes include exclusive streaming windows, cord-cutters should confirm access before kickoff.

NFL Games on Sunday, December 28, 2025

Sunday hosts the full Week 17 slate, with games spread across early afternoon, late afternoon, and prime-time windows.

Early Sunday Games (1:00 PM ET)

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins

  • Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns

  • Arizona Cardinals at Cincinnati Bengals

  • Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts

  • Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers

  • New England Patriots at New York Jets

  • New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans

These games are shown on regional broadcast networks, meaning availability depends on your location.

Late Sunday Afternoon Games

  • New York Giants at Las Vegas Raiders
    Kickoff: 4:05 PM ET

  • Philadelphia Eagles at Buffalo Bills
    Kickoff: 4:25 PM ET

These later windows often feature teams still alive in the playoff race and are closely watched for seeding implications.

Sunday Night Football

  • Los Angeles Rams at Atlanta Falcons
    Kickoff: 8:20 PM ET

Sunday Night Football is a national broadcast, available to viewers nationwide and typically reserved for one of the most meaningful matchups of the week.

How to Watch NFL Games This Weekend

  • Saturday games: National cable and streaming coverage, no regional blackouts

  • Sunday afternoon games: Broadcast on major networks based on regional coverage maps

  • Sunday night game: National broadcast with broad streaming availability

Fans without cable can watch via live TV streaming services, network apps, or official league platforms, depending on the game.

Time Zone Conversion Guide

  • 1:00 PM ET → 12:00 PM CT | 11:00 AM MT | 10:00 AM PT

  • 4:25 PM ET → 3:25 PM CT | 2:25 PM MT | 1:25 PM PT

  • 8:20 PM ET → 7:20 PM CT | 6:20 PM MT | 5:20 PM PT

Why Week 17 Matters

Week 17 frequently determines:

  • Final playoff berths

  • Division titles

  • Home-field advantage in the postseason

It is also a prime week for flex scheduling, which can shift kickoff times or elevate high-stakes games into national windows.

FAQs

What time do NFL games start this weekend?

Games begin Saturday at 4:30 PM ET and Sunday at 1:00 PM ET, with the final game kicking off at 8:20 PM ET.

Are all Saturday games national broadcasts?

Yes. Both Saturday games in Week 17 are nationally televised.

Why do Sunday afternoon games vary by location?

The NFL uses regional broadcast maps, so different markets receive different games.

Can I stream every game without cable?

Most games are available via streaming, but access depends on the platform and whether the game is regional or national.

Final Takeaway

The NFL schedulefor December 26–28, 2025, brings a loaded Week 17 lineup featuring playoff-relevant matchups such as Texans vs Chargers, Ravens vs Packers, and Eagles vs Bills, capped by a prime-time Rams vs Falcons showdown.

For fans, this weekend is about preparation: know the matchups, confirm the kickoff times, and secure the right viewing option ahead of time. With postseason stakes at their peak, Week 17 promises some of the most compelling football of the season.