The NFL 2024/2025 season is shaping up to be an exciting spectacle, with an action-packed schedule that fans won't want to miss.
As the league continues to grow in popularity worldwide, the 2024 season promises to deliver thrilling matchups, marquee events, and international games that will keep the global audience on the edge of their seats.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the NFL 2024/2025 game schedule, key dates, and viewing options, ensuring you're well-prepared to enjoy every moment of the season.
Read also: NFL 2024/2025 Season: How to Watch Football Online for Free
Kickoff Game and Opening Week Highlights
The 2024 NFL season kicks off on Thursday, September 5, with a highly anticipated matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs.
This game will set the tone for the season, with two powerhouse teams vying for early dominance.
The game will be nationally televised on NBC and streamed live on Peacock, allowing fans to catch every play.
The opening weekend continues with the Philadelphia Eagles facing the Green Bay Packers on Friday, September 6, in São Paulo, Brazil.
This game is part of the NFL's International Series and will be available exclusively on Peacock. The rest of Week 1 features exciting matchups across the league, including:
Sunday, September 8, 2024:
- Steelers vs. Falcons (1:00 PM ET, FOX)
- Cardinals vs. Bills (1:00 PM ET, CBS)
- Titans vs. Bears (1:00 PM ET, FOX)
- Patriots vs. Bengals (1:00 PM ET, CBS)
- Texans vs. Colts (1:00 PM ET, CBS)
- Jaguars vs. Dolphins (1:00 PM ET, CBS)
- Panthers vs. Saints (1:00 PM ET, FOX)
- Vikings vs. Giants (1:00 PM ET, FOX)
- Raiders vs. Chargers (4:05 PM ET, CBS)
- Broncos vs. Seahawks (4:05 PM ET, CBS)
- Cowboys vs. Browns (4:25 PM ET, FOX)
- Commanders vs. Buccaneers (4:25 PM ET, FOX)
- Rams vs. Lions (8:20 PM ET, NBC)
Monday, September 9, 2024:
- Jets vs. 49ers (8:15 PM ET, ESPN/ABC)
This opening week serves as a preview of the intense competition and dramatic storylines that will unfold throughout the season.
NFL International Series
The NFL International Series continues to expand its global reach, with five games scheduled to be played outside the United States in the 2024 season.
These games are a testament to the league's commitment to growing the sport internationally and providing fans around the world with the opportunity to experience NFL action live.
Game 1:
Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- Date: Friday, September 6, 2024
- Location: São Paulo, Brazil
- Team: 8:15 PM ET
- Channel: Peacock
Game 2:
New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Date: Sunday, October 6, 2024
- Location: London, U.K.
- Team: 10:30 AM ET
- Channel: NFL Network
Game 3:
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chicago Bears
- Date: Sunday, October 13, 2024
- Location: London, U.K.
- Team: 10:30 AM ET
- Channel: NFL Network
Game 4:
New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024
- Location: London, U.K.
- Team: 10:30 AM ET
- Channel: NFL Network
Game 5:
New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers
- Date: Sunday, November 10, 2024
- Location: Munich, Germany
- Team: 11:30 AM ET
- Channel: NFL Network
These international games are more than just regular-season matchups; they represent the NFL's ongoing efforts to build a global fan base and bring the excitement of American football to new audiences.
Prime Time Matchups
Prime time games are a staple of the NFL schedule, featuring the league's most exciting teams and star players.
These games are broadcast in the evening, making them accessible to a broader audience and often serving as the highlight of the week.
Thursday Night Football (TNF):
The season kicks off with the Ravens vs. Chiefs on September 5, but TNF continues to deliver high-profile matchups throughout the season.
Games are broadcast on Amazon Prime Video and NFL Network, with select games simulcast on local networks.
Sunday Night Football (SNF):
SNF is the premier game of the week, airing on NBC with live streaming available on Peacock.
The schedule includes marquee matchups like the Rams vs. Lions in Week 1 and other high-stakes games that could determine playoff positioning later in the season.
Monday Night Football (MNF):
MNF on ESPN is a tradition that dates back to 1970. The 2024 season will feature exciting matchups every Monday night, including the Jets vs. 49ers in Week 1.
ESPN+ and ABC will also broadcast select games, expanding viewing options for fans.
Thanksgiving Day Games
Thanksgiving Day is synonymous with football, and the 2024 season continues this tradition with three games scheduled for Thursday, November 28, 2024.
These games provide a full day of NFL action, making it one of the most anticipated days of the season.
Game 1:
- Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions
- Team: 12:30 PM ET
- Channel: FOX
Game 2:
- Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders
- Team: 4:30 PM ET
- Channel: CBS
Game 3:
These games not only carry significant playoff implications but also add to the holiday's festive atmosphere, as families and friends gather to watch the action unfold.
NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl LIX
The road to Super Bowl LIX begins with the NFL playoffs, which start on Saturday, January 11, 2025.
The playoffs feature the top teams from each conference battling it out in a single-elimination tournament, culminating in the biggest game of the year: the Super Bowl.
Wild Card Round:
- Dates: January 11-12, 2025
- Channels: CBS, ESPN/ABC, FOX, NBC
Divisional Round:
- Dates: January 18-19, 2025
- Channels: CBS, FOX, NBC
Conference Championships:
- Date: January 26, 2025
- Channels: CBS, FOX
Super Bowl LIX:
- Date: February 9, 2025
- Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Channel: CBS, Paramount+
Super Bowl LIX promises to be a grand spectacle, featuring the best teams from the AFC and NFC competing for the ultimate prize in football.
The halftime show, commercials, and overall production make it a must-watch event, even for casual fans.
How to Watch NFL Games in 2024/2025
With the NFL season spread across multiple networks and streaming platforms, knowing where and how to watch the games is crucial for any fan. Here's a breakdown of the best options:
- Amazon Prime Video: Exclusive home for most Thursday Night Football games.
- CBS: Carries AFC games on Sundays, including playoff coverage and the Super Bowl.
- ESPN/ABC: Hosts Monday Night Football and select playoff games.
- FOX: Home of NFC games on Sundays, with additional coverage of the playoffs.
- NBC: Broadcasts Sunday Night Football and select playoff games, including the Super Bowl.
- NFL Network: Covers games throughout the season, including Thursday Night Football and the NFL International Series.
- Peacock: Streams Sunday Night Football and select exclusive games, including international matchups.
- YouTube TV with NFL Sunday Ticket: The ultimate option for out-of-market games, providing access to nearly every game throughout the season.
For those looking to maximize their NFL viewing experience, combining traditional cable with streaming services like NFL Sunday Ticket, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock offers the most comprehensive coverage.
NFL Key Dates and Events
The NFL calendar is packed with important dates beyond the regular season and playoffs. Here are some key events to mark on your calendar:
NFL Draft:
- Date: April 24-26, 2025
- Channels: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
NFL Scouting Combine:
- Date: February 24-March 2, 2025
- Channels: NFL Network, NFL+
NFL Free Agency:
- Start Date: March 12, 2025
These events are integral to the NFL offseason, providing teams with the opportunity to build their rosters and fans with the chance to see the future stars of the league.
Conclusion
The NFL 2024/2025 season promises to be one for the ages, with a packed schedule featuring thrilling matchups, international games, prime time showdowns, and the grand spectacle of the playoffs and Super Bowl.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just tuning in for the biggest games, this season has something for everyone.
Make sure to plan your viewing schedule, set up your streaming services, and get ready for another unforgettable NFL season!