2025 NFL Schedule: Favorable and Unfavorable

The 2025 NFL schedule has been finalized and here are three teams that have drawn favorable and unfavorable slates over the course of the upcoming 17-game season.

Favorable matchups

1. New England Patriots

Under the leadership of new head coach Mike Vrabel and with an offense guided by star-in-the-making quarterback Drake Maye, the Patriots are by all accounts poised for a promising season. They benefit from the NFL's third-easiest strength of schedule, with opponents holding a combined .429 win percentage from the 2024 campaign. Additionally, 12 of their 17 games are slated for the 1:00 p.m. ET slot, allowing for consistent routines and minimal disruptions. 

The Patriots' schedule also includes only three primetime games, reducing the strain of late night travel and preparation. A late season bye provides a beneficial rest period before a challenging final stretch, potentially bolstering their playoff aspirations should things break right in Foxborough during the Fall.

2. New Orleans Saints

While not expected to make a lot of noise this season, the Saints enter the campaign with the league's second-easiest schedule, facing only three teams that made the playoffs in 2024. This favorable lineup of opponents offers a solid foundation for a successful campaign, even in the face of talent deficiencies on the field.

While they do have some long distance road games, including trips to Los Angeles and Seattle, the overall light strength of schedule and limited exposure to cold weather games enhance their prospects. Scheduling of these potentially challenging games earlier in the season could further mitigate difficulties with health not as big of a concern.

3. San Francisco 49ers

Despite a disappointing 6-11 finish last season, the 49ers are set to appear in five primetime games in 2025. Notably, four of these matchups are against teams from the Eastern or Central time zones, potentially giving the West Coast-based 49ers somewhat of an advantage during late kickoffs. 

Avoiding international games this season allows the team to maintain a reasonably consistent travel schedule, which could contribute to improved performance and recovery times throughout the season. If any team could use a break on the injury-front, it's the Niners.

Unfavorable Matchups

1. Kansas City Chiefs

The high-profile Chiefs face a demanding schedule, highlighted by their participation in both Thanksgiving and Christmas Day games, making them the first team since 2016 to do so. They also open the season in São Paulo, Brazil, against the Los Angeles Chargers, introducing significant travel and potential acclimatization challenges right out of the gate.

These marquee games, while showcasing the team's prominence, could lead to increased fatigue and limited recovery time, potentially impacting performance as the season progresses.

2. New York Giants

The Giants' season begins with consecutive road games against NFC East rivals, the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys. Historically, the Giants have struggled in these matchups, including an eight-game losing streak at AT&T Stadium.

Following these challenging openers, the Giants host the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, both formidable opponents. This grueling start could set a difficult tone for the remainder of the season for a team that already has its share of challenges.

3. Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers' schedule is front-loaded with challenges, including an opening game in Brazil against the Chiefs. They face a potentially brutal December stretch with games against the Eagles, Chiefs, Cowboys, Texans, and Broncos, all of whom are playoff contenders.

Additionally, the Chargers have a Week 12 bye, meaning they must navigate 11 consecutive games before receiving a rest week. This extended period without a break could lead to increased fatigue and a higher risk of injuries over the course of the season.