We already had insights into the “Who?” and “Where?” for the 2025 NFL regular season, but the “When?” was the last unknown we needed to clarify. Fortunately, the NFL has now released the complete 2025 regular-season schedule, bringing us closer to football season.
The timing of these games is crucial for assessing each team’s prospects. If a team’s toughest opponents are spaced out, it increases their chances of securing wins. Conversely, facing challenging teams in quick succession can prove overwhelming. Additionally, extensive road trips add further challenges.
Now that we have the full schedule, we can analyze which teams emerge as winners and losers from this latest update. Here’s the breakdown:
Winners: Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are thriving in multiple ways. After making waves in 2024 with Jayden Daniels leading them to an NFC Championship appearance as a rookie, expectations remain high. With eight standalone games in 2025—tied for the most in the league with the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs—the Commanders are enjoying a notable turnaround from their 4-13 season just a few years ago.
Additionally, the Commanders’ season kicks off gently, facing only one team with a winning record from the previous year (the Green Bay Packers in Week 2) in the first month. This favorable start sets a positive tone for Daniels and his teammates.
Losers: Dallas Cowboys
On the other hand, the Dallas Cowboys have a new head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, who will need to navigate a particularly tough stretch late in the season. Dallas faces an unprecedented challenge from Week 12 to Week 17, going up against powerhouses like the Eagles, Chiefs, Lions (away), Vikings, Chargers, and Commanders (away). Facing six straight teams with 11 or more wins from last season is a daunting prospect, emphasizing the need for a strong start.
Winners: San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers, who struggled with injuries in 2024, look poised for a comeback in 2025. Their opponents for the upcoming season boast the fourth-easiest combined win total in the NFL. They face only three playoff teams from 2024: the Los Angeles Rams (twice), Houston Texans, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and they have a well-placed bye week in Week 14.
Losers: Philadelphia Eagles
For the defending champions, the 2025 schedule poses significant challenges. The Eagles will not have back-to-back home games at any point during the season, making them the first Super Bowl-winning team to experience such a scheduling quirk in consecutive regular seasons. After facing the New York Giants, they will head on the road to face the Packers without a home game advantage.
Cincinnati’s near playoff appearance last year has them well-positioned for a run in 2025, traveling the fewest miles of any NFL team at just 8,753. Their favorable travel situation mirrors that of the Commanders last season. Can the Bengals make a strong push towards the AFC Championship?
Losers: Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings possess a talented roster, but a key factor will be the performance of 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy as he takes over as starting quarterback. He’ll have to navigate the added complexity of playing back-to-back international games this season: first in Dublin, Ireland, against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4, then traveling to London for a matchup against the Cleveland Browns. This historic double-header adds another layer of challenge for the young QB as he steps into his new role.
