How Many Days Until Football Season 2025? Full Schedule

By Emma Wilson · February 26, 2028

As of today, October 24, 2025, the 2025 NFL regular season is already underway. The opening week began on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Therefore, there are 0 days remaining until the start of the 2025 football season — it has already started.

Understanding the 2025 Football Season Schedule

The 2025 NFL season kicked off earlier than many expect due to expanded preseason events and international games. Knowing the exact timeline helps fans plan viewing parties, fantasy drafts, and travel around key matchups.

Key Dates in the 2025 NFL Calendar

Preseason: July 26 – August 21, 2025
Regular Season Start: September 4, 2025 (Thursday Night Football)
Weekend Games Begin: September 7–8, 2025
Super Bowl LIX: February 8, 2026, at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
Pro Bowl Games: January 25, 2026

NFL Season Structure Overview

The NFL transitioned to a 17-game regular season in 2021, which continues into 2025. Each team plays 17 games over an 18-week window, with one bye week per team. This structure increases excitement and gives broadcasters more content.

How the Schedule Is Determined

The NFL uses a rotating divisional matchup system based on standings from the previous year. Teams play:

6 games against their division opponents (home and away)
4 games against one division from the same conference
4 games against one division from the opposite conference
2 games based on prior-year division rankings (same conference and inter-conference)
1 additional intraconference game based on ranking

Event	Date(s)	Location	Notes
Training Camp Opens	July 26, 2025	Team Facilities	Rookie camps start earlier; veterans report by July 30
Preseason Week 1	August 1–3, 2025	Multiples Sites	First live action for new draftees
Preseason Week 3 (Final)	August 21–25, 2025	National Broadcasts	Starter evaluation and roster cuts begin
Regular Season Kickoff	September 4, 2025	Arrowhead Stadium (Chiefs vs. Broncos)	First game under new kickoff format rules
Weekend Openers	September 7–8, 2025	All 32 Teams (except Thursday participants)	Full slate of games across Sunday and Monday
Super Bowl LIX	February 8, 2026	Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA	First time since 2013 New Orleans hosts SB

Table data source:1, 2

The table above outlines major milestones in the 2025 NFL season. Notably, the league expanded its international series with two games in Germany and one in Brazil during October 2025. Additionally, the kickoff rule changes have led to higher return rates and fewer touchbacks, increasing fan engagement early in the season.

Fantasy Football and Draft Timing

Fantasy football remains a major driver of fan engagement. Most platforms set their draft windows between August 1 and September 10, 2025. Early drafts are risky due to injury concerns in preseason games, but late drafts miss optimal player selection.

Tips for Fantasy Managers

Monitor preseason performance closely, especially for rookie breakout candidates
Avoid drafting players coming off injury unless value is extremely high
Use ADP (Average Draft Position) trackers to identify sleepers
Prepare for Week 1 by checking depth charts released after final roster cuts (August 26 deadline)

Common Questions About the 2025 Football Season

How many days until the 2025 NFL season starts?

As of October 24, 2025, the 2025 NFL season has already started. The first game was played on September 4, 2025. There are 0 days remaining until kickoff — it’s currently ongoing.

When does the 2025 college football season begin?

The 2025 NCAA football season begins on August 30, 2025, with several early games scheduled over the weekend. The full slate of Power Five conferences kicks off September 6–7, 2025.

What time is the first NFL game of the 2025 season?

The first NFL game of the 2025 season aired on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 8:15 PM ET on NBC and Peacock, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium.

Where can I watch the 2025 NFL season opener?

The 2025 NFL season opener was broadcast nationally on NBC and streamed live via Peacock, Yahoo Sports app, and NFL+ on mobile devices. International viewers could access it through NFL Game Pass.

Has the 2025 NFL schedule been released?

Yes, the full 2025 NFL regular-season schedule was released on May 15, 2025. Prime-time games, including Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, and Thursday Night Football, were announced at that time. Individual team schedules were available immediately after the release.