When Is NFL Football Season? 2025 Schedule & Key Dates

By Sarah Miller · September 9, 2051

The NFL football season for 2025 runs from September 4, 2025, to February 8, 2026. The regular season starts in early September, followed by a 17-week schedule, playoffs in January, and Super Bowl LIX on February 8, 2026, in New Orleans.

Overview of the NFL Season Structure

The National Football League (NFL) season is divided into three main phases: the preseason, the regular season, and the postseason. Each phase plays a critical role in shaping the competitive landscape leading up to the Super Bowl.

Key Phases of the NFL Season

Preseason: Held in August, it consists of four exhibition games per team, primarily used for player evaluation and strategy testing.
Regular Season: Begins the first week of September and spans 18 weeks, with each team playing 17 games over 18 weeks due to one bye week.
Postseason: Features 14 teams (7 from each conference) competing in single-elimination games, culminating in the Super Bowl.

2025 NFL Regular Season Schedule

The 2025 NFL regular season is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, September 4, 2025, with a marquee matchup likely featuring reigning champions or top contenders. Games are primarily played on Sundays, with additional contests on Thursdays and Mondays.

Each of the league's 32 teams plays 17 games: one game against each of the 16 opponents within their conference (AFC or NFC), plus one inter-conference game based on previous season standings.

Notable Dates in the 2025 NFL Calendar

August 7–24, 2025: Preseason games
September 4, 2025: Regular season kickoff
November 27, 2025: Thanksgiving Day games
January 10–12, 2026: Wild Card Weekend
February 8, 2026: Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans

NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl

The NFL playoffs begin in January following the conclusion of the regular season. Seven teams from each conference qualify: the four division winners and three wild card teams with the best records.

Playoff Format Breakdown

Wild Card Round: First weekend of January, featuring six games.
Divisional Round: Eight remaining teams compete; winners advance to conference championships.
Conference Championships: AFC and NFC title games determine Super Bowl participants.
Super Bowl LIX: Scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Season Phase	Start Date	End Date	Games per Team	Notes
Preseason	August 7, 2025	August 24, 2025	4	Exhibition games; roster evaluation
Regular Season	September 4, 2025	December 28, 2025	17	18-week schedule with one bye week
Wild Card Round	January 10, 2026	January 12, 2026	1	6 teams compete (3 per conference)
Divisional Round	January 17, 2026	January 19, 2026	1	4 teams per conference
Conference Championships	January 25, 2026	January 25, 2026	1	AFC & NFC title games
Super Bowl LIX	February 8, 2026	February 8, 2026	1	Caesars Superdome, New Orleans

Table data source:1, 2

The table outlines the complete 2025–2026 NFL season timeline, showing progression from preseason to the Super Bowl. Each phase increases in intensity, with only one team emerging as champion after 17 regular-season games and up to three playoff wins. The structure ensures maximum fan engagement across nearly six months.

Frequently Asked Questions About the NFL Football Season

When does the 2025 NFL regular season start?

The 2025 NFL regular season begins on Thursday, September 4, 2025, with a high-profile opening game typically featuring the previous Super Bowl winner or top-ranked teams.

How many games are in an NFL regular season?

Each NFL team plays 17 games during the 18-week regular season, with one bye week where they do not play. This format has been in place since the 2021 season expansion from 16 games.

When are the NFL playoffs in 2026?

The NFL playoffs begin on January 10, 2026, with the Wild Card Round. The postseason continues through the Divisional Round and Conference Championships, leading up to Super Bowl LIX on February 8, 2026.

Where is Super Bowl LIX being held?

Super Bowl LIX will be played on February 8, 2026, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This marks the 8th time the city hosts the championship game.

How are NFL playoff teams determined?

Seven teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs: the four division winners and three wild card teams with the best win-loss records. Seeding is based on overall record, tiebreakers, and division rankings.