The wait is over! The NFL schedule for the 2025 season is here, and at Alofoke Deportes we bring you an in-depth analysis of the most important reactions.
Exaggerations or realities? We analyze the 2025 NFL schedule
The excitement is palpable. With the announcement of the complete 2025 season calendar, fans and sports media are preparing to analyze every detail. At Alofoke Deportes, we break down the most notable reactions and determine whether they are justified or exaggerated.
To assess the difficulty of the schedules, we will use the win-loss record from the previous season.
49ers: Are they on an easy path to the playoffs?
The 49ers, after a season marked by injuries, will seek to recover. Their 2025 schedule presents, in theory, the most accessible path in the league, with rivals that in 2024 had a winning percentage of .415.
Home games against the Falcons, Panthers, Jaguars, Titans, and Bears, and away games against the Browns, Texans, Colts, Saints, Buccaneers, and Giants, seem favorable. Only two 2024 playoff teams (Texans and Buccaneers) will be faced outside the division, and the Rams will be the only divisional playoff rivals.
VERDICT: EXAGGERATION
Although it’s logical to expect the 49ers to be contenders, it’s crucial to remember the significant changes in the team. They have lost key players like Deebo Samuel Sr., Aaron Banks, Javon Hargrave, Dre Greenlaw, Charvarius Ward, and Talanoa Hufanga. While Brock Purdy remains and players like McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, and Trent Williams return healthy, it cannot be assumed that the 2025 49ers will be identical to those of 2023.
Additionally, historically, teams with the “easiest” schedule often end up with losing records, which questions the relevance of this advantage.
Giants: Will Dart Come to the Rescue?
The Giants selected Jaxson Dart with the hope that he will become their franchise quarterback. With Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston as options, the initial strategy is to give Dart the time he needs to develop.
The schedule, considered the most difficult in the NFL, could favor this strategy by allowing Dart to learn behind the veterans. However, the pressure of results could accelerate his debut.
VERDICT: IT IS NOT AN EXAGGERATION
History suggests teams rarely stick to plans to give a rookie quarterback time. Losing can force changes. The 2017 Chiefs example, with Patrick Mahomes waiting behind Alex Smith, is a rare exception. The Giants are unlikely to maintain an undefeated streak to allow Dart to develop without pressure.
The image in the note shows Dan Orlovsky talking about the Giants’ quarterbacks, and why they should be patient with Jaxson Dart.
Everything indicates that Dart will play at some point this season. Wilson hasn’t been a consistent starting quarterback in recent years, and Winston is a temporary solution. Dart is the future of the Giants, and unless the present is a surprise, we’ll most likely see him in action soon.
Lions: Is the streak over in the North?
The Lions, after winning the NFC North title in 2023 and 2024, have experienced changes in their coaching staff. The team, however, maintains a strong roster, with the return of Aidan Hutchinson.
It is important to remember that the division had three teams in the playoffs last season. The Lions needed to beat the Vikings in the last game to secure their second consecutive title.
VERDICT: IT IS NOT AN EXAGGERATION
The Lions’ schedule features seven outdoor games. In addition to trips to Green Bay and Chicago, they will play in Philadelphia, Washington, Kansas City, Baltimore, and Cincinnati. Of the nine road opponents, seven went to the playoffs in 2024. Their road opponents had a .667 winning percentage in 2024, giving them the toughest road schedule in the Super Bowl era.
Considering the strength of the division, the outdoor games, and the away matchups against teams that went far in the postseason, the Lions’ path to a third consecutive North title seems complicated.
Vikings: Disadvantage due to international travel?
The Vikings will play against the Steelers in Dublin in Week 4 and against the Browns in London in Week 5. It’s the first time a team has played consecutive games in different countries outside the United States.
This could keep the Vikings out of their home for 10 days, which could affect their performance in a very competitive division.
VERDICT: EXAGGERATION
The Vikings are content with this situation, aware of it from the beginning. Coach Kevin O’Connell described it as a “joint decision” between the team and the NFL. The trip from Dublin to London is not much longer than the one from Minneapolis to Green Bay, which they make every year.
O’Connell and his team will take advantage of these 10 days to strengthen team bonds. In addition, the Vikings will technically be the visiting team in both games. This means they will play seven away games and two on neutral ground. The Vikings have never won at Pittsburgh’s Acrisure Stadium and have only won one game in Cleveland since 1989. These are two away games that, due to weather conditions, could be more difficult.
Cowboys: A Complicated Season Finale?
The Cowboys have their bye week in Week 10, an ideal time. After the bye, they will face the Raiders in a Monday Night game, which will give them 13 days of rest before the second half of the season.
After the game against the Raiders, they will play against the Eagles at home with little rest, followed by a Thanksgiving game against the Chiefs. Then, they will play three games in 11 days, with two against last season’s Super Bowl teams.
VERDICT: IT IS NOT AN EXAGGERATION
Although good teams from last season won’t necessarily be so this season, this stretch is difficult. Three games with little rest in the last six weeks are not ideal. The four away games after the break are in different time zones, and the four home games are against teams that made the playoffs last season.
If the Cowboys want to regain the NFC East title, they must build a considerable lead before halftime.
