Welcome to the Tuesday edition of the Pick Six newsletter! As we eagerly await the release of the 2024 NFL schedule tomorrow, it's time to dive into some exciting updates and insights. Today, we'll discuss the latest announcements surrounding the NFL schedule, including the Vikings' historical trip to Europe, and we'll also rank rookies based on their fit with their new teams. Don't forget to share this newsletter with your friends—getting them to sign up is just a click away. Now, let's get into the details!
In a groundbreaking move, the NFL plans to host a total of seven international games in 2025. While the home teams were announced earlier this year, the visiting teams were revealed recently, notably during an episode of Good Morning Football. Among the most exciting matchups, the Vikings will make history by playing back-to-back international games in two different countries. Here’s the full international schedule for 2025:
SAO PAULO, Brazil Week 1 (Sept. 5): Chiefs vs. Chargers, 8:20 p.m. ET (YouTube) - This matchup is set to be officially confirmed on Wednesday.DUBLIN, Ireland Week 4 (Sept. 28): Vikings vs. Steelers, 9:30 a.m. ET (NFL Network)LONDON, England Week 5 (Oct. 5): Vikings vs. Browns, 9:30 a.m. ET (NFL Network) Week 6 (Oct. 12): Broncos vs. Jets, 9:30 a.m. ET (NFL Network) Week 7 (Oct. 19): Rams vs. Jaguars, 9:30 a.m. ET (NFL Network) BERLIN, Germany Week 10 (Nov. 9): Falcons vs. Colts, 9:30 a.m. ET (NFL Network)MADRID, Spain Week 11 (Nov. 16): Commanders at Dolphins, 9:30 a.m. ET (NFL Network)This remarkable schedule marks the Vikings' first time playing international games in consecutive weeks across two different countries, a feat previously achieved by the Jaguars in London.
As anticipation builds, the NFL has begun to unveil key matchups for the upcoming season. Over the past 24 hours, a total of 13 games have been announced, including seven international games. Here are some significant non-international games that fans can look forward to:
Week 1: Thursday, Sept. 4: Cowboys at Eagles, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)Week 10: Monday, Nov. 10: Eagles at Packers, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN)Week 12 (Black Friday): Friday, Nov. 28: Bears at Eagles, 3 p.m. ET (Amazon)Week 16: Saturday, Dec. 20: Packers at Bears (Fox) and Eagles at Commanders (Fox)Week 17 (Christmas): Thursday, Dec. 25: Broncos at Chiefs, 8:15 p.m. ET (Amazon)Notably, this marks the third consecutive year that the Chiefs will play on Christmas Day, while the Eagles dominate the early schedule with four announced games.
With the release of the NFL schedule just a day away, Cody Benjamin has compiled a list of wishes that each team should have for their upcoming schedule. Here are some highlights:
Lions: An early prime-time matchup with the Commanders to avenge last season's divisional round loss.Bears: A Week 1 rivalry game against the Lions, giving Caleb Williams a chance to shine against his old team.Broncos: A prime-time game in Washington, allowing Bo Nix to showcase his skills.Jets: A prime-time home game against the Steelers for Justin Fields to face his former team.Seahawks: A prime-time showdown with the Vikings to highlight Sam Darnold's capabilities.To explore all of Cody's wishes for each team, click here.
As we analyze the 2025 NFL schedule, several trends regarding teams’ strength of schedule are worth noting:
Surprise Team: Patriots - The New England Patriots have the easiest schedule in the AFC, a trend that has historically led to a winning record for teams with similar situations in their inaugural coaching years.Potential Regression: Lions - The Lions are facing the most challenging first-place schedule, which typically leads to a regression of around 3.5 games.Easy Ride: 49ers - With the easiest schedule in the NFL at a strength of .415, the 49ers have a favorable setup after a tumultuous previous season.For a complete breakdown of team strength of schedule rankings, click here.
Taking a break from schedule talk, let’s focus on the best fits for rookies entering the league. NFL Draft expert Chris Trapasso evaluated how well rookies will integrate with their new teams. Here are the top three fits:
S Nick Emmanwori to the Seahawks: Emmanwori's size and speed are reminiscent of Kyle Hamilton's, making him a versatile asset in Seattle's defense.RB Ashton Jeanty to the Raiders: Under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, Jeanty is expected to excel with his unique skill set and vision.TE Colston Loveland to the Bears: Loveland will benefit from a creative offensive scheme under Ben Johnson, allowing him to exploit favorable matchups.To see the full list of rookies and their potential fits, click here.
As the NFL season approaches, it's a hectic time filled with numerous developments. In our roundup, we also highlight the ongoing contract disputes involving star players, including a notable situation with a Bengals star. Stay tuned for more updates as we track the latest news in the NFL!
