The 2023 NFL schedule has been released. On Thursday night, the league unveiled the 272 matchups, including their dates and times, giving us plenty to talk about over the coming days and weeks.
Over in the NFC, there are several intriguing battles for the contenders in the conference, including many that feature quarterback Jalen Hurts and the Eagles. Philadelphia has a grueling AFC slate, with matchups against the Chiefs, Bills and Jets.
But the Eagles should be concerned about the rest of the NFC, too, because the 49ers and the Cowboys will be in the mix again. Dallas and San Francisco will clash in Week 5 for Sunday Night Football. Also, don’t overlook the rising Seahawks and Lions, who will open the season against the Chiefs on Thursday, Sept. 7.
Below, we look at the NFC and try to decipher which teams have the easiest slates and which will run the toughest roads in their hopes of getting to Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII.
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles
Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com/USA Today Network
Predicted record: 13–4, first NFC East (No. 1 seed)
Home: vs. Vikings, 8:15 p.m., Sept. 14; vs. Commanders, 1 p.m., Oct. 1; vs. Dolphins, 8:20 p.m., Oct. 22; vs. Cowboys, 4:25 p.m., Nov. 5; vs. Bills, 4:25 p.m., Nov. 26; vs. 49ers, 4:25 p.m., Dec. 3; vs. Giants, 4:30 p.m., Dec. 25; vs. Cardinals, 1 p.m., Dec. 31
Away: at Patriots, 4:25 p.m., Sept. 10; at Buccaneers, 7:15 p.m., Sept. 25; at Rams, 4:05 p.m., Oct. 08; at Jets, 4:25 p.m., Oct. 15; at Commanders, 1 p.m., Oct. 29; at Chiefs, 8:15 p.m., Nov. 20; at Cowboys, 8:20 p.m., Dec. 10; at Seahawks, 4:25 p.m., Dec. 17; at Giants, TBD, Week 18
Analysis: The reigning NFC champions might have the toughest 2023 slate, with a .566 strength of schedule. But the Eagles are well positioned to win the rugged NFC East again after retaining cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry, and drafting defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith. Philadelphia will need that ferocious defense for intriguing matchups against the Bills, 49ers and Dolphins. But the Eagles’ toughest matchup might be the Super Bowl LVII rematch with the Chiefs. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Hurts and the Eagles return to the Super Bowl.
Dallas Cowboys
Predicted record: 10–7, second NFC East (wild card)
Home: vs. Jets, 4:25 p.m., Sept. 17; vs. Patriots, 4:25 p.m., Oct. 01; vs. Rams, 1 p.m., Oct. 29; vs. Giants, 4:25 p.m., Nov. 12; vs. Commanders, 4:30 p.m., Nov. 23; vs. Seahawks, 8:15 p.m., Nov. 30; vs. Eagles, 8:20 p.m., Dec. 10; vs. Lions, 8:15 p.m., Dec. 30
Away: at Giants, 8:20 p.m., Sept. 10; at Cardinals, 4:25 p.m., Sept. 24; at 49ers, 8:20 p.m., Oct. 8; at Chargers, 8:15 p.m., Oct. 16; at Eagles, 4:25 p.m., Nov. 5; at Panthers, 1 p.m., Nov. 19; at Bills, 4:25 p.m., Dec. 17; at Dolphins, 4:25 p.m., Dec. 24; at Commanders, TBD, Week 18
Analysis: With newcomers Brandin Cooks and Stephon Gilmore, the Cowboys are aiming to make it to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1996. But it won’t be easy playing in the NFC East, possibly the toughest division in the league. Besides playing the Eagles, Giants and Commanders twice, the Cowboys also have to face the Dolphins, 49ers and Bills on the road. Dallas is counting on Cooks to be a productive No. 2 wideout behind CeeDee Lamb and for Gilmore to continue his late-career resurgence as a standout cornerback. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys have a talented squad, but it’s going to be a tough road for them to return to the postseason.
Division odds: Eagles can be first NFC East champ to repeat since 2004
New York Giants
Predicted record: 8–9, third NFC East
Home: vs. Cowboys, 8:20 p.m., Sept. 10; vs. Seahawks, 8:15 p.m., Oct. 2; vs. Commanders, 1 p.m., Oct. 22; vs. Jets, 1 p.m., Oct. 29; vs. Patriots, 1 p.m., Nov. 26; vs. Packers, 8:15 p.m., Dec. 11; vs. Rams, 1 p.m., Dec. 31; vs. Eagles, TBD, Week 18
Away: at Cardinals, 4:05 p.m., Sept. 17; at 49ers, 8:15 p.m., Sept. 21; at Dolphins, 1 p.m., Oct. 8; at Bills, 8:20 p.m., Oct. 15; at Raiders, 4:25 p.m., Nov. 5; at Cowboys, 4:25 p.m., Nov. 12; at Commanders, 1 p.m., Nov. 19; at Saints, 1 p.m., Dec. 17; at Eagles, 4:30 p.m., Dec. 25
Analysis: Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, armed with a new contract and pass catchers, will get an opportunity to prove he’s the real deal against a difficult schedule, including intriguing NFC matchups against the Saints, Seahawks and 49ers. Brian Daboll’s squad might be competing with those teams for a postseason spot for the second consecutive season. After drafting first-round cornerback Deonte Banks and trading for tight end Darren Waller, the Giants should be in the mix for a wild-card spot. But they’re going to need 2022 first-round picks Evan Neal and Kayvon Thibodeaux to find consistency on the field this season.
Washington Commanders
Predicted record: 7–10, fourth NFC East
Home: vs. Cardinals, 1 p.m., Sept. 10; vs. Bills, 1 p.m., Sept. 24; vs. Bears, 8:15 p.m., Oct. 5; vs. Eagles, 1 p.m., Oct. 26; vs. Giants, 1 p.m., Nov. 19; vs. Dolphins, 1 p.m. Dec. 3; vs. 49ers, 1 p.m., Dec. 31; vs. Cowboys, TBD, Week 18
Away: at Broncos, 4:25 p.m., Sept. 17.; at Eagles, 1 p.m., Oct. 1; at Falcons, 1 p.m., Oct. 15; at Giants, 1 p.m., Oct. 22; at Patriots, 1 p.m., Nov. 5; at Seahawks, 1:25 p.m., Nov. 12; at Cowboys, 4:30 p.m., Nov. 23; at Rams, 4:05 p.m., Dec. 17; at Jets, 1 p.m., Dec. 24
Analysis: First-year Washington offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy will get to showcase his play calls against the best defenses in the NFL, with matchups against the Jets, Dolphins, 49ers, Eagles and Cowboys. Bieniemy has many standout playmakers with wide receiver Terry McLaurin and running back Brian Robinson Jr., but he’ll need to help inexperienced quarterback Sam Howell find his footing amid a grueling schedule. Washington coach Ron Rivera has the defensive pieces—defensive tackles Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen—to keep this team competitive until Week 18.
NFC NorthGreen Bay Packers
Predicted record: 10–7, first NFC North
Home: vs. Saints, 1 p.m., Sept. 24; vs. Lions, 8:15 p.m., Sept. 28; vs. Vikings, 1 p.m., Oct. 29; vs. Rams, 1 p.m., Nov. 5; vs. Chargers, 1 p.m., Nov. 19; vs. Chiefs, 8:20 p.m., Dec. 3; vs. Buccaneers, 1 p.m., Dec. 17; vs. Bears, TBD, Week 18
Away: at Bears, 4:25 p.m., Sept. 10; at Falcons, 1 p.m., Sept. 17; at Raiders, 8:15 p.m., Oct. 9; at Broncos, 4:25 p.m., Oct. 22; at Steelers, 1 p.m., Nov. 12; at Lions, 1 p.m., Nov. 23; at Giants, 8:15 p.m., Dec. 11; at Panthers, 1 p.m., Dec. 24; at Vikings, 8:20 p.m., Dec. 31
Analysis: Jordan Love’s first season as the starting signal-caller will include many notable quarterback matchups. In the battle of the 2020 draft QBs, Love will face Justin Herbert and the Chargers at home. Love will also get a rematch against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. His starting debut was a 13–7 loss to the Chiefs in ’21, a game best remembered for Love’s family sitting in the highest section of Arrowhead Stadium. The Packers are inexperienced on offense, but wide receiver Christian Watson flashed as a rookie and the team added tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft in the draft. Green Bay also has a talented and experienced defense with cornerback Jaire Alexander, defensive tackle Kenny Clark and edge rusher Rashan Gary. The Packers might be the surprise team in the NFC.
Detroit Lions
Predicted record: 9–8, second NFC North (wild card)
Home: vs. Seahawks, 1 p.m., Sept. 17; vs. Falcons, 1 p.m., Sept. 24; vs. Panthers, 1 p.m., Oct. 8; vs. Raiders, 8:15 p.m., Oct. 30; vs. Bears, 1 p.m., Nov. 19; vs. Packers, 12:30 p.m., Nov. 23; vs. Broncos, TBD, Week 15; vs. Vikings, TBD, Week 18
Away: at Chiefs, 8:20 p.m.; Sept. 7; at Packers, 8:15 p.m., Sept. 28; at Buccaneers, 1 p.m., Oct. 15; at Ravens, 1 p.m., Oct. 22; at Chargers, 4:05 p.m., Nov. 12; at Saints, 1 p.m., Dec. 3; at Bears, 1 p.m., Dec. 10; at Vikings, 1 p.m., Dec. 24; at Cowboys, 8:15 p.m., Dec. 30
Analysis: The Lions will get to prove their offseason hype was warranted, with games against the Chiefs, Ravens, Cowboys and Chargers. Detroit finished last season winning eight of its final 10 games, and now many view Dan Campbell’s crew as the favorite to win the NFC North. But the Lions will be without speedy wideout Jameson Williams, who will miss the first six games after he was suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy. If quarterback Jared Goff continues to play at a high level, perhaps the Lions will be O.K. without Williams and pick up where they left off in 2022.
Division odds: Lions favored to win first NFC North title since 1993
Minnesota Vikings
Predicted record: 6–11, third NFC North
Home: vs. Buccaneers, 1 p.m., Sept. 10; vs. Chargers, 1 p.m., Sept. 24; vs. Chiefs, 4:25 p.m., Oct. 8; vs. 49ers, 8:15 p.m., Oct. 22; vs. Saints, 1 p.m., Nov. 12; vs. Bears, 8:15 p.m., Nov. 27; vs. Lions, 1 p.m., Dec. 24; vs. Packers, 8:20 p.m., Dec. 31
Away: at Eagles, 8:15 p.m., Sept. 14; at Panthers, 1 p.m., Oct. 1; at Bears, 1 p.m., Oct. 15; at Packers, 1 p.m., Oct. 29; at Falcons, 1 p.m., Nov. 5; at Broncos, 8:20 p.m., Nov. 19; at Raiders, 4:05 p.m., Dec. 10; at Bengals, TBD, Week 15; at Lions, TBD, Week 18
Analysis: This will be a critical season for Kirk Cousins to show Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell he’s the right quarterback for his system. Cousins will get to throw to a talented receiving corps with All-Pro Justin Jefferson and rookie Jordan Addison. Minnesota will need to score points against the dynamic offenses of the Bengals, Eagles, Chiefs and 49ers. The Vikings had one of the worst secondaries in the NFL last year, but they’re hoping the arrivals of cornerback Byron Murphy and edge rusher Marcus Davenport will be enough to improve the defense and keep them competitive in the NFC North.
Chicago Bears
Predicted record: 5–12, fourth NFC North
Home: vs. Packers, 4:25 p.m., Sept. 10; vs. Broncos, 1 p.m., Oct. 1; vs. Vikings, 1 p.m., Oct. 15; vs. Raiders, 1 p.m., Oct. 22; vs. Panthers, 8:15 p.m., Nov. 9; vs. Lions, 1 p.m., Dec. 10; vs. Cardinals, 4:25 p.m., Dec. 24; vs. Falcons, 1 p.m., Dec. 31
Away: at Buccaneers, 1 p.m., Sept. 17; at Chiefs, 4:25 p.m., Sept. 24; at Commanders, 8:15 p.m., Oct. 5; at Chargers, 8:20 p.m., Oct. 29; at Saints, 1 p.m., Nov. 5; at Lions, 1 p.m., Dec. 19; at Vikings, 8:15 p.m., Nov. 27; at Browns, TBD, Week 15; at Packers, TBD, Week 18
Analysis: The Bears had a productive offseason, trading for wide receiver DJ Moore and stockpiling draft picks to fill the various holes on their roster, but they’re probably a year away from being taken seriously. First, quarterback Justin Fields needs to prove he’s a franchise-worthy quarterback. And most importantly, the Bears need drastic improvements on the offensive and defensive lines. Offensive tackle Darnell Wright and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr.—Chicago’s first two picks in the draft—might help bolster those areas of concern. The Bears have a tough schedule, but they have winnable games against the Cardinals, Buccaneers and Broncos.
NFC SouthCarolina Panthers
Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY Sports
Predicted record: 9–8, first NFC South
Home: vs. Saints, 7:15 p.m., Sept. 18; vs. Vikings, 1 p.m., Oct. 1; vs. Texans, 1 p.m., Oct. 29; vs. Colts, 4:05 p.m., Nov. 5; vs. Cowboys, 1 p.m., Nov. 19; vs. Falcons, TBD; vs. Packers, 1 p.m., Dec. 24; vs. Buccaneers, TBD, Week 18
Away: at Falcons, 1 p.m., Sept. 10; at Seahawks, 4:05 p.m., Sept. 24; at Lions, 1 p.m., Oct. 8; at Dolphins, 1 p.m., Oct. 15; at Bears, 8:15 p.m., Nov. 9; at Titans, 1 p.m., Nov. 26; at Buccaneers, 1 p.m., Dec. 3; at Saints, 1 p.m., Dec. 10; at Jaguars, 1 p.m., Dec. 31
Analysis: In a wide-open NFC South, the Panthers made enough upgrades this offseason to win the division with No. 1 pick Bryce Young, who will get to throw to wide receivers Adam Thielen, DJ Chark and rookie Jonathan Mingo. Young will be tested against the Jaguars, Dolphins and Seahawks on the road, but it’s not a daunting schedule with matchups against the Texans, Colts, Bears and Titans. On the defensive side, Carolina has a talented trio of edge rusher Brian Burns, defensive tackle Derrick Brown and cornerback Jaycee Horn. To win the division, the Panthers will need their rookie QB to make quick strides and the inexperienced defensive players to develop intro reliable playmakers.
New Orleans Saints
Predicted record: 8–9, second NFC South
Home: vs. Titans, 1 p.m., Sept. 10; vs. Buccaneers, 1 p.m., Oct. 1; vs. Jaguars, 8:15 p.m., Oct. 19; vs. Bears, 1 p.m., Nov. 5; vs. Lions, 1 p.m., Dec. 3; vs. Panthers, 1 p.m., Dec. 10; vs. Giants, 1 p.m., Dec. 17; vs. Falcons, TBD, Week 18
Away: at Panthers, 7:15 p.m., Sept. 18; at Packers, 1 p.m., Sept. 24; at Patriots, 1 p.m., Oct. 8; at Texans, 1 p.m., Oct. 15; at Colts, 1 p.m., Oct. 29; at Vikings, 1 p.m., Nov. 21; at Falcons, 1 p.m., Nov. 26; at Rams, 8:15 p.m., Dec. 21; at Buccaneers, 1 p.m., Dec. 31
Analysis: First-year Saints quarterback Derek Carr will be the most experienced signal-caller in the NFC South, and we’ll soon find out whether he’s the best in the division. Carr will get to connect with rising second-year wide receiver Chris Olave during NFC battles against the Lions, Giants, Packers and Vikings. It’s a winnable division for New Orleans, but the team will need wide receiver Michael Thomas to stay healthy and regain his top form. Also, the Saints lost a handful of defensive starters and are counting on first-round rookie defensive tackle Bryan Bresee to make an immediate impact. With an experienced roster, the Saints should be in the mix for a playoff spot.
Division odds: Saints are the favorites in a weak NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Predicted record: 8–9, third NFC South
Home: vs. Panthers, 1 p.m., Sept. 10, vs. Packers, 1 p.m., Sept. 17; vs. Texans, 1 p.m., Oct. 8; vs. Commanders, 1 p.m., Oct. 15; vs. Vikings, 1 p.m., Nov. 5; vs. Saints, 1 p.m., Nov. 26; vs. Buccaneers, 1 p.m., Dec. 10; vs. Colts, 1 p.m., Dec. 24;
Away: at Lions, 1 p.m., Sept. 24; at Jaguars, 9:30 a.m., Oct. 1(London); at Buccaneers, 1 p.m., Oct. 22; at Titans, 1 p.m., Oct. 29; at Cardinals, 4:05 p.m., Nov. 12; at Jets, 1p.m., Dec. 3; at Panthers, TBD; at Bears, 1 p.m., Dec. 31; at Saints, TBD, Week 18
Analysis: Second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder doesn’t have the experience of Carr or the No. 1 pick status of Young, but he does have the best offensive trio in the division with rookie running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. Robinson versus Quinnen Williams and the Jets’ defense might be a must-see intraconference clash. Atlanta could also have tough battles against the Jaguars, Packers, Vikings and Commanders. But for the Falcons to win the division, they’ll need free-agent additions Jessie Bates III and David Onyemata to help improve the defense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Predicted record: 4–13, fourth NFC South
Home: vs. Bears, 1 p.m., Sept. 17; vs. Eagles, 7:15 p.m., Sept. 25; vs. Lions, 1 p.m., Oct. 15; vs. Falcons, 1 p.m., Oct. 22; vs. Titans, 1 p.m., Nov. 12; vs. Panthers, 1 p.m., Dec. 3; vs. Jaguars, 4:05 p.m., Dec. 24; vs. Saints, 1 p.m., Dec. 31
Away: at Vikings, 1 p.m., Sept. 10; at Saints, 1 p.m., Oct. 1; at Bills, 8:15 p.m., Oct. 26; at Texans, 1 p.m., Nov. 5; at 49ers, 4:05 p.m., Nov. 19; at Colts, 1 p.m., Nov. 26; at Falcons, 1 p.m., Dec. 10; at Packers, 1 p.m., Dec. 17; at Panthers, TBD, Week 18
Analysis: The Buccaneers might struggle in the post–Tom Brady era, but they still have many core players from the Super Bowl–winning team in 2020. Perhaps quarterback Baker Mayfield—or Kyle Trask—will develop quick chemistry with the standout receiving trio of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Russell Gage. They’ll need to score points against the 49ers, Bills and Eagles. Tampa Bay has the toughest schedule in the division because it won the NFC South last season with an 8–9 record. But drafting first-round defensive tackle Calijah Kancey and retaining cornerback Jamel Dean and linebacker Lavonte David might give the Buccaneers the best defense in the division.
NFC WestSeattle Seahawks
Predicted record: 12–5, first NFC West
Home: vs. Rams, 4:25 p.m., Sept. 10; vs. Panthers, 4:05 p.m., Sept. 24; vs. Cardinals, 4:05 p.m., Oct. 22; vs. Browns, 4:05 p.m., Oct. 29; vs. Commanders, 4:25 p.m., Nov. 12; vs. 49ers, 8:20 p.m., Nov. 23; vs. Eagles, 4:25 p.m., Dec. 17; vs. Steelers, 4:05 p.m., Dec. 31
Away: at Lions, 1 p.m., Sept. 17; at Giants, 8:15 p.m., Oct. 2; at Bengals, 1 p.m., Oct. 15; at Ravens, 1 p.m., Nov. 5; at Rams, 4:25 p.m., Nov. 19; at Cowboys, 8:15 p.m., Nov. 30; at 49ers, 4:05 p.m., Dec. 10; at Titans, 1 p.m., Dec. 24; at Cardinals, TBD, Week 18
Analysis: After a stellar offseason, the Seahawks might be one of the best teams in the NFC, but they’ll need to prove it against the Cowboys and the Lions on the road and during the two rivalry games against the 49ers. The Geno Smith–led Seahawks also have daunting battles against the Eagles at home and Bengals on the road. It’s a difficult schedule, but there’s plenty to like about Seattle, especially after it drafted cornerback Devon Witherspoon and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the first round. The Seahawks also splurged in free agency with defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones and the return of Bobby Wagner.
San Francisco 49ers
Predicted record: 11–6, second NFC West (wild card)
Home: vs. Giants, 8:15 p.m., Sept. 21; vs. Cardinals, 4:25 p.m., Oct. 1; vs. Cowboys, 8:20 p.m., Oct. 8; vs. Bengals, 4:25 p.m., Oct. 29; vs. Buccaneers, 4:05 p.m., Nov. 19; vs. Seahawks, 4:05 p.m., Dec. 10; vs. Ravens, 8:15 p.m., Dec. 25; vs. Rams, TBD, Week 18
Away: at Steelers, 1 p.m., Sept. 10; at Rams, 4:05 p.m., Sept. 17; at Browns, 1 p.m., Oct. 15; at Vikings, 8;15 p.m., Oct. 23; at Jaguars, 1 p.m., Nov. 12; at Seahawks, 8:20 p.m., Nov. 23; at Eagles, 4:25 p.m., Dec. 3; at Cardinals, 4:05 p.m., Dec. 17; at Commanders, 1 p.m., Dec. 31
Analysis: Regardless of who starts at quarterback, the 49ers will have one of the toughest schedules in the conference with road matchups against the Jaguars, Steelers and Eagles, and home battles against the Ravens, Cowboys and Bengals. Trey Lance or Sam Darnold will need to keep the offense afloat while Brock Purdy recovers from the arm injury that hindered him during the NFC championship game. The to-be-determined starter will have an abundance of weapons with running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Deebo Samuel. San Francisco’s defense should once again be one of the best in the league, with edge rusher Nick Bosa leading the charge.
Los Angeles Rams
Predicted record: 6–11, third NFC West
Home: vs. 49ers, 4:05 p.m., Sept. 17; vs. Eagles, 4:05 p.m., Oct. 8; vs. Cardinals, 4:25 p.m., Oct. 15; vs. Steelers, 4:05 p.m, Oct. 22; vs. Seahawks, 4:25 p.m., Nov. 19; vs. Browns, 4:25 p.m., Dec. 3; vs. Commanders, 4:05 p.m., Dec. 17; vs. Saints, 8:15 p.m., Dec. 21;
Away: at Seahawks, 4:25 p.m., Sept. 10; at Bengals, 8:15 p.m., Sept. 25; at Colts, 1 p.m., Oct. 1; at Cowboys, 1 p.m., Oct. 29; at Packers, 1 p.m., Nov. 5; at Cardinals, 4:05 p.m., Nov. 26; at Ravens, 1 p.m., Dec. 10; at Giants, 1 p.m., Dec. 31; at 49ers, TBD, Week 18
Analysis: The rebuilding Rams might have a long 2023 season with a vastly inexperienced defense surrounding star defensive tackle Aaron Donald. But the offense, which still features quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp, might have enough to keep this team competitive for a handful of games. Coach Sean McVay and the Rams will have winnable games against the Colts and Cardinals twice. But it’s a grueling schedule with matchups against the Bengals, Cowboys, Ravens and Eagles.
Arizona Cardinals
Predicted record: 3–14, fourth NFC West
Home: vs. Giants, 4:05 p.m., Sept. 17; vs. Cowboys, 4:25 p.m., Sept. 24; vs. Bengals, 4:05 p.m., Oct. 8; vs. Ravens, 4:25 p.m., Oct. 29; vs. Falcons, 4:05 p.m., Nov. 12; vs. Rams, 4:05 p.m., Nov. 26; vs. 49ers, 4:05 p.m, Dec. 17; vs. Seahawks, TBD, Week 18
