When it comes to scheduling, the NFL isn’t exactly a meritocracy.
While spotlighting top teams can certainly drive viewership, the league’s process for determining prime-time games isn’t solely based on the previous year’s records. The NFL knows that drawing in the largest possible audience means more than just showcasing winning teams—it’s about marketability and storylines that capture attention. That said, some teams, despite their fanbases and market presence, have shown that they deserve fewer prime-time spots in the upcoming season.
With the release of the 2025 NFL schedule looming, here are five teams that could stand to have fewer prime-time appearances this year:
New York Jets
The Jets might be feeling the residual effects of last year’s struggles, even under new leadership. While it’s easy to blame Aaron Rodgers’ devastating Achilles injury for derailing the 2023 season, the team’s overall dysfunction made it clear that their prime-time exposure outpaced their actual on-field product. Tied with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers for the maximum six prime-time appearances last year, the Jets saw a flurry of hype, but the reality was far less impressive.
While the arrival of Rodgers in 2025 might prompt some interest, a home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers could be a rare instance where the Jets earn a standalone spot. Outside of that, however, the NFL should consider giving fans a break from the constant hype and allow the team to quietly rebuild.
Miami Dolphins
Remember Miami’s 70-point game against the Denver Broncos in September 2023? It seems like a distant memory now. While head coach Mike McDaniel’s innovative offensive schemes made waves, the Dolphins were repeatedly unable to produce against stronger opponents. With a meager 1-12 record against teams with winning records over the past season, Miami’s inconsistent roster—now further impacted by the potential trade of cornerback Jalen Ramsey—has become a huge question mark for 2025.
Tyreek Hill’s frustration with the team only adds to the uncertainty. A few early-season spotlight games might be warranted, but Miami’s lack of staying power and shaky foundation mean they don’t deserve the five prime-time appearances they received last year.
Cleveland Browns
The NFL took a gamble by scheduling the Browns for four prime-time games in 2024. Two of those games certainly delivered entertainment, including an unexpected “Thursday Night Football” victory over the Steelers in a snowstorm and a chaotic Monday night loss to the Broncos that featured Jameis Winston’s wild stats. However, by the end of the season, the league was ready to move on. The Browns’ matchup against the Bengals was flexed out of prime-time, marking the first-ever use of the “Thursday Night Football” flex for a Sunday afternoon kickoff.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Browns, with Deshaun Watson’s future still uncertain, have little to offer viewers outside of AFC North rivalries. Unless something drastic changes—like a standout performance from Shedeur Sanders—Cleveland’s 2025 season might be best suited for smaller windows, if any.
New York Giants
Like their MetLife Stadium counterparts, the New York Giants have been overexposed in recent years. Despite signaling a downward trajectory after losing star running back Saquon Barkley, they were still granted three prime-time games last season. Their performance? Disastrous. The Giants lost all five of their prime-time matchups, with the Thanksgiving Day game against the Cowboys standing out as a particularly brutal blow.
With an offense struggling to find consistency, the Giants don’t seem like the team fans will be tuning in to watch. The NFL might be hesitant to take them off the schedule entirely, given their prominent market, but 2025 should be the year to scale back the prime-time hype for Big Blue.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have been clinging to relevance for a while now, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that a rebuild is necessary. With an aging roster, a 5-12 finish in 2023, and a new head coach, the franchise is in a state of flux. Derek Carr’s potential retirement only compounds the uncertainty around the team’s future.
In 2024, New Orleans was given three prime-time appearances, all of which were dreadful—outscored 93-23 in those games. Their “Thursday Night Football” matchups last year were hard to watch, and with a roster still in limbo, it’s hard to imagine the Saints demanding much national attention in 2025. One or two low-profile games could suffice, but anything beyond that would be a risk.
