2021 NFL Regular Season Schedule Leaks UPDATED
By Kyle Koster
The NFL has turned the release of its regular season schedule into highly anticipated content because it is a behemoth that knowns only one speed: pedal to the metal, casting the widest possible net and with broadcast partners parceling off little tidbits to achieve maximum cross-platform synergy. Not to sound jaded or cynical or anything. Because there is a certain type of excitement that comes with being able to write some matchups on a calendar and then circle the most intriguing ones while making plans to eat 24 wings and drink an equal amount of light beer to support the local professional football team.
Anyway, here is a running list of the leaks/well-timed releases in advance of the full NFL schedule being revealed in primetime:
Week 1: Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 8 p.m., NBC
The NFL season kicks off with a potential ratings boom as Dak Prescott and the Cowboys travel to Tampa to face Tom Brady and the Bucs.
Week 1: Denver Broncos at New York Giants, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox
I’m hearing #NYGiants will open the 2021 regular season at home against Denver Broncos, per league source.
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) May 12, 2021
4:25 kickoff at MetLife Stadium on FOX
20 years ago, night before 9/11, Giants were in Denver for MNF.
Now #NYG host Broncos day after 20-year anniversary of 9/11.
Week 1: Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS
#BREAKING: @Chiefs will open their 2021 campaign against the Cleveland @Browns at Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 12 , the league announced during a special broadcast Wednesday morning. https://t.co/h7VhBKoAc2
— KCTV5 News (@KCTV5) May 12, 2021
Week 1: Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints, 4:25 p.m., Fox
The #Saints will play host to the #Packers in Week 1 of the 2021 season on Sunday, Sept. 12. It will be FOX's America's Game of the Week, a 3:25 p.m. CT kickoff. Official announcement to come on @foxandfriends.
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) May 12, 2021
Week 1: Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
Week 1 Bears open in LA on Sunday Night Football against the Rams.
— Danny Parkins (@DannyParkins) May 11, 2021
Week 1: Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Week 1: New York Jets at Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m., CBS
Week 1: Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Week 1: Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Week 1: Los Angeles Chargers at Washington Football Team, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Week 1: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS
The countdown to Week 1 is on.
— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) May 12, 2021
Tonight, the full season schedule will be released at 8 pm ET on the NFL Network. pic.twitter.com/LVvzjMtTVI
Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
Week 1: San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
Week 1: Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
Week 1: Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
The full slate of Week 1 FOX games:
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 12, 2021
* Vikings at Bengals, 1 PM ET
* 49ers at Lions, 1 PM ET
* Eagles at Falcons, 1 PM ET
* Seahawks at Colts, 1 PM ET
* Broncos at Giants, 4:25 PM ET
* Packers at Saints, 4:25 PM ET
Week 1: Baltimore Ravens at Las Vegas Raiders, 8:20 p.m., ESPN
Before the next NFL Draft is held in Las Vegas, the season’s opening Monday Night game will be.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 12, 2021
This season’s MNF opener: Ravens at Raiders. pic.twitter.com/bCY5WuwE2R
Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons to have home games in London
The @NFL returns to international play in 2021: pic.twitter.com/DVw5QDEOuk
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) May 12, 2021
NFL Thanksgiving Games
Sources: Cowboys will host the Raiders on Thanksgiving
— Master (@MasterTes) May 12, 2021
Bears-Lions and Bills-Saints also on Thanksgiving, per sources https://t.co/wIxNG4aEQq
— Master (@MasterTes) May 12, 2021