The NFL offseason is like a vintage Mustang idling at a red light. Full of potential, but nobody knows if it’ll roar or sputter when the light turns green. A web of underlying stories could shape the upcoming NFL season, with the focus on the QB position at various teams. In Pittsburgh, the Steelers are in limbo after parting ways with quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, with the future of their QB position uncertain, especially with Aaron Rodgers still weighing his options. Meanwhile, in New Orleans, the Saints are navigating the aftermath of Derek Carr’s sudden retirement due to injury. The spotlight is also firmly on Cleveland, with Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders looking to stake their claim over veteran Joe Flacco for the QB 1 slot.

While all these narratives promise drama and intrigue over the course of the next few months, the NFL might have a say in how things turn out for these teams and their QBs. The league schedule for 2025 is set to release on Wednesday, and it could shape the future of quite a few teams. A tough start to the season could make or break a season.

Take the 2016 Los Angeles Rams, who faced a stretch of powerhouse teams early, stumbled to a 4-12 finish, and fired their coach before season’s end. Or the 2019 Cleveland Browns, hyped as playoff contenders, but overwhelmed by a tough opening slate that included the Titans, Rams, and Patriots. They never recovered, finishing 6-10.

We also witnessed how last year’s three-game 10-day gauntlet became a blueprint for disaster for the Jets and Aaron Rodgers. After a Monday night opener in San Francisco, cross-country flights, and a London trip, Gang Green’s 2-1 start dissolved into a 1-9 freefall.

Albert Breer noted on Sports Illustrated on Tuesday, “I am going to be interested to see how many teams are forced to do what the Jets did last year. If you look at the Jets situation last year, they had to play in San Francisco in the opener on a Monday night. That means getting back in midmorning. Like 7-8 a.m. on Tuesday, coming off of that first game because you’re going and traveling back cross-country from San Francisco to New York. Then having to play at Nashville. Having to play at Tennessee the following Sunday, and then having to play again on Thursday night.”

Breer added, “It’s a business. And the NFL can do what they want with these games. I would say that there’s a point of diminishing returns.” Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers, playing through injuries, threw 28 touchdowns last season but often sat alone on the bench, stewing. New York’s 137 penalties and midseason coaching carnage (Robert Saleh fired, Joe Douglas axed) turned MetLife Stadium into a graveyard of expectations.

This year, six teams could face similar scheduling landmines. Jets, Seahawks, Saints, Cowboys, Bengals, and Bears. The NFL’s global push risks player health for profit—a debate hotter than a jalapeño popper.  While the full schedule is yet to be released, the dates for some of the games have been revealed.

The season opener:

The Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles will kick start the season at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Sept. 4.

Thanksgiving game

The Dallas Cowboys will host the Kansas City Chiefs at 4:30 p.m. Eastern on Thanksgiving.

The Black Friday game

Following the Thanksgiving game, we will see the Week 13 game between the Eagles and the visiting Chicago Bears on Friday, Nov. 28.

The Christmas Day game

On Christmas Day, the Chiefs will host the Denver Broncos, which will incidentally be a Thursday Night game.

Playoffs and Super Bowl dates

The playoffs kick off on Saturday, January 10, with two first-round matchups, followed by three more games on Sunday, January 11, and a final one on the evening of Monday, January 12. The second round will take place over the weekend of January 17–18, leading up to the conference championship games on Sunday, January 25. Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 8 in Santa Clara, California.

The league’s 2025 schedule also includes seven international games, stretching teams across five countries, with Ireland and Spain hosting NFL games for the first time. There will be three games in London, UK, and one each in Brazil and Germany.

Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers would be hoping not to be thrown at the deep end once again when the full schedule is released. But where will he end up

Steelers’ waiting game: A clock ticking on Broadway?

Pittsburgh’s quarterback room feels emptier than a diner after midnight. With Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard as options, the Steelers linger in “Rodgers Watch” purgatory. Owner Art Rooney II insists, “We’re still kind of getting the same signals we’ve been getting recently that he does want to come here,” but patience wears thinner than a rookie’s jersey.

Adam Schefter speculates Rodgers’ decision hinges on June’s mandatory minicamp: “To me, you can’t miss that mandatory minicamp where you start gearing up. I guess you can, but that’s not ideal.” But Rodgers, who skipped Jets camp last year for an Egyptian vacation, dances to his own rhythm. “I’m open to anything,” he told Pat McAfee. “And attached to nothing.”

The Steelers’ Dublin game against Minnesota adds urgency. Without Aaron Rodgers, their offense risks being as predictable as a rerun of Cheers. But waiting for a 41-year-old QB with off-field priorities? That’s gambling with Monopoly money. Besides, the NFL’s schedule chaos and Rodgers’ limbo are two sides of the same coin.

For every global game spectacle, there’s a team nursing jet lag and regrets. For every legacy quarterback, there’s a franchise clinging to hope. As Hunter S. Thompson once wrote, “Buy the ticket, take the ride.” But what happens when the ride leaves you stranded?