NFL schedule-makers must not be impressed with the Browns' overhauled QB room. They weren't scheduled for a prime-time game for the first time since 2017. (Cleveland Browns)
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
The NFL schedule-makers don’t think much of the Browns this season.
For the first time since 2017, they were given no games on prime-time TV. The last time that happened, the Browns lived down to the snub and became the second NFL team in history to go 0-16.
The schedule revealed on Wednesday night has the Browns with 13 1 o’clock kickoffs. There are two games scheduled for the second national TV window at 4:30 p.m. and there’s the 9:30 a.m. kickoff for their game in London against the Minnesota Vikings. Days and times of the last games of the season are all “to be determined.”
The Browns open the season at home against the Cincinnati Bengals and close it in Cincinnati.
Their Week 5 game in London is preceded by a daunting four-game start to the season – home v. Cincinnati, at Baltimore, home v. Green Bay, and at Detroit.
“Right out of the gate into the division versus the Bengals, then follow up with the Ravens the very next week,” coach Kevin Stefanski said. “Those division games are always special because we know each other so well. Obviously, faces change over the course of these different times we go up against each other, but the core of who they are, the core of what we are, is the same, and it's always a battle. So, it’s fun getting the division right out of the gates.”
The good news for the Browns is they receive their bye week right in the middle of the season in Week 9.
They also are home for Thanksgiving weekend and Christmas weekend.
The preseason schedule also was announced. The Browns will play in Charlotte, NC, against the Carolina Panthers on Friday, August 8, at 7 p.m. and in Philadelphia against the Eagles on Saturday, August 16, at 1 p.m. Their final preseason game is at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, August 23 at 1 p.m.
Here is a game-by-game breakdown of the Browns’ 2025 regular-season schedule.
Week 1: Home v. Cincinnati Bengals, September 7, 1 p.m. FOX
This might be the best week to play the Bengals. They have begun the last three seasons 0-3, 0-2 and 0-2.
Week 2: At Baltimore Ravens, September 14, 1 p.m. CBS
If Joe Flacco is under center for the Browns, this would mark only his second game in Baltimore since he left the Ravens following the 2018 season.
Week 3: Home v. Green Bay Packers, September 21, 1 p.m. FOX
This will be the Packers’ first regular-season visit since that oh-so-memorable game in 2017 when Brett Hundley out-dueled DeShone Kizer with a TD in overtime to extend the Browns’ record to 0-13.
Week 4: At Detroit Lions, September 28, 1 p.m. FOX
Little known fact: The Browns’ 5-16 overall record against the Lions is their worst against any opponent, as is their 1-10 record in Detroit.
Week 5: Home (in London) v. Minnesota Vikings, October 5, 9:30 a.m. NFL Network
Coincidentally, the Vikings were the Browns’ opponent in London in 2017 when, yes, they went winless. Not liking these omens.
Week 6: At Pittsburgh Steelers, October 12, 1 p.m. CBS
For the record, the Browns’ regular-season losing streak in Pittsburgh has reached 21 games. This would be Kenny Pickett’s first game in Pittsburgh since the Steelers traded him in 2024.
Week 7: Home v. Miami Dolphins, October 19, 1 p.m. CBS
It won’t be cold and snowy for the south Floridians. Then again, they played here in December last year and won with Tyler Huntley at QB.
Week 8: At New England Patriots, October 26, 1 p.m. FOX
The last time the Browns won a game in Foxboro, MA, Mike Vrabel was playing defensive end at Walsh Jesuit HS. It was 1992. Now he’s the Patriots coach.
Week 9: Bye.
The bye week is usually a good time to make any major changes, like at quarterback.
Week 10: At New York Jets, November 9, 1 p.m. CBS
The Browns are 2-0 against new Jets QB Justin Fields.
Week 11: Home v. Baltimore Ravens, November 16, 4:25 p.m. CBS
A rare 4:25 p.m. kickoff in Huntington Bank Field means somebody thinks this could be a good game.
Week 12: At Las Vegas Raiders, November 23, 4:05 p.m. CBS
The Eagles will still be holding fort at The Sphere. Viva Las Vegas.
Week 13: Home v. San Francisco 49ers, November 30, 1 p.m. CBS
The 49ers have not won in Cleveland since 1984 when Joe Montana beat Paul McDonald. It was 41-7.
Week 14: Home v. Tennessee Titans, December 7, 1 p.m. CBS
The second of four home games over the last six weeks.
Week 15: At Chicago Bears, December 14, 1 p.m. FOX
Soldier Field now ranks as the worst venue in the NFL.
Week 16: Home v. Buffalo Bills, December 21, 1 p.m. CBS
Snow globe game … snow globe game … snow globe game.
Week 17: Home v. Pittsburgh Steelers, December 28, 1 p.m. CBS
Will Howard v. Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders, anyone?
Week 18: At Cincinnati Bengals. TBD
Depending on the significance, this game could be moved to Saturday afternoon or Sunday night.