NFL's Primetime Dilemma: No Love for Titans, Saints, or Browns?

When the NFL schedule drops, it’s more than just dates and times—it's a bold statement about how the league views each team's potential for the upcoming season. And in 2025, the verdict is in: the Titans, Saints, and Browns have all been sidelined from the primetime spotlight.

Historically, every team enjoyed at least one shining moment on Thursday nights, but that’s a thing of the past. In a glaring omission, these three teams won’t grace our screens during the coveted primetime slots.

Cleveland’s Lone Standalone Game vs. Vikings

Of these three teams, only the Cleveland Browns will have a taste of a standalone game—facing off against the Minnesota Vikings in London during Week 5, kicking off at the early hour of 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network. While it's a chance for exposure, it's hardly the same buzz as a primetime showdown.

Tennessee's All-Sunday Schedule

Tennessee won't be breaking any records either, as the Titans will play all their games on Sundays. Among those, five will be late-afternoon starts, with the lone game in the Eastern or Central time zone being their Week 8 matchup against Indianapolis. Talk about a forgettable season!

Saints’ Late-Afternoon Slots

The New Orleans Saints are similarly positioned, with six games slated for late-afternoon starts. Their schedule includes two notable travels: one to Seattle and the other to Los Angeles, but without the primetime glitz.

Hope on the Horizon: Flex Scheduling