NFL 2023 schedule release date, opponents & timeline

The 2023 NFL schedule is expected to be released soon with fans itching for a return to action. From 2005 till 2019, the NFL would release the fixtures for the upcoming season in April, which was altered in 2020. The alteration was due to the coronavirus pandemic, but surprisingly the league continued releasing the fixture list in May in subsequent seasons.

It's worth noting that NFL has never released its fixture list later than May 12, which could be an excellent prompt. The 2023 NFL Draft will occur from April 27-29 at the historic Union Station in Kansas City.

With April 29 falling on a Saturday, the league is unlikely to release the schedule the following week, making the second week of May a more likely target. The Draft results could influence which games are featured in prominent time slots.

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

NFL 2023 schedule release date: When does the season start?

Typically, the first preseason game of a National Football League season is the Hall of Fame Game. The 2023 Hall of Fame game is likely to be played in first week of August. Furthermore, the regular season is planned to begin on September 7.

It is an age-old tradition that the Super Bowl winners host the preseason opening game. Hence, you can expect one lucky team to visit Patrick Mahomes and the crew at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

The 2023-2024 season will span five months, with a tentative ending on February 11, 2024, with Super Bowl 58 at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

NFL Season Release Dates for Previous Seasons

2023 - May 11 (Projected)
2022 - May 12
2021 - May 12
2020 - May 7 (delayed due to COVID-19)
2019 - April 17
2018 - April 19
2017 - April 20
2016 - April 14
2015 - April 21
2014 - April 23
2013 - April 18
2012 - April 17
2011 - April 19
2010 - April 20
2009 - April 14
2008 - April 15
2007 - April 11
2006 - April 6
2005 - April 13

Keep every NFL play in your sights. Check out our NFL Schedule page and get all the match-up details, score updates, and exciting news as it happens!

Top 10 free agents heading into the 2023 NFL season

The 2023 NFL season is a mere few months away, and general managers are working hard to bolster their rosters.

Here are some of the best free agents in the league heading into next season.

Lamar Jackson, Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens
Javon Hargrave, Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles
Daron Payne, Defensive Tackle, Washington Commanders
Orlando Brown Jr., Left Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs
Geno Smith, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
Derek Carr, Quarterback, Unattached
Jessie Bates III, Free Safety
James Bradberry, Cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles
Daniel Jones, Quarterback, New York Giants
Saquon Barkley, Running Back, New York Giants

About the author

Nick Uzochukwu Igbokwe is an NFL journalist at Sportskeeda. He loves the thrill and excitement that comes with the complex plays on the Gridiron. American football is an acquired taste, and he has been hooked on the game since discovering it in 2017 during his University days.

Furthermore, Nick has interviewed agents, medical personnel, and close family members of NFL stars, who have reached out to him after reading his stories.

Know More

Giants Nation! Check out the latest New York Giants Schedule and dive into the Giants Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

Edited by Tejas Rathi