The NFL has made its first scheduling change for the 2025 season, impacting the New England Patriots’ upcoming matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The game is now set to kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 12, shifting from its original time of 4:25 p.m. ET. This adjustment places the San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the later slot, both of whom are leading their divisions with strong 3-1 records.
The Patriots have had a mixed start to the season under head coach Mike Vrabel, currently holding a 2-2 record. Notably, rookie quarterback Drake Maye has been a standout, boasting an impressive quarterback rating of 109.4. In contrast, the Saints have struggled significantly, emerging as the NFC’s only winless team, positioned at 26th in passing offense with quarterback Spencer Rattler and 27th in points allowed, averaging 30.3 points per game.
The decision to alter the kickoff time could also be influenced by the Week 6 schedule. The anticipated matchup of the Green Bay Packers against the Cincinnati Bengals has lost some of its luster, especially with Joe Burrow unable to play, diminishing its appeal as a national showcase.
While the change impacts fan expectations, the revised schedule for Week 6 is not particularly favorable for late-afternoon matchups. The Las Vegas Raiders will face the struggling Tennessee Titans, who remain winless after four games.
Amidst this reshuffling, prime-time television holds the spotlight, with high-profile games including the Philadelphia Eagles squaring off against the New York Giants on Thursday night, and a Monday night doubleheader featuring the Buffalo Bills at the Atlanta Falcons alongside the Washington Commanders facing the Chicago Bears. Additionally, the Kansas City Chiefs will play against the Detroit Lions in what many are dubbing a potential Super Bowl preview on Sunday night.
For the Patriots, this upcoming game against New Orleans marks their first outside the 1 p.m. window this season, as they prepare for a noteworthy showdown in the national spotlight against the Bills in Week 5. As the season unfolds, both New England and New Orleans will look to find their footing amidst the challenges and expectations of the NFL.