By A new NFL season brings fresh challenges and anticipation. Some teams appear playoff-ready, while others continue rebuilding. With Week 1 featuring high-profile matchups and franchise-defining storylines, the opening slate of 2025 carries significant weight.
From divisional rematches to international showcases, the early games are poised to influence how fans and analysts perceive the league throughout the year.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest games to watch, along with NFL betting insights that might just help frame how bettors and fans alike interpret what unfolds in the opening weekend.
Cowboys vs. Eagles: Statement Game in the NFC East
The NFL isn’t easing into 2025. The season opens with a heavyweight clash between the Dallas Cowboys and the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles.
These two have split the last four NFC East titles, but the Eagles enter as defending champs, and they’ve dominated recent matchups, sweeping Dallas last year by a 75–13 margin.
This game isn’t just about division pride. It’s about proving readiness from day one. The burning question is whether Brian Schottenheimer can handle his first game as Cowboys head coach against a team returning Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and much of the league’s top offensive line.
Dak Prescott returns from injury with a new target, George Pickens, joining CeeDee Lamb. The result here could shift early-season confidence and shape the narrative for NFC contenders.
Chiefs vs. Chargers: All Eyes on Brazil
A Friday night showdown in São Paulo puts Kansas City and Los Angeles in the global spotlight. The Chiefs are chasing their 10th straight division title, but they’ll need to get past a retooled Chargers squad now led by Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert.
International games tend to be unpredictable, and this one’s got layers. Kansas City is undefeated abroad and could become the first NFL team to win in five countries. However, Harbaugh knows how to coach on big stages, and Herbert’s offense will look to test a Chiefs defense that stumbled late in 2024.
This one holds weight not just for the AFC West, but also for NFL betting predictions that lean heavily on how these quarterbacks perform in early-season pressure.
Patriots vs. Raiders: New Eras, Same Urgency
Two franchises with legendary pasts (and uncertain futures) face off in Foxborough. Pete Carroll takes over in Vegas. Mike Vrabel now runs the Patriots. Both coaches are inheriting rosters in transition.
The Patriots will roll with QB Drake Maye, while Geno Smith makes his Raiders debut. The game may also feature a highly anticipated appearance by rookie RB Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers.
If either team looks composed and balanced, it’ll offer early hope that new leadership is already paying off.
Steelers vs. Jets: All About the Quarterbacks
This matchup has all the makings of a Week 1 wildcard. The question on fans’ and bettors’ minds is whether Aaron Rodgers will return in this game, possibly debuting for the Steelers in the stadium he once dubbed “JetLife.” Or will Pittsburgh move forward with a fresh face under center?
On the other side, Justin Fields leads the Jets in what’s shaping up as a high-pressure campaign under new head coach Aaron Glenn.
The outcome may say as much about each team’s long-term quarterback plan as it does about their short-term potential. For those tracking NFL betting news, keep a close eye on how Fields handles the Steelers’ pass rush.
Commanders vs. Giants: The NFC East’s Wild Card Matchup
Jayden Daniels is entering Year 2 with sky-high expectations after leading Washington to the NFC title game last season. He’s got continuity, a fast defense, and a young backfield to work with. Meanwhile, the Giants counter with a brand-new quarterback, Russell Wilson, and explosive rookie talent.
This could easily become one of the more unpredictable games of Week 1. If the Giants’ defensive front can slow Daniels down, they could re-enter the division conversation. If not, Washington might prove its 2024 run was just the beginning.
Dolphins vs. Colts: High Stakes in Indy
Both of these teams retained their coaching staffs despite missing the playoffs. That means both Mike McDaniel and Shane Steichen enter 2025 with a clear mandate: win now.
Tua Tagovailoa is healthy. Tyreek Hill is expected to play. But Miami will need to prove last season’s collapse is behind them. Meanwhile, the Colts are navigating a QB competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.
This Week 1 meeting could set the tone for how much patience either team will get from fans or front offices.
Ravens vs. Bills: MVP Showdown Under the Lights
Sunday Night Football kicks off with a bang as Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen face off in a rematch of last year’s Divisional Round. Buffalo won that matchup, and Allen walked away with the league MVP.
This season opener features two of the league’s best offenses, plus new defensive wrinkles withJoey Bosa now in Buffalo and Derrick Henry running behind the Ravens’ front.
It’s a game that could shape not only early AFC power rankings, but also MVP race narratives heading into the season’s first month. For bettors looking to track player props and team odds, FanDuel Sportsbook offers updated lines and key betting markets leading into this marquee matchup.
Bengals vs. Browns: Ohio Rivalry With Playoff Implications
Joe Burrow is healthy. Ja’Marr Chase just completed a triple crown season. And Cincinnati is ready to make a run. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s quarterback situation remains unsettled, with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and two rookies battling for the starting job.
This isn’t just a rivalry game. For the Bengals, it’s a chance to snap a Week 1 losing streak and start 2025 the way a contender should. For the Browns, it’s an opportunity to show their chaotic offseason didn’t derail a talented roster.
49ers vs. Seahawks: New Faces, Familiar Stakes
Plenty has changed in the NFC West. The Seahawks are breaking in Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp, and a new wide receiver room. The 49ers lost several key players, but still have Christian McCaffrey and a defense capable of wrecking opposing team game plans.
This game won’t determine the division, but it could reveal which team is ready to handle transition better. If either defense falters, it could open the door for early-season scoring trends that influence NFL betting predictions moving forward.
Final Game to Watch: Texans vs. Rams
Don’t sleep on this one. C.J. Stroud and the Texans are entering a pivotal season with high expectations, while the Rams have restocked and added Davante Adams to pair with Puka Nacua. Sean McVay vs. DeMeco Ryans also adds a layer of coaching intrigue.
This could quietly be one of the most revealing matchups of the week. Houston’s new offense and L.A.’s revamped passing attack are both capable of fireworks. This one could turn into a trend-setter for high-total betting lines in the early season.
The information provided is correct as of 2025/08/06 and is subject to change.
