Kickoff Weekend of the 2025 NFL season features a dynamic slate marked by high-profile quarterback debuts, rematches of playoff clashes, division rivalries, and an international showcase in Brazil. The league landscape has shifted notably since last season, including a rare blockbuster defensive trade, head coaching overhauls, and a loaded rookie class poised to make its mark. The following previews offer key context, storylines, player matchups, and recent developments for every Week 1 contest, helping you make an informed pick for each matchup.
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
The reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles open their title defense at home, aiming to become the first repeat champions since the Patriots in 2004–05. Philadelphia retains most of its potent offense,including Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and superstar Saquon Barkley, but must integrate new defensive leaders after key offseason losses, particularly in the secondary and along the defensive line. Dallas, still reeling from trading elite pass rusher Micah Parsons to Green Bay, relies on Dak Prescott and the newly acquired George Pickens to spark a retooled passing game under first-time head coach Brian Schottenheimer. The Cowboys’ run defense will be tested by Philly’s signature ground attack, while Dallas hopes its edge speed and special teams advantages can keep the game close despite being significant road underdogs.
Prediction: Philadelphia 31 Dallas 13
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers (São Paulo, Friday, 8:00 p.m. ET, YouTube)
The NFL’s first 2025 international game brings Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to Brazil for a showdown with the rising Chargers, led by Justin Herbert and head coach Jim Harbaugh. Kansas City enters as the recent Super Bowl runner-up with a retooled receiving corps, but must compensate for the six-game suspension of Rashee Rice and an injury to rookie Jalen Royals. The Chargers counter with a promising defense (anchored by Khalil Mack and Derwin James Jr.) but feature major question marks on the offensive line due to the season-ending injury to LT Rashawn Slater, shifting rookie Joe Alt to Herbert’s blind side. Both teams open with playoff aspirations, but Mahomes and Andy Reid’s late-game magic historically bests the Bolts in high-leverage divisional matchups.
Prediction: Los Angeles 24 Kansas City 21
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX)
The five-time defending NFC South champion Bucs travel to face a Falcons team launching the Michael Penix Jr. era at quarterback. Tampa returns Baker Mayfield and top target Mike Evans, but is without All-Pro LT Tristan Wirfs and WR Chris Godwin Jr., leaving uncertainty at left tackle and receiver depth as rookie Emeka Egbuka steps into a significant role. Atlanta looks to leverage rookie talent on both sides, Penix, RB Bijan Robinson, and defensive draftees Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., to match a veteran Bucs unit led by newly acquired edge rusher Haason Reddick. The game features a classic contrast: Tampa’s continuity and edge-rushing prowess versus Atlanta’s upside and home-field intensity.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 27 Atlanta 13
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX)
Joe Burrow and the Bengals, stung by last season’s slow start, seek a fast launch to 2025 against a Browns defense still boasting Myles Garrett but shifting to a more conservative, run-centric offense under OC Tommy Rees and veteran QB Joe Flacco. Cincinnati’s passing arsenal, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins faces a Cleveland secondary that struggled down the stretch in 2024 and must replace key contributors. The Bengals’ rebuilt offensive line will be tested by Cleveland’s physical front, especially rookie Mason Graham, but Burrow’s health and accuracy, combined with Chase Brown’s emergence at RB, give Cincy an edge if its protection holds up. The Dawg Pound adds an always raucous divisional backdrop.
Prediction: Cincinnati 38 Cleveland 34
Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS)
It’s a battle of contrasting philosophies as the high-octane Dolphins (Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle) visit an Indianapolis team led by Daniel Jones, who beat out Anthony Richardson at QB. Indy’s new-look offense, coordinated by Shane Steichen, hopes to leverage Jonathan Taylor’s ground dominance behind an improved line, but faces major questions in a depleted secondary and a weak run defense. Miami’s upgraded linebacker speed and explosive perimeter attack are set to challenge the Colts’ young defenders—particularly if Miami’s own reconfigured defense (lacking Jalen Ramsey) can generate turnovers and pressure. With both teams sporting new faces and persistent injury questions, expect pace and field position to be critical.
Prediction: Miami 30 Indianapolis 19
Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX)
Kyler Murray leads the Cardinals into the Superdome with high expectations for second year WR Marvin Harrison Jr. against a Saints squad in transition under new head coach Kellen Moore and rookie QB Spencer Rattler. Arizona’s defense, bolstered by newcomers Josh Sweat and Dalvin Tomlinson, will look to feast on a New Orleans offensive line that struggled in 2024 and now lacks cohesion. On the opposite side, Rattler is expected to lean heavily on Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave to keep the Saints competitive offensively amid projected growing pains. Arizona’s recent track record as a fast starter and the instability in New Orleans shift the edge toward the visitors.
Prediction: Arizona 21 New Orleans 6
Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX)
Bryce Young begins his third season under new head coach Dave Canales, he showed significant improvement late last year and is now bolstered by rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan. The Jags, meanwhile, deploy rookie phenom Travis Hunter as a dual-threat WR/CB alongside veteran Trevor Lawrence and second-year WR Brian Thomas Jr.. Both defenses ranked among the league’s worst in 2024, with Carolina’s porous run D and Jacksonville’s generous pass D suggesting a high-scoring affair. The big question: can Young maintain his late-2024 form and attack a suspect Jacksonville secondary, or will the Jags’ new offensive direction under head coach Liam Coen maximize Hunter and Thomas for chunk plays?
Prediction: Jacksonville 20 Carolina 13
Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS)
Pete Carroll’s return to head coaching headlines the Raiders’ opener, while the Patriots usher in the Mike Vrabel era and young second-year QB Drake Maye in Foxborough. Las Vegas rides with Geno Smith, a retooled backfield led by rookie Ashton Jeanty, and the top tight end duo of Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer under OC Chip Kelly’s up-tempo system. The Patriots counter with free-agent WR Stefon Diggs and an offensive line protecting a rookie pivot, hoping to establish control with Rhamondre Stevenson. Both teams boast improved defenses, but the matchup of Maxx Crosby versus New England’s young tackles and the performance of Maye under pressure will shape this likely low-scoring game.
Prediction: Las Vegas 31 New England 20
New York Giants at Washington Commanders (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX)
Both teams enter with new starting quarterbacks—Russell Wilson for Big Blue, Jayden Daniels for the up-and-coming Commanders—as well as dramatically overhauled rosters. The Commanders surprised as NFC Championship Game participants in 2024, and they fortified their WR group by keeping Terry McLaurin and adding Deebo Samuel. New York, with Wilson and Jameis Winston battling for the job, relies on run-game support and a rebuilt O-line. Washington’s strength lies in its explosive playmaking, but growing pains could show as both units adjust. Keep an eye on the matchup of McLaurin versus new Giants CB Paulson Adebo, and whether New York’s pass rush can make Daniels uncomfortable, otherwise, Daniels’ dual-threat ability may tip the scales.
Prediction: Washington 20 NY Giants- 17
Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS)
Aaron Rodgers makes his Steelers debut at age 41, facing his old team and Justin Fields, who now quarterbacks the Jets under new coach Aaron Glenn. Pittsburgh brings high expectations after adding DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey, and others. The Jets rely on a top-10 defense and hope a revamped attack, likely featuring Breece Hall, can help Fields avoid mistakes. Look for a defensive battle, both teams have question marks on offense (Steelers’ receiver depth, Jets’ OL and playbook wrinkles). The game may hinge on whether Pittsburgh, historically strong in season openers under Mike Tomlin, can limit Fields’ scrambling and exploit early miscommunications.
Prediction:Pittsburgh 27 NY Jets- 10
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX)
The 49ers are banking on a return to form after a 6-11 campaign, with a healthy Christian McCaffrey and the arrival of Brian Robinson Jr. headlining the ground game. Brock Purdy remains under center, but lost Brandon Aiyuk and Demarcus Robinson to injury to start the year, pushing young WR Ricky Pearsall into the spotlight. Robert Saleh returns as defensive coordinator, deploying a front stacked with Nick Bosa, rookie Mykel Williams, and Bryce Huff against Seattle’s new starter Sam Darnold and the reconfigured OL. The Seahawks’ elite CB duo (Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen) and explosive WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba could make it interesting, but the 49ers’ experienced coaching staff may have the edge in a potentially sloppy season opener.
Prediction: San Francisco- 34 Seattle- 21
Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS)
The No. 1 overall pick, Cam Ward, starts for Tennessee, facing a brutal NFL baptism at high altitude against a Broncos defense that led the NFL in sacks and ranked top-three in scoring D in 2024. Denver, riding the momentum of a perfect preseason and an expected sophomore leap from Bo Nix, will look to exploit Tennessee’s thin secondary and shaky OL. Tennessee spent the offseason upgrading its OL (Lloyd Cushenberry, JC Latham) and WR group (Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett) but cohesion is a concern. Ultimately, Denver’s defensive front, with new additions Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga, should limit the Titans’ offensive success, especially as Ward adjusts to NFL speed and complex blitzes.
Prediction: Denver 24 Tennessee 3
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
The headline of the weekend is the arrival of Micah Parsons, acquired in a blockbuster from Dallas to anchor Green Bay’s emerging defense, though he is nursing a back issue. The Lions, meanwhile, bring back almost all their offensive firepower after a 15-win season, but must deal with the loss of All-Pro C Frank Ragnow, two coordinators, and the challenge of playing at Lambeau Field. Jared Goff leads a unit still loaded with Amon-Ra St. Brown and the league’s best running back tandem in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Green Bay’s Jordan Love will be looking to establish chemistry with first-round pick Matthew Golden, relying on Josh Jacobs to carry a heavier load. The matchup of Aidan Hutchinson versus Zach Tom (and the impact of Parsons if fully healthy) could determine which team controls tempo in this critical NFC North clash.
Prediction: Detroit 20 Green Bay 17
Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS)
Two playoff teams from 2024 matchup as C.J. Stroud leads Houston into SoFi Stadium, now featuring a newcomer RB in Nick Chubb, while the Rams counter with an offense boasting Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and new arrival Davante Adams. Houston’s offense is expected to be tailored around new OC Nick Caley (formerly with the Rams), possibly offering an inside track on attacking LA’s evolving defense. The trenches will define this game: Houston’s reworked OL faces a Rams pass rush that heated up late last season, while LA’s offensive continuity gets a stiff test from the dynamic edge tandem of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Question marks about Stafford’s health and Houston’s pass protection loom large, making turnovers a likely deciding factor.
Prediction: LA Rams 27 Houston 17
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills (Sunday Night, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
Two of the league’s top Super Bowl contenders—and the most recent MVPs in Lamar Jackson (Ravens) and Josh Allen (Bills), meet in a rematch of a wild 2024 AFC Divisional Round clash. Both offenses are among the league's elite in efficiency and 30-plus-point explosions, with Baltimore centering its scheme on Jackson and Derrick Henry , while Buffalo boasts a retooled defense (Joey Bosa, Tre’Davious White) but remains obligated to Allen’s arm and legs. The Ravens’ defense struggled with deep passes last season, so anticipate Allen targeting big plays downfield. Expect scoring: oddsmakers set the total above 50, and both teams possess aggressive play-callers with deep arsenals. The outcome may hinge on turnovers, red-zone efficiency, and which defense adapts better after major offseason tweaks.
Prediction: Buffalo 37 Baltimore 31
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears (Monday Night, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC)
A new era dawns in the NFC North as rookie QB J.J. McCarthy (Vikings) faces second-year signal caller Caleb Williams (Bears), as they square off under the prime-time lights at Soldier Field. New Bears coach Ben Johnson seeks to install his record-shattering Detroit system, now paired with a rebuilt Bears O-line and weapons like DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, D’Andre Swift, and highly touted TE Colston Loveland. Minnesota’s offense runs through Justin Jefferson (who returns from injury) but will be without suspended WR Jordan Addison, making Monday’s contest even more reliant on McCarthy’s rapport with the offensive line and veteran Adam Thielen. Defensive edges abound for both teams, Brian Flores’ blitz-happy Vikings versus a Chicago unit that added Grady Jarrett to pair with Montez Sweat. The prime-time spotlight should reveal just how far each team’s young signal-caller (and revamped staff) have come after tumultuous 2024 campaigns.
Prediction: Chicago 22 Minnesota 21
(photo courtesy of Syracuse.com)