After an offseason of chaos, the National Football League returns to televisions across the country for the start of the 2025-2026 regular season. From Thursday through Monday, football fans will be able to indulge in non-stop action and coverage (including week 2 of the college football season) of America’s favorite sport. Buckle up, football season is back in full swing.
Now, let’s dive in and preview all the games on the weekend slate, starting in the City of Brotherly Love with the defending Super Bowl Champions:
Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles (9/4, 8:20pm, NBC & Peacock)
The Eagles gear up to repeat as Super Bowl Champions, squaring off with their division rival on opening night. The banner will be raised before kickoff, which could offer a spark to the visiting Cowboys, as they look to spoil the party. It’s not uncommon for the defending champs to lose on opening night, but these Eagles are not ones to take their eyes off the target at hand, looking to be the first team to capitalize on a now Micah Parsons-less Dallas defense. Expect a good one to start the weekend off right.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers (9/5, 8:00pm, YouTube)
For the second consecutive year, the NFL has scheduled a Friday night game in Brazil for Week 1. Last year saw the Philadelphia Eagles face off with the Green Bay Packers, with this year’s game pitting the defending AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs against their AFC West foe Los Angeles Chargers. After a demoralizing loss in the Super Bowl, the expectation is for the Chiefs to lose a step this season, leaving the door open for a team like Baltimore, Buffalo, or maybe even the Chargers to break through the glass ceiling at last. And opening the season on a neutral site could be the best opportunity Los Angeles has to get an edge on Kansas City and snap a seven-game losing streak to their rival.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons (9/7, 1:00pm, FOX)
Michael Penix Jr. has solidified himself as the man under center in Atlanta, and he’ll start his first full campaign against Baker Mayfield and the Bucs. Even with it only being week 1, this game could prove to be a crucial one for both of these teams. The Buccaneers and the Falcons are considered the two favorites to win the NFC South this season, and any leg up they could get on each other and the division could make all the difference come December. Eyes should be peeled for what could come out of this game in the 1:00pm slate.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns (9/7, 1:00pm, FOX)
The Bengals travel to Cleveland as 5.5-point favorites over their state rival. Two years ago, Cincinnati didn’t stand a chance when they faced the Browns in Week 1, losing that game 24-3 in the pouring rain. Heading into this season, these are two very different teams expected to play under very different conditions, though, the Bengals have been prone to early struggles in September. An interesting wrinkle to consider. Despite everyone looking down on Cleveland going into the new season, they could turn some heads with a win as the underdogs at home.
Miami Dolphins @ Indianapolis Colts (9/7, 1:00pm, CBS)
Low expectations surround the Dolphins and Colts heading into the season. A training camp QB battle saw Daniel Jones emerge as the new starter for Indianapolis, much to the chagrin of their fanbase and media outlets. To pile it on for them, they stare an 11-game week 1 losing streak in the face this Sunday. Meanwhile, Miami’s roster took a significant hit this offseason with the loss of Jalen Ramsey, Jevon Holland, and a few other defensive standouts. RB De’Von Achane’s status is also up in the air, currently listed as a game-time decision. A chance to change the narrative for both teams and grab some momentum for the weeks to come.
Las Vegas Raiders @ New England Patriots (9/7, 1:00pm, CBS)
This game marks the return of legendary coach Pete Carroll as he takes the reins of the Raiders, preparing to battle the new-look Patriots, led by new head coach Mike Vrabel. Second-year QB Drake Maye, with a now improved O-Line and new weapons at his disposable, looks to unlock the potential that was seen in flashes throughout his rookie campaign. In Las Vegas, their revamped offense is ready to take the league by storm with Geno Smith under center, Chip Kelly calling plays, and rookie standout Ashton Jeanty in the backfield. With New England at home, they come in as 2.5-point favorites, however, this game has all the makings of one that goes down to the wire.
Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints (9/7, 1:00pm, CBS)
The Kellen Moore era begins in New Orleans, as the Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator tries his hand as a head coach. His first test comes against the Arizona Cardinals, who turned in a better offseason report grade than many realize. Bringing in EDGE Josh Sweat and DT Calais Campbell could be a serious difference maker, especially against the inexperienced QB room of the Saints. With them considered one of the worst teams in the NFL going into the season, the Saints are trying to prove everyone wrong, and an upset win here could be the start of that. As for Arizona, getting back to the postseason is the only thing on their mind, and a statement win to open the year could be all the fuel they need to put together a run.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ New York Jets (9/7, 1:00pm, CBS)
Oh, how fitting it is that Aaron Rodgers begins his newest chapter as a member of the Steelers back on his old stomping grounds in New York. And not to be ignored, it’s a very similar case for new Jets QB Justin Fields, as he looks to lead his new squad past his old one. Plenty of interesting storylines in this game, including Pittsburgh walking in as 2.5-point favorites on the road. In what could be a pivotal season for the future of both of these teams, it’s important to start off on the right foot, and both sides have all the motivation to want to do just that.
New York Giants @ Washington Commanders (9/7, 1:00pm, FOX)
It was a tale of two opposites last season for the Giants and Commanders, with New York finishing 3-14 and Washington finishing 12-5, to the surprise of everyone, carrying their momentum all the way to the NFC Championship Game with rookie QB Jayden Daniels. Despite how they each finished, the Giants still found a way to steal a win over the surging Commanders, proving there’s no telling what can happen in a game between division rivals. New York is riding high after an impressive preseason, while Washington is locked in on finishing what they started last season. One of the most exciting match-ups of the week in any slate.
Carolina Panthers @ Jacksonville Jaguars (9/7, 1:00pm, FOX)
Two franchises look to find their footing again, with all eyes on Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter as he makes his NFL debut. Both Carolina and Jacksonville feel like they’ve yet to maximize their potential with former #1 overall picks Bryce Young and Trevor Lawrence respectively, but both are under the impression this could be the year they make that important next step. With a new and improved WR room, Bryce Young should have all he needs to shine as new Jacksonville head coach Liam Coen takes T-Law under his wing, hoping to turn the promising QB’s fortunes around like he did with Baker Mayfield in Tampa. The Jags stand as 3.5-point favorites on Sunday.
Tennessee Titans @ Denver Broncos (9/7, 4:05pm, FOX)
The #1 overall pick, Cam Ward, makes his NFL debut in Mile High against a Denver Broncos team coming off their first playoff appearance in a decade. Not an ideal first match-up for the rookie QB facing an elite defense, one that led the league in sacks and QB hits while having the Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain, in the secondary. However, a retooled offensive line and WRs such as Calvin Ridley and new addition Tyler Lockett should be of help. To go along with a stellar defense, Bo Nix leads a stout offense that will aim to exceed what they did last year in order to make a deeper run in January. Ward and the Titans have their hands full, but this could be the start of a Jayden Daniels/Commanders-like run for Tennessee if they can pull it off. You just never know what can happen.
San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks (9/7, 4:05pm, FOX)
Mike Macdonald enters his second year in his tenure as Seahawks head coach, squaring off with NFC West rival Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers to open the season. Seattle is another team that made drastic changes to their offense this offseason, adding QB Sam Darnold and WR Cooper Kupp while parting ways with long-time wideouts DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. They expect a much-improved product this season for their race to the playoffs. On the other side, the 49ers parted ways with their long-time utility man Deebo Samuel, however, they seem to be back to full strength, something that has been an issue for the team the past few years. San Francisco comes in as the favorite and will look to take their fourth straight in Seattle. The NFC West is open for the taking, and here’s a chance for either the Seahawks or the Niners to get the upper hand early.
Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers (9/7, 4:25pm, CBS)
The Packers haven’t stood a chance in this NFC North rivalry with Detroit the past number of years, with the Lions taking 6 of the last 7, three straight at Lambeau Field. The script could be flipped in this year’s meeting at Lambeau with Green Bay’s newest addition, Micah Parsons. After a much-praised offseason, the Packers made the biggest splash of all when they snagged Parsons in a shocking blockbuster deal just last week. Despite the losses of OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn to head coaching jobs opportunities, the Lions will look to match them with the return of star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, playing in his first game since suffering a broken leg last October. Just a 2.5-point spread for the marquee week 1 rivalry match-up.
Houston Texans @ Los Angeles Rams (9/7, 4:25pm, CBS)
It’s been an interesting last few weeks for both the Texans and Rams ahead of their week 1 affair. The Texans have had to place starting RB Joe Mixon on the injury reserve, forcing him to miss the first four games of the season. For the Rams, star QB Matthew Stafford’s health has been a topic of discussion for weeks now, but as of now, he is expected to play on Sunday afternoon. Houston hopes they have their answer, at least for the time being, in former Browns star RB Nick Chubb, aiding in getting the Texans offense back to their 2023 form. The Rams take another crack at the NFC with their key players and not much movement outside of bringing in Davante Adams to fill the void left by Cooper Kupp. Los Angeles holds the edge with home-field advantage, though if Houston’s offense has made the strides they hope they have, there could be a huge road victory on the way for CJ Stroud and his guys.
Baltimore Ravens @ Buffalo Bills (9/7, 8:20pm, NBC)
In what’s to be the most anticipated game of the weekend, the Ravens come to Buffalo to face the Bills in a rematch of last year’s classic AFC Divisional round game. The reigning MVP, Josh Allen, has done it all in his NFL career…except make it to the Super Bowl. The same for his opponent, Lamar Jackson. This could be the start of that road for either side. Outside of a couple new additions, neither roster has changed much, which could play to the Bills’ advantage. Or it may not, as last September, the Ravens ran all over Buffalo en route to a 35-10 win under the lights. Can the Bills only beat Baltimore in the postseason, or do they really have their number, no matter what point of the season it is? That’s what’s going to come to light on the first Sunday Night Football of the 2025-26 season.
Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears (9/8, 8:15, ABC/ESPN)
Another divisional rivalry rounds out week 1 of the season, as the Vikings head down to the Windy City with the intention to spoil the Bears’ home opener under new head coach Ben Johnson. Loads of excitement surround the Bears heading into this new year after bringing the most sought-after head coaching candidate on the market and bringing new toys for QB Caleb Willams to play with. Excitement surrounds the Vikings facility as well, with Minnesota turning to JJ McCarthy to be their new starting QB, this game marking his first NFL action. A fresh beginning for Chicago and Minnesota, we’ll see who’s beginning gets off to a better start in the final game of the week 1 slate.
16 games across 4 days for all football fans to enjoy. Together, we celebrate the start of another season in the National Football League, kicking off this Thursday night. Who will be the next to stake claim to the Lombardi Trophy come February?
