• The NFL 2025 season kickoff features a thrilling four-day, 16-game slate, including a blockbuster Eagles-Cowboys opener.
• Super Bowl favorites Buffalo Bills face a tough test against the Ravens, while the Chiefs play in Brazil.
• Aaron Rodgers takes on his former team, the Jets, in a revenge game with the Steelers.
• The 49ers aim for a rebound year, and the Bengals need a strong start to break their playoff drought.
• Fantasy football tip: Start Browns RB Jerome Ford against a weak Bengals defense.

As a football fan who’s been glued to the NFL since I was old enough to toss a pigskin, I’m buzzing for the NFL 2025 season kickoff. Week 1 is packed with drama, from the defending champs to revenge games and international showdowns. Here’s your guide to the top five storylines to watch, plus a fantasy football gem to give you an edge this week.

The NFL 2025 season kickoff begins with a bang as the Philadelphia Eagles host their NFC East rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, on Thursday night, September 4, 2025. As someone who’s watched Philly fans turn Lincoln Financial Field into a cauldron of noise, I can already hear the cheers for Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. The Eagles return nearly their entire Super Bowl-winning roster, and their infamous “tush push” play remains legal, giving them a massive edge in short-yardage situations.

The Cowboys, however, are reeling after a shocking trade. They sent All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Packers for two first-round picks and DT Kenny Clark, with owner Jerry Jones citing run defense as a priority. Can Dallas stop Barkley’s ground game? This opener will set the tone for both teams in a heated rivalry.

Meanwhile, on Friday night, the NFL heads back to São Paulo, Brazil, for a Chiefs-Chargers clash. Last year’s Brazil game drew flak for a slippery field, but the league promises a better surface this time. Patrick Mahomes and company will look to dazzle on the global stage.

Buffalo Bills: Super Bowl Favorites, But Can They Deliver?

Oddsmakers have pegged the Buffalo Bills, led by Josh Allen, as the team to beat for the 2025 Super Bowl. As a fan who’s rooted for underdogs, I’m pulling for Buffalo to finally break their championship drought—one of 12 NFL teams yet to win a Lombardi Trophy, alongside names like the Browns, Lions, and Chargers.

Their Week 1 matchup is no cakewalk: a Sunday night showdown at home against Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens. Allen’s 0-4 playoff record against Mahomes looms large, but a strong start could signal Buffalo’s ready to rewrite history. If you’re in Buffalo, stock up on wings—this game’s going to be a nail-biter.

Aaron Rodgers Faces His Past in a Steelers-Jets Grudge Match

Talk about drama: Aaron Rodgers, now quarterbacking the Pittsburgh Steelers, faces his old team, the New York Jets, in Week 1 at MetLife Stadium. As someone who’s seen Rodgers work magic (and spark controversy), I expect a chilly reception from Jets fans. His two injury-plagued seasons in New York yielded a 6-12 record, and at 42, he’s chasing Tom Brady’s rare feat of starting 10+ games at that age.

Can Rodgers summon his MVP form to lead Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl hopes? This revenge game is must-watch TV, with emotions running high and the Steelers’ season ambitions on the line.

49ers Eye a Rebound with the NFL’s Easiest Schedule

The San Francisco 49ers are a team of extremes—either they’re in the NFC Championship or they miss the playoffs entirely, a trend that’s held for 22 years. After a dismal 6-11 season in 2024, they’re poised for a comeback, thanks to the NFL’s easiest schedule in 2025. As a Bay Area native, I’ve seen the 49ers’ rollercoaster firsthand, and Brock Purdy’s squad is hungry to prove last year was a fluke.

Their opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday is a chance to start strong in the NFC West. Expect Purdy to lean on his playmakers and that stout defense to make a statement.

Read also: NFL Rule Changes 2025 You Can’t Miss: New Kickoffs, Overtime, and More

Bengals Desperate for a Fast Start

The Cincinnati Bengals can’t afford another slow start. After beginning the last three seasons 0-2 (and 0-3 in 2024), they’ve missed the playoffs two years running. Coach Zac Taylor played his starters heavily in the preseason to prepare for their Week 1 clash against the Cleveland Browns. As someone who’s watched Joe Burrow light up scoreboards, I’m betting on Cincy’s high-octane offense to spark early.

If the Bengals can avoid their usual September slump, they could be playoff-bound. This opener is their chance to flip the script.

Fantasy Football Tip: Start Jerome Ford

Here’s a nugget for fantasy players: the Bengals’ defense is projected to be among the NFL’s weakest in 2025. That’s great news for Browns running back Jerome Ford, who’s rostered in about 70% of ESPN leagues. If you’ve got him—or can snag him off the waiver wire—start him in Week 1. As someone who’s lost fantasy matchups by ignoring matchup data, trust me: Ford could be your secret weapon against Cincinnati’s porous defense.

Why the NFL 2025 Season Kickoff Feels Special

The NFL 2025 season kickoff is more than just football—it’s a mix of rivalries, redemption arcs, and global spectacles that make every Sunday feel like a holiday. From the Eagles’ title defense to Rodgers’ revenge tour, these storylines remind me why I’ve spent countless fall weekends glued to the TV, snacks in hand, cheering for every touchdown. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a fantasy guru, Week 1 is your chance to dive into the drama. So grab your jersey, fire up the grill, and get ready for a season that could redefine the NFL landscape.

Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.