The road to a title repeat begins with fireworks for the Philadelphia Eagles, as they’ll open the 2025 NFL season against their fiercest division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, in a Thursday night showdown on Sept. 4 at Lincoln Financial Field.
The NFL made the high-profile matchup official Monday morning during an announcement on NBC’s Today show, revealing that the defending Super Bowl champions will host Dallas at 8:20 p.m. ET in the season’s inaugural game – airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
It’s a tradition for the reigning champs to open the season at home, and there may be no better opponent to stoke the fire than the Cowboys, whose rivalry with Philadelphia remains one of the NFL’s most intense.
The last time these two NFC East powerhouses met, the Eagles dominated, sweeping the 2024 season series with a combined score of 75-13. Dallas managed just one touchdown across two games, while Philly’s offense and defense delivered statement performances.
Of course, both teams were missing key pieces. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott sat out both matchups due to a hamstring injury that sidelined him for much of the season, contributing to Dallas’ disappointing 7-10 finish. With Prescott healthy and new weapon George Pickens acquired via trade, Dallas is hoping to turn the page.
The Eagles, meanwhile, also played shorthanded in their late-season win over Dallas, rolling to a 41-7 victory despite the absence of quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was in concussion protocol. Running back Saquon Barkley and wideout DeVonta Smith picked up the slack, combining for three touchdowns and over 200 total yards.
The 2025 opener carries heavy implications. For the Cowboys, it’s a chance to reassert themselves after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. For Philadelphia, it’s about maintaining dominance in a division they shared last year with Washington at the top – both teams meeting in the NFC Championship Game.
The NFL is undoubtedly hoping for a tighter contest this time, ideally featuring both Prescott and Hurts at full strength.
While Dallas and Philly fans now have their date circled, the rest of the league will soon know what lies ahead. The full 2025 NFL schedule drops Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET, with reveals airing live on NFL Network and ESPN2.
Monday’s announcement was just the first of several strategic schedule teases leading up to the main event.
But for now, all eyes are on Philadelphia – where a fiery NFC East rivalry will light the fuse on a new NFL season.
What are your thoughts on the season opening matchup???
