The NFL is building anticipation ahead of its full 2025 schedule release on Wednesday night, unveiling several marquee matchups in advance through its network partners.
Among the early highlights are division showdowns, international clashes, and a slate of holiday games sure to draw national attention.
Season Opener: Eagles vs. Cowboys
The 2025 NFL season will kick off with a high-stakes NFC East battle, as the Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, September 4. The game will air nationally on NBC and stream on Peacock, with kickoff set for 8:20 p.m. ET.
Holiday Showdowns: Christmas Tripleheader and Thanksgiving Tradition
This year’s Christmas Day lineup features an exciting tripleheader. Games are scheduled for 1 p.m., 4:25 p.m., and 8:20 p.m. ET, with the nightcap featuring Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Denver Broncos under the lights.
Thanksgiving will once again be anchored by the Lions and Cowboys, continuing their long-standing tradition of hosting games on the holiday. The primetime Thanksgiving night matchup will also return, though the participating teams have yet to be revealed.
Additionally, the NFL will return to Black Friday, with the Eagles hosting the Bears in an afternoon game as part of the extended holiday football slate.
Super Bowl LIX Rematch: Chiefs vs. Eagles
One of the most anticipated games of the year will see the Kansas City Chiefs face the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch of Super Bowl LIX. The showdown will take place at Arrowhead Stadium, though a date for the game has not yet been released.
Fans will be treated to several high-stakes rematches from the 2024 postseason. In a revisit of last year’s NFC Championship Game, the Eagles and Washington Commanders will square off twice, including a Week 16 Saturday afternoon matchup.
Meanwhile, one of the league’s most heated rivalries will continue when the Buffalo Bills host the Chiefs in a regular season rematch of the AFC Championship Game. A date for that contest is still pending.
The NFL’s international footprint continues to grow, with five countries set to host games during the 2025 season.
The Los Angeles Chargers will serve as the home team in São Paulo, Brazil in Week 1.
The Indianapolis Colts will give up a home game to play in Berlin, Germany.
The Miami Dolphins will take on the Washington Commanders in Madrid, Spain.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will head to Dublin, Ireland to face the Minnesota Vikings.
And three teams – the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, and New York Jets – will each host games in London.
With these matchups sprinkling out, it’s an exciting reminder that the 2025 NFL season is right around the corner.
What are your thoughts on the matchups we now know of???
