The NFL 2025 season is here, bringing thrilling matchups and record-breaking performances to anticipate.
UPDATE AT 1:30 AM Irish time on Friday: The NFL 2025 season kicks off with the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, taking on the Dallas Cowboys. This event marks the start of the league’s 106th season, with the Eagles aiming to become only the tenth team in NFL history to successfully defend their title.
Key Matchups to Watch
As the season commences, the Eagles look to build on their strong start, a feat achieved by 20 of the last 25 defending champions during the opening weekend since 2000. This match is pivotal not only for the Eagles but also for the Cowboys, who aim to establish their dominance early in the season.
FLASH – On Saturday at 1:20 AM Irish time, the AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs will face the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil. The Chiefs hold a remarkable record against the Chargers, winning seven consecutive matchups, with the last three victories coming in dramatic final minutes of the fourth quarter.
Twelve teams will begin Week 1 with a new quarterback compared to last season. Notable changes include Michael Penix Jr. with Atlanta and Joe Flacco with Cleveland. This shift indicates a dynamic season ahead, as teams adjust their strategies and rosters to improve their standings.
Historic Player Performances
As the season unfolds, several players are poised to make history. Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans leads all active players with 105 touchdown receptions, approaching a milestone of achieving 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first twelve seasons. Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase made headlines last season by becoming the fifth player ever to lead the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in a single season.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, now with Pittsburgh, enters the season as the leader in career touchdown passes among active players, boasting 503 regular-season touchdowns. He needs just five more to surpass Brett Favre, solidifying his legacy in NFL history.
Upcoming Debuts and Rivalries
Excitement builds as rookie quarterbacks prepare for their debuts. Cam Ward, selected first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, is among the new faces to watch. Additionally, Minnesota’s J.J. McCarthy, who was picked tenth overall last season, is expected to start on Kick-off Weekend. These debuts promise to inject fresh energy into the league.
The rivalry between the Bills and Ravens continues as they meet again, marking their fifth encounter in six seasons, including playoffs. The Bills edged the Ravens in the 2024 AFC Divisional playoffs, and fans are eager to see how this matchup unfolds in the regular season.
As the NFL 2025 season begins, anticipation is high for thrilling games, historic performances, and new talent stepping onto the field.
