Here are the most highly anticipated NFL games for the upcoming 2025 season—matchups that promise compelling storylines, huge TV audiences, and superstar showdowns:

1. Ravens @ Bills — Week 1 Sunday Night Football

Why it’s must-see: A rematch of last year's Divisional Round thriller, featuring MVP contenders Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. The last matchup went down to the final play and ended with a dramatic decision—now fans get an instant replay of the tension.

2. Eagles @ Chiefs — Super Bowl Rematch

Why it’s must-see: These two met in not one, but two recent Super Bowls—bringing renewed hype for a regular season showdown. Expect fireworks with Jalen Hurts vs. Patrick Mahomes under the brightest stage.

3. Lions @ Eagles — NFC Powerhouses Collide (Week 11)

Why it’s must-see: Still the NFC’s two most dominant units. This game has the feel of a Conference Championship rematch, with Jared Goff and the Lions looking to challenge Jalen Hurts’ Eagle squad. Fans and analysts alike have circled this on the calendar.

4. Chiefs @ Bills — Clarke’s AFC Rivalry Renewed

Why it’s must-see: A long-standing rivalry. With multiple playoff encounters and close clashes in recent years, this annual matchup continues to deliver high drama and elite quarterback battles.

5. Ravens @ Chiefs — Week 4 Afternoon Showdown

Why it’s must-see: A marquee fall classic in a coveted Sunday window. Baltimore and Kansas City both consistently deliver aggressive, dynamic offenses—this matchup promises another high-stakes thriller.

6. Commanders @ Chiefs — Generational QB Clash (Week 8)

Why it’s must-see: A generational quarterback face-off between Jayden Daniels and Patrick Mahomes under the bright lights. ESPN plans heavy promotion—this one could define the season’s narrative.

7. Lions @ Ravens — Early-Season Showdown (Week 3)

Why it’s must-see: A potential Monday Night Football blockbuster. The Lions’ dynamic offense against a tough Ravens defense—plenty of star talent and storyline intrigue.

8. Thanksgiving Day Showdowns

Packers @ Lions (Early Afternoon, Fox)

The Lions will host Green Bay—a rival with legacy and ratings. Fans expect this to be one of the highest-watched games of the season.

Bengals @ Ravens (Primetime, NBC)

A late-night high-stakes thriller that could top NBC’s Thanksgiving viewership records.

9. International Games: Global Gridiron

Season Kickoff in Brazil — Chiefs @ Chargers opens the regular season at São Paulo's Arena Corinthians.

Games in London, Dublin, and Madrid — Expect storylines stretching from Tottenham to Croke Park to the Bernabéu as teams compete around the world.

Fan Buzz & Online Reaction

Across Reddit there was significant chatter about the potential Eagles vs. Lions Week 1 opener:

“A fully healthy Lions vs. a fully healthy Eagles is must-watch TV.”
“NFC #1 seed vs NFC champ—the game that should have happened in the conference championship.”

Some speculated it could even make the season-opening slot, though the NFL has selected Cowboys @ Eagles instead.

2025 NFL Football Season