The 2025 NFL season kicks off on Thursday, September 4 and Week 1 brings rivalries, international action and primetime drama.
The Cowboys visit the Eagles to open the year, the Chiefs and Chargers meet in Brazil for the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in South America, and Sunday is stacked with divisional showdowns.
In this guide, we break down every Week 1 matchup with straight-up picks, key storylines and the players to watch. These are fan predictions meant for entertainment and discussion.
Thursday, September 4
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles – 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
The Eagles begin their title defense at home. Jalen Hurts and a deep roster make them tough to beat in Philadelphia. Dallas has talent but faces a tough opener on the road.
Pick: Eagles
Friday, September 5
Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers – 8:00 p.m. ET on YouTube (São Paulo, Brazil)
The NFL plays its first regular-season game in Brazil. Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert bring star power to the international stage. Kansas City has proven it can handle big moments.
Pick: Chiefs
Sunday, September 7 – Early Games (1:00 p.m. ET)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons (FOX)
Atlanta leans on a strong run game and a young defense. Tampa Bay enters with too many roster questions.
Pick: Falcons
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns (FOX)
An AFC North clash with playoff implications. Joe Burrow’s weapons give Cincinnati the edge against a defense-first Cleveland team.
Pick: Bengals
Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets (CBS)
Both rely on defense. The Jets pressure up front, but the Steelers’ stability and coaching set them apart.
Pick: Steelers
Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts (CBS)
The Dolphins stretch the field with speed and quick strikes. The Colts look to slow things down with the ground game, but Miami’s pace tilts the balance.
Pick: Dolphins
Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots (CBS)
The Raiders enter with Pete Carroll bringing a fresh style. The Patriots remain disciplined and tough at home.
Pick: Patriots
New York Giants at Washington Commanders (FOX)
Washington improved its receiver depth, but the Giants bring more proven playmakers.
Pick: Giants
Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints (CBS)
The Saints rely on defense and the Superdome atmosphere. Arizona is still rebuilding.
Pick: Saints
Sunday, September 7 – Late Games
Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars – 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX
Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars have stability and talent on offense. Carolina continues to rebuild.
Pick: Jaguars
Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos – 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX
The Titans lean on a physical ground game that can control tempo. Denver’s defense is strong, but their offense lags behind.
Pick: Titans
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks – 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX
A heated NFC West matchup. San Francisco enters with the deeper roster and proven core.
Pick: 49ers
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
The Lions bring toughness and one of the league’s best offensive lines. Green Bay has talent but faces a physical test.
Pick: Lions
Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams – 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
C.J. Stroud leads a rising Texans squad. The Rams still have stars but lack depth across the roster.
Pick: Texans
Sunday Night Football
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills – 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson headline a primetime showdown. Both teams enter as contenders, but Buffalo’s depth and home field give them the edge.
Pick: Bills
Monday Night Football
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN
The week ends with an NFC North rivalry. Chicago is improving, but Minnesota’s offensive weapons, led by Justin Jefferson, tilt the game.
Pick: Vikings
Quick Picks Recap
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Sep 4 | Cowboys at Eagles | 8:20 PM | NBC | Eagles |
| Fri, Sep 5 | Chiefs vs Chargers (Brazil) | 8:00 PM | YouTube | Chiefs |
| Sun, Sep 7 | Buccaneers at Falcons | 1:00 PM | FOX | Falcons |
| Sun, Sep 7 | Bengals at Browns | 1:00 PM | FOX | Bengals |
| Sun, Sep 7 | Dolphins at Colts | 1:00 PM | CBS | Dolphins |
| Sun, Sep 7 | Steelers at Jets | 1:00 PM | CBS | Steelers |
| Sun, Sep 7 | Raiders at Patriots | 1:00 PM | CBS | Patriots |
| Sun, Sep 7 | Giants at Commanders | 1:00 PM | FOX | Giants |
| Sun, Sep 7 | Cardinals at Saints | 1:00 PM | CBS | Saints |
| Sun, Sep 7 | Panthers at Jaguars | 4:05 PM | FOX | Jaguars |
| Sun, Sep 7 | Titans at Broncos | 4:05 PM | FOX | Titans |
| Sun, Sep 7 | 49ers at Seahawks | 4:05 PM | FOX | 49ers |
| Sun, Sep 7 | Lions at Packers | 4:25 PM | CBS | Lions |
| Sun, Sep 7 | Texans at Rams | 4:25 PM | CBS | Texans |
| Sun, Sep 7 | Ravens at Bills (SNF) | 8:20 PM | NBC | Bills |
| Mon, Sep 8 | Vikings at Bears (MNF) | 8:15 PM | ABC/ESPN | Vikings |
Want to track your own predictions? Grab our Printable NFL Week 1 Pick’em Sheet 2025 – Free Download and play along with friends.
Most Watchable Games of Week 1
- Cowboys at Eagles – Rivalry opener and banner night in Philadelphia.
- Chiefs vs Chargers (Brazil) – A historic international showcase.
- Ravens at Bills (SNF) – A primetime battle between two AFC powers.
- Lions at Packers – NFC North rivals in a divisional test.
FAQs about NFL Week 1 Picks 2025
How many games are in Week 1?
There are 16 games. All 32 teams play since bye weeks start later in the season.
Why is the Chiefs vs Chargers game free on YouTube?
The NFL partnered with YouTube to give global fans free access to this historic Brazil matchup.
Who makes a broadcast debut in Week 1?
JJ Watt joins CBS as an analyst during the Steelers vs Jets game.
Which international games follow Week 1?
Beyond Brazil, the NFL will play games in London and Germany later in the season.
Can fans stream Week 1 games without cable?
Yes. NFL+, Peacock, Paramount+, ESPN+, and YouTube provide streaming options.
Week 1 sets the tone for the 2025 NFL season. From rivalries in Philadelphia and Green Bay to history in Brazil, fans get drama across all four days. The action starts now, and every game matters.