The season kicks off with a bang on Thursday night, September 4, when the Philadelphia Eagles host their NFC East rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, in a primetime showdown that promises fireworks. The following night, Friday, September 5, the reigning champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, square off against the Los Angeles Chargers—a matchup that could set the tone for the entire season.
Sunday, September 7, delivers a full slate of games that span the country and the spectrum of emotions. At 1:00 p.m. ET, fans will be treated to classic rivalries and new beginnings: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off against the Atlanta Falcons on FOX, while the Cincinnati Bengals clash with the Cleveland Browns. Meanwhile, the New York Giants visit the Washington Commanders, and the Carolina Panthers battle the Jacksonville Jaguars. The action continues with the Miami Dolphins at the Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots, and Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints—all at 1:00 p.m. ET. The Pittsburgh Steelers visit the New York Jets to round out the early window.
Late afternoon brings further drama, with the Tennessee Titans taking on the Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers facing the Seattle Seahawks at 4:05 p.m. ET. The storied rivalry between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers reignites at 4:25 p.m. ET, alongside a high-octane clash between the Houston Texans and the Los Angeles Rams.
Sunday Night Football returns in style as Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills welcome Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in a battle of Super Bowl hopefuls at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. The opening week concludes Monday, September 8, as the Minnesota Vikings meet the Chicago Bears for Monday Night Football.
The NFL has orchestrated a schedule that pulses with drama and anticipation. The full 2025 schedule, including matchups, dates, and broadcast information, can be found on the official NFL schedule page and through CBS Sports. As always, the league keeps the suspense high by announcing specific start times for late-season games only after the playoff picture becomes clearer, ensuring maximum excitement for fans across the nation.
So, whether you’re a diehard fan or a casual observer, prepare yourself—the opening week of the NFL is about to unleash a season’s worth of emotions, rivalries, and unforgettable gridiron moments.