NFL Kickoff: A Breakdown of All the Week 1 Matchups

The NFL season is almost here! With the full 2025 schedule released, we’re taking a look at every Week 1 matchup and ranking them from least to most exciting. Get ready for some great football!

Week 1 Matchups Ranked

16. Cardinals at Saints

The Saints are coming off a tough season after Derek Carr’s surprise retirement. With rookie Tyler Shough potentially starting at quarterback, they’ll face an improved Cardinals team with a boosted defense.

15. Steelers at Jets

This game lacks star power with neither Aaron Rodgers nor Justin Fields expected to start.

14. Dolphins at Colts

Both teams are dealing with quarterback uncertainty, but the Colts’ new starting quarterback either Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones will face a Dolphins offense that struggled in 2024.

13. Titans at Broncos

Rookie Cam Ward, the first overall pick, makes his NFL debut against a tough Broncos defense led by Pat Surtain II. This could be a challenging start for Ward.

12. Bengals at Browns

Joe Burrow still struggles against the Browns, but the Browns’ quarterback situation is still up in the air. This could be a Bengals blowout if they get going.

11. Panthers at Jaguars

This matchup features two exciting young quarterbacks in Trevor Lawrence and Bryce Young. Both teams also bolstered their receiving corps in the draft, making for a potentially high-scoring game.

10. Giants at Commanders

Russell Wilson comes to town with the Giants, facing a Washington Commanders team that added some significant talent to support Jayden Daniels. This promises to be a battle of new offenses.

9. Buccaneers at Falcons

Baker Mayfield leads a Buccaneers team with offensive coordinator continuity against a Falcons team with a new quarterback in Michael Penix Jr. This could be an interesting contrast in styles.

8. Raiders at Patriots

New head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith debut with the Raiders against a revamped Patriots team under Mike Vrabel. This is a clash of new beginnings.

7. 49ers at Seahawks

The 49ers know Sam Darnold well, making for a familiar matchup as he debuts for the Seahawks. Expect a chippy NFC West battle.

6. Texans at Rams

The Texans bring a new offensive coordinator to face a Rams team with a strong defensive line. This could be a good test for the Texans’ offensive line.

5. Chiefs at Chargers (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

The AFC West rivals meet in Brazil. This game is always close, and the Chargers might just pull off the upset.

4. Vikings at Bears

The

The Lions have dominated the Packers in recent years. The Packers have a new offensive line, but the Lions have new coordinators. This is a game to watch.

3. Lions at Packers

The Lions have dominated the Packers in recent years. The Packers have a new offensive line, but the Lions have new coordinators. This is a game to watch.

2. Ravens at Bills

The rematch of the 2024 AFC Divisional Round, this is a clash of the titans!