One to watch, every week.
The NFL schedule is now locked in and we can start to pick out the best games of 2025.
With rivalries, playoffs and sheer entertainment in mind, here are my must-see clashes for each week of the regular season.
Weeks 1–4: Making an early statement
Right from the start, who will put down a marker and show their intent?
The season openers – Cowboys/Eagles and Chiefs/Chargers – are tasty hors d’oeuvres but the late Sunday game nicks it for me. The Buffalo Bills at the Baltimore Ravens is the first big test for two AFC powerhouses gunning for the top seed.
In Week 2, we get a Super Bowl rematch, with the Philadelphia Eagles travelling to Arrowhead and the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes, Kelce and Taylor Swift. Hurts, Barkley and the Tush Push. Bring it on.
The following week, the Ravens host the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football. Surely the stars – Derrick Henry, Amon-Ra St Brown et al – will shine under the lights.
Then Baltimore head to Kansas City. Think playoff preview, not just game of the week here. What a tough first month for the Ravens!
Weeks 5–9: Rivalries and redemption
Familiar foes will start to draw battle lines as we reach the halfway point.
An NFC West clash kicks off Week 5 with the San Francisco 49ers nipping down the road to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. Will Brock Purdy justify his new deal? Will CMC be back to his best? And what can Sean McVay do without Cooper Kupp?
A week later, two of the league’s strongest offences compete across conferences. Many people had the Lions and Chiefs inked in for last year’s Super Bowl so could this be a dress rehearsal for the 2025 season finale?
Thursday night in Week 7 sees an old-school AFC North grudge match in Cincinnati. Expect hard hits and no quarter given as the Pittsburgh Steelers do battle with the Bengals in primetime.
For Weeks 8 and 9, the Chiefs will be box office. Firstly, the Washington Commanders come to Missouri for Monday Night Football. Will Jayden Daniels steal the limelight from Mr Mahomes? Or will he get a reality check?
Kansas City then travel to Buffalo. We have seen some classics between these two of late, not least the 2021 AFC Divisional game – a 42-36 OT humdinger – so buckle up for another round.
Weeks 10–13: Contenders or pretenders?
By now, we will start to separate the playoff hopefuls from the also-rans.
Detroit travel to the Commanders, a stern test for both sides, and stay on the road against the Eagles. Philly in November is no walk in the park but if Detroit want to be taken seriously, this two-week stretch could be where they prove it.
In Week 12, the Minnesota Vikings at the Green Bay Packers caught my eye. These rivals should put on a fireworks show at Lambeau, especially if the NFC North race is wide open.
Talking of fireworks… Thanksgiving! The holiday slate – Packers/Lions, Bengals/Ravens, Chiefs/Cowboys and Bears/Eagles – is packed with intrigue and jeopardy. So grab a turkey leg, top up your glass and settle in!
Weeks 14–18: The final push
Now every game matters now. Every play matters. Who succeeds and who stumbles?
Cincinnati handled the snow the last time they went to Buffalo. They won their 2023 Divisional Round clash but no team fancies Upper New York state in December. Sign me up for more Burrow vs Allen though, especially if playoff seedings are on the line.
If neither the Atlanta Falcons nor Tampa Bay Buccaneers have imploded yet, Week 15’s Thursday nighter could be sneaky good. Baker Mayfield’s crew could be nudging towards another NFC South crown but do not rule out the feisty Falcons.
Similarly, the week after, the Packers game with the Chicago Bears will be no picnic. This longstanding rivalry always brings drama and with two weeks left, it could spell postseason elimination for the loser.
Last year, the Denver Broncos cruised to a farcical 38-0 victory against a bunch of Chiefs backups in their final game. This time, I hope there is more at stake for both sides – and a tad more integrity.
Finally, Week 18. Let chaos reign! Playoff dreams are made, or crushed, in the final hours of the regular season. Some teams may be home and hosed, resting starters. That said, I expect meaningful action from the Lions/Bears, Chargers/Broncos, Ravens/Steelers and Packers/Vikings.
That ends my guide to the most mouthwatering matchups for each week of the forthcoming season. What games make your list?
