Chiefs vs. Eagles, NFL in Spain and other must-watch games on the 2025 schedule
Chiefs vs. Eagles, NFL in Spain and other must-watch games on the 2025 schedule
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'The greatest rookie season in American sports history': Alex Smith on Jayden Daniels
Alex Smith says that Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels had the best rookie season in American sports history.
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We finally know the dates and times for all the 2025 regular-season games.
The NFL season kicks off when the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles raise their banner and host the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 4 in primetime.
The Eagles have multiple marquee games during the regular season, including a Super Bowl 57 and 59 rematch with the Chiefs in Kansas City in Week 2. Could the matchup be a preview of Super Bowl 60?
Wednesday marked the official release of the 2025 NFL schedule. USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon provides five must-watch games on the slate:
To open the season, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens return to the scene of a heartbreaking loss in the AFC divisional round. The Ravens are expected to once again be contenders. It's imperative for Baltimore to capture wins against other perceived contenders for seeding purposes come playoff time. The outcome of last year's divisional game could've been different had it been in Baltimore.
This tilt also features the past two MVP winners. Both Jackson and Josh Allen are earlier favorites for the 2025 MVP award. Jackson is 3-1 versus Allen and the Bills in the regular season. But Allen is 2-0 against Jackson and the Ravens in the postseason.
Week 2 (Sept.14): Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Who isn't excited for a Super Bowl 57 and Super Bowl 59 rematch?
Fans won't have to wait long for this matchup between two juggernauts. The Eagles got revenge in Super Bowl 59 in what was a dominant defensive performance. Patrick Mahomes was sacked a career-high six times and pressured on 17 occasions in the Super Bowl 59 loss.
The Chiefs responded this offseason by placing the franchise tag on guard Trey Smith, they traded guard Joe Thuney, signed tackle Jaylon Moore in free agency, they used a first-round pick to select tackle Josh Simmons and are evaluating Kingsley Suamataia at guard. Will Kansas City's revamped O-line protect Mahomes better? Jalen Carter and the Eagles defensive front will be a litmus test for the Chiefs retooled offensive line.
There are so many storylines in this game that Andy Reid coaching against his former team is an afterthought.
Week 4 (Sept. 28): Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Two of the NFL's best quarterbacks face off once again.
Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson always seem to make memorable plays when their teams go head-to-head. The two teams produced a thriller in the 2024 Week 1 season opener.
Jackson's kryptonite has long been the Chiefs. The two-time MVP is 1-4 versus Kansas City in the regular season and lost his only battle against them in the playoffs.
The past three games between the Ravens and Chiefs – including playoffs – have been decided by one score.
Week 11 (Nov. 16): Detroit Lions vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Lions and Eagles lit up the scoreboard with 73 points in their last meeting. This NFC battle could potentially be another high-scoring affair.
These two NFC heavy weights prioritize winning the battle in the trenches. It's bound to be a physical contest as both teams try to impose their will running the football and with physicality up front.
Philadelphia has the early advantage because they get to play the game in front of their home fans at Lincoln Financial Field.
How about a first of its kind international game?
This year's international slate will conclude in Madrid, Spain with the Dolphins and Commanders at the Bernabéu Stadium, the home venue for Real Madrid. It's the NFL's first ever regular season game in Spain.
Lucky for Spain, they get to witness last year's rookie sensation Jayden Daniels.
Honorable mention: The Chiefs and Chargers will debut this year's international series in Week 1 (Sept. 5). The two AFC West rivals get the luxury of playing in in São Paulo, Brazil at Corinthians Arena. Fans or vacationers can never go wrong with a trip to Brazil.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
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