The NFL kicks off the 2025 season with a slate of headline matchups featuring playoff contenders, superstar quarterbacks, and one international showcase. Here are the must-watch games of Week 1:
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers (São Paulo, Brazil)
The Chiefs and Chargers bring their AFC West rivalry to Brazil in one of the league’s boldest international showcases yet.
For Kansas City, the story is about resilience. Patrick Mahomes and company are coming off a humbling Super Bowl blowout loss, and they enter 2025 without suspended wideout Rashee Rice. Even so, Mahomes has plenty of firepower. Second-year receiver Xavier Worthy brings blazing speed, Hollywood Brown re-signed to add proven playmaking, and of course, there’s Travis Kelce, Mahomes’ most trusted weapon.
For the Chargers, the focus is on getting Justin Herbert over the hump. Long seen as a top-tier quarterback, Herbert now has the weapons to back it up. Second-year wideout Ladd McConkey looks like his go-to option, while rookie RB Omarion Hampton adds balance to the offense.
This one feels more like a grind-it-out divisional battle than a track meet, but Mahomes has a way of finding answers late.
Prediction: Chiefs 28, Chargers 24
Houston Texans at L.A. Rams
Two playoff teams from 2024 open the year against each other, both hoping to take the next step toward a Super Bowl run.
Houston’s season a year ago started hot before stalling in the Divisional Round against Kansas City. This year, CJ Stroud leads an offense missing star tackle Laremy Tunsil (traded to Washington) and without RB Joe Mixon (injury). The Texans countered by adding veterans Nick Chubb and Christian Kirk, aiming to keep Stroud’s supporting cast strong.
For the Rams, this very well may be Matthew Stafford’s farewell tour, and what a career it’s been. Though they lost Cooper Kupp, they added Davante Adams to pair with breakout star
Puka Nacua. Kyren Williams remains the engine in the backfield, while edge rusher Jared Verse looks to build on a Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign.
Expect fireworks in Los Angeles.
Prediction: Rams 34, Texans 31
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
The NFC North race opens with a bang as the Lions and Packers, two of the conference’s top contenders, collide at Lambeau Field.
The Lions enter 2025 with unfinished business. After falling short of the Super Bowl two years ago, last season ended with a shocking playoff upset to Washington. With both coordinators gone, Detroit may look different schematically, but the roster remains loaded.
Green Bay, meanwhile, has shifted from rebuilding to full-fledged contender. The blockbuster trade for Micah Parsons gives the Packers the league’s most dominant defensive weapon, paired with QB Jordan Love and a tough rushing attack led by Josh Jacobs. The big question mark lies in the secondary, where the loss of Jaire Alexander leaves Keisean Nixon as the new CB1.
This one will be physical, but the Lions’ continuity may give them the edge on the road.
Prediction: Lions 27, Packers 24
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
In what could be an early Game of the Year candidate, two AFC powerhouses clash in Orchard Park.
The Ravens still carry the sting of last year’s playoff heartbreak a loss to these very Bills on a dropped two-point conversion. Baltimore enters 2025 as a Super Bowl favorite, with Lamar Jackson leading an offense bolstered by Derrick Henry and new addition DeAndre Hopkins. Defensively, the secondary looks elite on paper after adding Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie.
The Bills, meanwhile, remain one of the AFC’s true juggernauts. After another conference title game appearance, Buffalo strengthened its defensive front by bringing in Joey Bosa to join Greg Rousseau. On offense, Josh Allen continues to be the engine, thriving no matter the cast around him, with WR Joshua Palmer providing fresh depth.
Both teams have “Super Bowl or bust” written all over them, and this opener should feel like January football in September.
Prediction: Bills 29, Ravens 24
Four heavyweight showdowns. Rivalries renewed. Playoff storylines already in play. Week 1 is setting the tone for what should be a wild 2025 season.