2025 NFL schedule release buzz: Which team will face the Eagles in the Thursday night opener?

The 2025 NFL offseason is heating up with the much-anticipated schedule release set for Wednesday, May 14 at 8 p.m. ET, live on NFL Network and streaming on NFL+. With the draft now behind, all eyes are on the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, who will launch the season on Thursday, September 4. While their opponent remains a mystery, the excitement is building. After a seven-month wait since their Super Bowl LIX triumph, fans are eager to see, what the NFL has cooked up for the regular-season opener. Don't bet on it: Giants and RaidersSure, divisional rivalries make for easy TV marketing, but not every NFC East clash deserves the national spotlight. The New York Giants? They've had their moments, but “the league wouldn't subject us to the Eagles pummeling the Giants ... right?” Historically, the NFL has twice kicked off its season with a divisional game involving New York (2008 and 2012), so it’s not out of the question. But there's very little competitive intrigue here, especially if the Giants are still stuck in rebuild mode.As for the Raiders, there's a flash of fun with new faces like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers bringing energy to the offense. Geno Smith’s potential debut in Las Vegas would be a storyline worth tracking. But even with all that, the matchup lacks the marquee feel opening night typically demands. The NFL can do better — and probably will.Interesting but unlikely: Cowboys and BroncosLet’s talk about America’s Team. A Cowboys-Eagles kickoff would certainly pull huge ratings, but it might be a case of overkill. “The NFL hasn't gotten the message that we don't all set our clocks by whatever the NFC East is doing.” Still, the league might be tempted, even if it's not the most inspired pick.The Broncos offer a more compelling argument. They’re feisty, they made the playoffs, and under Sean Payton, they've shown signs of revival. However, the lack of a deep-rooted rivalry with the Eagles means the matchup might feel forced. It could still work — just not as a season opener.Now we're talking: Commanders and BearsThe Commanders have an ace up their sleeve — rookie QB Jayden Daniels. If he starts, that alone makes them watchable. Plus, they were the only team to beat the Eagles from October through the Super Bowl. That says something. “This sounds better as a midseason prime-time game,” but if the NFL can’t resist another NFC East showdown, this wouldn’t be the worst outcome.Then there’s the Bears. Sure, they weren’t great last season, but this is a new era. Caleb Williams has been given the tools to shine, and with Ben Johnson making his head coaching debut, there’s intrigue. The Bears also boast one of the NFL’s most passionate fan bases. While there’s a risk of an uncompetitive game, the potential star power makes this a sleeper pick for opening night.Almost too good: LionsNow here’s the dream matchup. The Lions, fresh off a 15-2 season, would bring immediate electricity to opening night. Their near-miss at a shot in the NFC Championship against the Eagles still stings, and a Week 1 showdown could write a new chapter. But this one might be too good. “The NFL has to ask itself whether it wants to use that for opening night or save it for a great Sunday night matchup in midseason?” Given the league’s trend of saving its best for later, this might just be shelved for a higher-stakes moment down the line.While the Lions-Eagles matchup would be electric, don't be surprised if the league takes a safer route with the Bears or Commanders. Either way, opening night promises drama, headlines, and the sweet return of football.The favorite for NFL opening night: Rams vs. EaglesThe Rams are the favorite to face the Eagles on opening night. After a tense NFC divisional round matchup last season, where the Eagles narrowly escaped a loss, this rematch holds strong appeal. With Matthew Stafford leading an exciting offense featuring Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, the Rams are primed for a competitive showdown. This matchup offers star power, a playoff-level challenge, and a fresh non-divisional rivalry. While the NFL might save bigger games for later, the Rams present a perfect balance of excitement and intrigue, making them a top contender for the season opener.It has been announced on Monday that the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles will host the Dallas Cowboys in the 2025 season kick off game on Thursday, Sept. 4.Also Read: Shedeur Sanders shares how Tom Brady’s draft history mirrors his own NFL slide, says "My story is going to be similar"