Summer is finally starting to wind down, which means the start of football season is here.
The NFL offseason didn't feel as eventful as in past years. Still, we had our typical Aaron Rodgers drama, as the Steelers brought in yet another veteran quarterback on a one-year deal to try to pick up that elusive playoff win. The Eagles had an offseason celebrating their second Super Bowl title and will now try to pull off a repeat.
The biggest stories of the draft were the quarterbacks. Miami QB Cam Ward went to the Titans with the first overall pick. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders fell not only to the fifth round, but he was also the second quarterback the Browns selected in the draft, along with Oregon's Dillon Gabriel, who they drafted in the third round.
As always, there's been drama in Dallas, while contenders Detroit, Kansas City, and Washington have dealt with their fair share of offseason issues, including a surprise retirement for the Lions, a possible suspension for a key Chiefs receiver, and a crucial contract dispute for the Commanders' top pass-catcher.
Right now, though, every team is 0-0 and has the same chance of winning the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, that won't last as the NFL navigates the first week of the regular season.
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With that, The Sporting News has everything you need to know to watch Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Season, from the Thursday opener to the first Friday night NFL game on YouTube and a loaded Sunday slate.
When does the NFL season start in 2025?
- Date: Thursday, Sept. 4
- Game: Cowboys at Eagles
- Kickoff time: 8:20 p.m. ET
In recent history, the Super Bowl winner kicks off the following regular season in the first game. Philadelphia will have some form of celebration to honor its Super Bowl win, and fans will be ecstatic to do it at the Linc in front of the Cowboys.
Dallas will get a primetime slot to debut their new wide receiver duo. CeeDee Lamb was already dominant, and the Cowboys added George Pickens via a trade with the Steelers. Like his former team, Pickens' new team is also in search of at least a playoff win this season to try to get back on the right track as a franchise.
Players from both teams will have to leave the preseason ready to roll, as starting the season with a tough and important divisional matchup only adds to the importance of this matchup.
WATCH: Fubo has live NFL games and a free trial
NFL Schedule Week 1
The NFL has become accustomed to starting the regular season on a Thursday. It gets football to fans faster and has typically featured the defending Super Bowl champs making their season debut.
In recent years, the NFL has also included an international game on opening weekend. Like last year, there will be a Friday night game held in Brazil to kick off the international slate. It all ends with the first "Monday Night Football" game of the season.
Thursday, Sept. 4
| Time (ET) | Game | TV Channel |
| 8:20 p.m. | Cowboys at Eagles | NBC, Fubo, Peacock |
MORE NFL: Ranking the 18 greatest Cowboys players of all time
Friday, September 5
| Time (ET) | Game | TV Channel |
| 8:00 p.m.* | Chiefs at Chargers | YouTube |
*This game will be played at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
MORE NFL: Ranking the 19 greatest Steelers players of all time
Sunday, Sept. 7
| Time (ET) | Game | TV Channel |
| 1:00 p.m. | Steelers at Jets | CBS, Fubo |
| 1:00 p.m. | Panthers at Jaguars | Fox, Fubo |
| 1:00 p.m. | Buccaneers at Falcons | Fox, Fubo |
| 1:00 p.m. | Bengals at Browns | Fox, Fubo |
| 1:00 p.m. | Dolphins at Colts | CBS, Fubo |
| 1:00 p.m. | Raiders at Patriots | CBS, Fubo |
| 1:00 p.m. | Cardinals at Saints | CBS, Fubo |
| 1:00 p.m. | Giants at Commanders | Fox, Fubo |
| 4:05 p.m. | Titans at Broncos | Fox, Fubo |
| 4:05 p.m. | 49ers at Seahawks | Fox, Fubo |
| 4:25 p.m. | Lions at Packers | CBS, Fubo |
| 4:25 p.m. | Texans at Rams | CBS, Fubo |
| 8:20 p.m. | Ravens at Bills | NBC, Fubo |
MORE NFL: Ranking the 13 greatest Ravens players ever, from Lamar Jackson to Ray Lewis
Monday, September 8
| Time (ET) | Game | TV Channel |
| 8:15 p.m. | Vikings at Bears | ABC, ESPN, Fubo |