The NFL offseason continues to beat on. Small roster moves post-draft have given way to rookie minicamps across the league as teams prepare for training camp.
There are plenty of notable players in new places (most recently wide receiver George Pickens, now in Dallas). There are seven new head coaches, including five for the first time: Ben Johnson (Chicago), Liam Coen (Jacksonville), Kellen Moore (New Orleans), Aaron Glenn (New York Jets) and Brian Schottenheimer (Dallas).
We’re just days from the NFL schedule release on Wednesday, May 14. We already know which teams each franchise will play in 2025. Thanks to the NFL’s rotating schedule rules, we have a clear picture of what matchups will take place throughout the season, just not the specific dates.
There are lots of exciting matchups to circle on the calendar. For the third year in a row, the regular season will feature a rematch of the prior year’s Super Bowl. There will also be plenty of rematches from high-stakes playoff games a year ago.
To tide you over until the NFL releases the full schedule on Wednesday, May 14, we’ll look at the 10 matchups we’re most excited to see.
NFL schedule: Top 10 games
Philadelphia Eagles at Kansas City Chiefs
Super Bowl rematch, need we say more? The Eagles absolutely dominated the Chiefs in Super Bowl 59 before Kansas City put up points in the second half to close the gap before the final whistle.
This offers the Chiefs a test in real-time if their offseason moves have paid off. Philadelphia’s had some turnover on both the roster and coaching staff. Likely two of the best defenses in the league, plus a pair of Super Bowl MVP quarterbacks make this must-watch football.
Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs
These two teams met to open the regular season opener in 2024. We missed out on a playoff matchup last season as the bracket meant Baltimore faced Buffalo in the AFC divisional round. Still, there’s plenty of opportunity to make up for that in the regular season.
Baltimore’s offense took a step forward in 2024 in year two under Todd Monken as quarterback Lamar Jackson was a strong contender for NFL MVP once again. The franchise invested a lot on defense this offseason and should be improved under coordinator Zach Orr in year two. These two teams have given football fans exciting games in recent years and 2025 should be no different.
Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills
One of the next-best games after a Super Bowl rematch is a conference championship game rematch. The Bills and Chiefs met in Kansas City with the AFC title on the line. The Chiefs won out, but the Bills can have a measure of revenge in the regular season.
The two sides have met in the regular season in each of the last five years. Buffalo holds the edge in regular season matchups at 4-1. Kansas City’s held the edge in the playoffs at 4-0. Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen and two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes should offer football fans a lot of fireworks.
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
Another playoff rematch sees the Bills and Ravens face off after their thrilling game in the AFC divisional round last season. Allen edged out Jackson for MVP honors last year and both offenses should be potent again.
Last year, Baltimore dominated Buffalo in the regular season 35-10 at home. With home field this year, can the Bills get the win?
Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles
Finally, a matchup that doesn’t involve AFC powers. The Lions and Eagles were popular picks for the NFC championship last season, but a rash of injuries and Washington’s dynamic offense prevented the Lions from making a deep run in the postseason.
Detroit’s facing a lot of turnover with new coordinators on both offense and defense. Philadelphia’s got a new offensive coordinator in 2025 as well. These teams are the two most talented rosters in the NFC and will make for an incredible matchup.
Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles
The Rams gave the Eagles the most trouble in the playoffs last season and could be in for more improvement in 2025. Los Angeles’ young defense has another offseason to get better and take on higher-profile opponents like Philadelphia.
On a purely schematic level, the Rams’ head coach and offensive play-caller Sean McVay, facing off against the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, is hard to beat. This would be a solid contender for the opening game of the 2025 NFL season.
Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s been a while, but astute NFL fans will know that Tampa Bay was the last team to beat the Eagles with their starters. It happened way back in Week 4 of the regular season last year.
Tampa Bay has more turnover again at offensive coordinator but made some smart moves in the draft to bolster both sides of the ball. A dynamic wide receiver room with a mix of veterans and young talent paired with Baker Mayfield and a very good offensive line should put up a lot of points. That’ll be put to the test against Philadelphia’s defense.
Detroit Lions at Washington Commanders
Another NFC must-watch is a rematch of a divisional-round game from last season. Washington raced out to a 31-21 lead before pulling away to win 45-31 in Detroit.
The two teams went to work in the offseason to improve their rosters. With more talent and injury luck, Detroit could be in for another good season. Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels could take another step in year two and make this another high-scoring affair.
Chicago Bears at Washington Commanders
These two teams met in the regular season last year in one of the closest finishes of any game. Washington won it on a last-minute 52-yard Hail Mary in Week 8.
Both teams addressed the offensive line in the draft, free agency and via trade. Because Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Daniels went 1-2 in the 2024 NFL Draft, their careers will often be compared. Daniels took home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors last season. With a new offensive play-caller and more talent around him, can Williams catch up? We’ll have this game to sort that major question out.