Every year, the NFL tells the greatest stories in sports. Playoff runs and heartbreak, players visiting their former teams, young players making their bones in the NFL. Every year is a brand new year, and every team is brand-new. Whether it be offseason roster or coaching changes, new draft picks, or big trades, every team reshapes itself for the 2025 campaign. This year, we will have huge games that tell huge stories. Who are legitimate championship contenders? How are certain teams’ rebuilds going? Will we see a preview of the 2025 Super Bowl without knowing it yet? I will break down 30 games this season that will answer questions, settle debates, or provide new chapters in epic NFL stories.
Ravens @ Bills, Week 1: Can the Bills cement themselves above the Ravens in the AFC?
The Ravens’ 2024 season ended heartbreakingly to the Bills in the divisional round. These two teams have consistently proven themselves to be at the top of the AFC pile, and they will likely be in the mix in January. But if the Bills win this game, they may be on the way to cementing themselves as the top contender to unseat the Chiefs as kings of the AFC. For the second year in a row, the Ravens start their season with a rematch of their last playoff loss, and if they can avenge it, they set themselves up as the big baddies in the AFC and can potentially make a deep run.
Bengals @ Browns, Week 1: Can the Bengals avoid a slow start and corral the Brown’s questionable QBs?
We all know the Bengals typically don’t get off to a strong start early in the season (recall their embarrassing loss to New England last year). We also know their defense struggled mightily last year. Conveniently, starting the year against the Browns provides a great litmus test for both of these problems. The Browns’ QB situation is a mess, especially after they added Tyler Huntley, which doesn’t speak highly of their confidence in any of their QBs. They also don’t have any mindblowing weapons, certainly not any fantasy first-rounders. So they provide a somewhat easy start for new DC Al Golden and their struggling defense. At the same time, we get to see if Joe Burrow can hit the ground running after a healthy offseason and win a game that he should be heavily favored in. Another embarrassing early-season loss would not bode well for Cincinnati or Zac Taylor, so here’s hoping they show their best side in Week 1.
Vikings @ Bears Week 1: What exactly are JJ McCarthy and Caleb Williams? Who will win their first battle?
These two QBs are perhaps the two most intriguing questions of the 2025 season. How much of Caleb’s 2024 struggles were due to bad coaching and a bad O-Line? Is Minnesota’s confidence in JJ McCarthy warranted? We all agree that both of these QBs are in a great situation, with rebuilt O-Lines, talented weapons, and offensive gurus as head coaches. This battle will likely define the future of the NFC North, and this first edition will be extremely exciting. Will both QBs show that their team’s confidence was well-founded? Will they establish themselves as great division rivals for years to come? Or will early-season struggles leave us with questions about one or both of these young signal-callers?
Steelers @ Jets, Week 1: Will Pittsburgh regret getting into the Aaron Rodgers business? Will they miss Justin Fields? Who won the QB swap?
The NFL scriptwriters are wasting no time with interesting narratives in week one. Aaron Rodgers will return to the Jets stadium where he famously carried the American flag out and played just 3 snaps in his first season in New York. The Steelers and Jets essentially swapped quarterbacks this offseason, with the Jets signing Justin Fields to a modest 2 year, $40 million deal. Rodgers is actually making less money, with incentives getting him up to a possible $19.25 million. In many ways, their new teams mirror them better. Fields and the Jets are young, talented, but unproven, while Rodgers and his Steelers are grizzled old veterans all-in on one last run. This game will immediately show us who got the raw end of this deal and who will be happier with their new quarterback.
Texans @ Rams, Week 1: How will the Texans O-Line stand up to the talented young Rams D-Line?
This is another banger Week 1 matchup with a lot of narratives surrounding it. For one, with Matt Stafford’s injury news swirling, we all hope to see him in this game to start the season. But also, we will get an explosive answer to Houston’s biggest question: their offensive line. The Rams are young and talented along the D-Line, led by former FSU teammates Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. This will right away stress test the young Houston O-Line. If they can keep CJ upright, we might get an all-time game in Week 1. If not, this game, and perhaps Houston’s whole season, will be in trouble right out of the gate.
Jaguars @ Bengals, Week 2: Is Trevor the guy? Not if he can’t get past the Bengals’ defense…
I think we are all united behind Nick Wright to find out if this Prince will ever deliver on his promises. He has Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter, perhaps the two best receivers out of the last 2 NFL drafts. There are no excuses left for Trevor, and this game will be an early yardstick for him. As I already mentioned, the Bengals D is not very good, and they often start out the year slowly. If Trevor doesn’t look good against this defense, there’s not much chance for him against much better teams. This will be the first chapter in the story of the Prince’s last chance to show who he can be.
Eagles @ Chiefs, Week 2: Will the Chiefs get revenge in the Super Bowl rematch?
Anytime we get a Super Bowl rematch, it’s going to be a fascinating game. The Eagles absolutely dominated the Chiefs to win the Championship, but can they keep that up? They lost players to the Super Bowl free agency tax, and they joined the Chiefs at the bottom of each round of the draft. Have the Chiefs come up with something clever and new to beat them, or will the Eagles continue to dominate the line of scrimmage and the matchup? Could this game mark the end of the Chiefs era and the beginning of the Eagles era?
Rams @ Eagles, Week 3: Can the Rams challenge the Eagles in the NFC like in 2024?
The snow game between these two teams was one of the best of the entire playoffs, and also the only close game the Eagles played on their road to the Super Bowl ring. Immediately after facing the Chiefs, the Eagles will then have to battle one of their leading competitors in the NFC. Perhaps in fairer weather, the Rams will be able to prevail. If they do, they cement themselves as contenders in the NFC. If the Eagles continue to dominate every competitor, they truly cement themselves as the best team in the league. This will be a fascinating battle, and I’ve already written a lot about how much I’m looking forward to it.
Lions @ Ravens, Week 3: Could this be a Super Bowl preview?
These are two teams that have incredible rosters on paper, theoretically, everything they need to compete for championships. But they both had heartbreaking playoff losses (in two different ways) last year. Battling each other will show which of these teams can really put it up on the field, and it should be an amazing game. Can the Lions continue to compete at the highest level despite coordinator and player losses? The Ravens typically cream NFC teams, but even if they do, does that bode well for their potential playoff run? We’ll have to find out in Baltimore in Week 3.
Chiefs @ Giants, Week 3: Is getting nonstop pressure on Mahomes the blueprint to beating him?
We all saw the Eagles demolish the Chiefs’ O-Line and send Mahomes into fits. Under constant pressure, the Chiefs were unable to put anything together offensively until the game was already over. This is also how Mahomes lost another Super Bowl against the Buccaneers. The Giants are another NFC East team with a terrifying defensive line. The Chiefs bolstered their tackles, but if the Giants can put the pressure on and beat Mahomes, that may be the blue print for other teams to follow. The Giants are by no means a great team, which would prove even more that pressure pressure pressure is the method to beat Mahomes.
Colts @ Titans, Week 3: Is Cam Ward the guy? Can the winner of the Colts QB battle compete in the division?
The Titans selected Cam Ward first overall and hope that he’s the future of their franchise. Ward has been extremely underdiscussed, but we’re all curious to see him out on the field. Meanwhile, the Colts have the QB mid-off of the century between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson. If Cam Ward can’t compete with either of those guys, he’s not long for the NFL. Meanwhile, if neither of those guys can beat a rookie, the Colts have serious issues at the QB position. This game could cement Cam Ward as the guy for Tennessee, or leave both teams with tons of questions. Let’s be honest, it will be on the Red Zone multiviewer, but it will be curious to see the results of this division battle.
Ravens @ Chiefs, Week 4: Can the Ravens ever beat the Chiefs?
The Ravens began the 2024 season with a heartbreaking loss to the Chiefs, literally by a toe. Their 2023 season ended against the Chiefs, and the next loss had to twist the knife for them. Everyone knows Lamar is one of the best QBs in the league, and the Ravens are one of the scariest teams. The playoff questions still surround them, and the Chiefs are the current class of the AFC in the playoffs. Beating the Chiefs in the regular season, the Ravens can at least prove to themselves that it’s possible.
Bengals @ Broncos, Week 4: Is the Broncos D for real? Can Bo Nix beat the bad Bengals D?
These two teams match up well against each other and will answer big questions about each other. On one side, we have the explosive and excellent Bengals offense against the newly upgraded Broncos D. This will be the first big test for those new additions. There aren’t many corner rooms that can plausibly cover Ja’marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but Patrick Surtain and Jahdae Barron might just be it. On the other side, we have more of a litmus test for Bo Nix. If he can’t keep it moving against the very poor Bengals D, he may be on more of a Mac Jones trajectory and on track for a sophomore slump. I would trust Sean Payton’s scheme to create easy wins for Nix against the Bengals, but I also trust Joe Burrow and his receivers to keep it close. This should be a fireworks show and a great game to assess the level of both teams.
Packers @ Cowboys, Week 4: Micah Parsons’ Return to Dallas, the Cowboys Revenge?
Micah Parsons being traded to the Packers just a week before the season starts was a huge bombshell. It also sets the table for a rematch of Micah vs. his old team, the Cowboys vs. the team that bounced them in 2023, and an all-around incredible game. Emotions already run high between these conference rivals, and now they are forever intertwined by a huge trade. The Packers have the best of it in the short term, and Micah’s return to Dallas will be tough for the Boys. If they can show that they still have legs during their rebuild, it will relieve their home fans. But if the Packers embarrass the Cowboys, in Dallas, with the newly acquired Micah Parsons? Fireworks will fly for the Cowboys.
Giants @ Saints, Week 5: Who will rise to the top of two over-crowded QB rooms?
These two teams both have overcrowded QB room and it’s unclear who will come out on top of them. Russ has been named the Giants starter, but will his seat already be heating up by week 5? Meanwhile the Saints haven’t even named a starter, though Spencer Rattler has some momentum. Will this matchup result in a QB change for one or both teams? Neither has high expectations, but this game is winnable for both of them, and if they fail, they could decide to roll the dice on a different quarterback. Will we look back on this as the game where a quarterback cemented their status, or as a moment that ended a quarterback’s career?
Lions @ Bengals, Week 5: Did the Lions lose a step losing both coordinators? Did Cincinnati’s new DC help their struggling defense?
This will be an interesting test for both teams. Hopefully, the Bengals have heated up by this point and are at their best. This will be a test for the brand-new Lions defense sans Aaron Glenn and whether they can stop one of the best offenses in the league. On the other side of the ball, will the Lions look as explosive without Ben Johnson? Did the Bengals truly fix their defense with a new coordinator? Both of these teams have championship aspirations, and their strengths and weaknesses match up in a way that’s sure to produce some fireworks.
Bears @ Commanders, Week 6: Is the rematch of the Hail Mary game also a preview of the future of the NFC?
We all remember the last time these teams met, and perhaps the most iconic end to a game in years. While the Bears certainly hope the Hail Mary game was just a fluke due to bad coaching, this rematch could prove otherwise. Caleb was largely overshadowed by how incredible Jayden’s season was, and the #1 vs. #2 draft pick narrative will hang over both of their heads for their whole careers. We all hope that better coaching and offensive line play will improve Caleb’s fortunes, and that Jayden won’t take a sophomore slump. Ideally, this will be an electric matchup that we will see much more over over the next decade or so.
Chiefs @ Bills, Week 11: A yearly tradition. Can the Bills beat them not just in this game, but when the stakes are the highest?
This is now the 4th year in a row these teams will meet despite being in different divisions. It’s become a yearly tradition for this matchup to provide insane games, and it often gets a rematch in the playoffs. As we all know, the Bills have had little luck in the postseason matchup, as Mahomes is 5-0 against them, including in last year’s AFC Championship. The Bills are 5-2 against them in the regular season, but I’m sure they’d trade all 5 of those wins for just one shot at the Super Bowl. Maybe this trade isn’t just a hypothetical. As famous Chiefs fan Nick Wright constantly muses, the Chiefs are just practicing in the regular season. Perhaps the Bills could learn from this and save some bullets for the playoffs. Use their regular-season matchup to feel out and learn about the Chiefs, then bring your A-game in the postseason.
Texans @ Titans, Week 11: A challenging matchup for Cam Ward that will foreshadow his fortunes in the AFC South.
There’s no denying that the Texans are the current kings of the AFC South, having won it in back-to-back years. That’s largely due to their excellent defense and defensive head coach Demeco Ryans. For Cam Ward, beating that defense will be the key to ever winning his division, and thus to any playoff success. Staring down Will Anderson Jr. and Danelle Hunter will certainly be a welcome to the NFL moment, as will trying to beat Derek Stingley’s coverage. For the Texans, it’s a chance to cement themselves as the top dog in the division and show the kid he’s got a long way to go before the Titans can compete. The Titans hope to come out of this game (win or loss)+ knowing they’ve got the guy, while the Texans hope to come out of it feeling that they’ve still got a firm grip on the South.
Chiefs @ Broncos, Week 11: Does the Broncos’ new defense stand up to the best in the division?
This will be yet another big test for the new and improved Denver defense. Everyone knows the Chiefs are the class of the AFC West (and the entire AFC). Unfortunately for the Broncos, they will have to fight (and beat) the Chiefs to get where they want to go. By this point in the year, we’ll know a bit about where each team stands, and this game could even be a big decider for the division. It’ll be fascinating to see the new and improved Denver D try to contain Mahomes, and equally fascinating to watch Bo Nix battle a talented and experienced Kansas City offense. This game will tell us a lot about the present and future status of the AFC West.
Lions @ Eagles, Week 11: Is this an NFC Championship Preview? Can the Lions make a deep run?
Last year, the Lions’ season ended much earlier than they had hoped, after a first-round blowout loss to the Washington Commanders. The Eagles, of course, ended the year the way every team hopes to. After the NFC Championship loss to the 49ers in 2023, Dan Campbell famously said, “This may have been our shot,” and that you never know when you’ll get back to the biggest stage. Beating the Eagles would be a great way to show that they still have Championship mettle and the ability to make a deep run in the NFC. For the Eagles, they will start every game with a target on their head, with their name circled on other teams’ calendars. So when it comes to these really talented rosters, it will provide a tough challenge for the defending champs. This should be one of the best games of the year, and it rightfully holds the Sunday primetime spot for the week.
Seahawks @ Rams, Week 11: Is Darnold the guy? The Rams ended his season last year. Can he compete in their division?
The Rams are the current class of the NFC West, but the Seahawks certainly hope to change that. They took a big swing at changing quarterbacks and bringing in Sam Darnold after his historic season. However, we all remember how his season ended last year, and it was when the Rams demolished him. They have one of the best young D-Lines in the league, so it’s no surprise they got after Darnold. But if he hopes to compete in the NFC West and become the guy for the Seahawks, he needs to get better under pressure and quick.
Giants @ Patriots, Week 13: How will Drake Maye look under pressure? (but not that much pressure)
All Patriots fans are hoping we see more exciting flashes from Drake Maye as he continues to develop under his new head coach and OC. The Patriots probably won’t make too much noise this year, but you never know in a fairly weak division and a 4th-place schedule. The Giants are not world-beaters either, but they do have one of the scariest D-Lines in the league. Seeing how Drake looks under pressure from that line will be a big sign of his future in the NFL.
Vikings @ Seahawks Week 13: Did the Vikings make a mistake moving on from Darnold? Or is JJ leading them into a new era?
The Vikings traded away Sam Darnold after his historic 14-win season and invested a lot in their top draft pick JJ McCarthy. JJ looks pretty good so far in the preseason. But he is ultimately unproven at the NFL level. He has everything he needs for success around him: two great receivers and a great TE, a good running game, and an excellent offensive coach. But if they go visit Darnold in his new home and he excels, could they end up regretting their decision? Or if JJ comes in and looks great, will they be vindicated in their decision as they enter the JJ McCarthy era?
Texans @ Chiefs Week 14: Can the Texans make a deep run and stack up with the best teams in the AFC?
The Texans certainly have championship ambitions after winning a playoff game in back-to-back years. As always, the Chiefs are the measuring stick for success in the AFC. We all know the Texans have an excellent defense, and it will be fascinating to see it match up against Patrick Mahomes. We will also see a stress test for the shaky Texans O-Line in Chris Jones and the rest of the Chiefs’ defense. This late in the season, every game counts, and this will show us exactly how much chance the Texans have to make a deep run in the AFC.
Dolphins @ Steelers, Week 15: Can the Dolphins ever win in the cold? Is McDaniel done in Miami?
We all know the Dolphins struggle when the weather gets cold, which is also unfortunately when the stakes are highest. Pittsburgh will certainly be cold in December, and the stakes of this game could be high for one or both teams. In contrast to the weather, as the season goes on, Mike McDaniel’s seat could be heating up. If the Dolphins can’t perform against a fairly middling Steelers team, it might indicate that they have a coaching problem that’s causing the weather problem. If they can’t play in winter, they’ll never win a Super Bowl, so if they can’t win this game, it’s hard to see a championship ever coming for this configuration.
Eagles @ Commanders, Week 16: They won’t meet until this late in the year. Who will emerge as the king of the NFC East?
It’s a curious quirk of the schedule that these two teams won’t meet until Week 16. We all expect them to be the top two teams in the NFC East, and they did meet in the NFC Championship. By this time, these teams will already have pretty well-defined records. These two games could easily determine the winner of the division, thereby making a huge difference in playoff seeding. This matchup defines the future of the NFC East and could easily define the future of the NFC playoffs for a long time to come.
Jets @ Saints, Week 16: Whose rebuild is on track? Have either of them found “the guy”?
Neither of these teams are going to be contenders this year, as they’re both in the process of rebuilding with brand new head coaches. For the Saints, it’s a matter of dumping expensive veterans and cleaning up the cap. For the Jets, it’s about establishing a culture for the future to make the most of their young talent. Neither team is 100% sure their franchise QB is on the roster right now, but they both have high hopes. The Saints spent a second-round pick on Tyler Shough alongside Spencer Rattler, who they drafted last year. The Jets signed Justin Fields from the Steelers and hope he can be the guy for at least the next few years. This game will be an early yardstick for both teams. If they can’t compete with other teams in a similar phase of rebuilding as them, then their rebuild is not on the right track. Or if they dominate other bottom feeders, they may be ready to take a step up soon.
Eagles @ Bills, Week 17: In the run-up to the playoffs, could this be a Super Bowl preview?
The Eagles don’t have anything to prove, and if their season goes as well as they’re hoping, they may even be resting their starters at this point. This game is on the doorstep of the playoffs, and the stakes could easily be extremely high. Though they play in different divisions, the extra win could be super meaningful for one or both of them. We know these QBs are two of the best in the league, and this could easily be a Super Bowl preview for this year or a future year. I personally hope a lot is on the line and these teams battle at full strength, because that will be a battle to remember.
Bears @ 49ers, Week 17: In a huge primetime test for Caleb, will he prove his playoff mettle? Could this game determine playoffs or seeding for one or both teams?
Sunday night, Christmas weekend, all eyes will be on this game. Every Week 17 has high stakes, especially for teams we expect to compete for the playoffs but not necessarily win their division. As they ramp up into a potential playoff run, Caleb Williams will have a lot to prove. The 49ers have been the class of the NFC for years, representing the conference in the Super Bowl twice against the Chiefs. If the Bears want to contend for championships, they should be able to beat the 9ers. The Bears are younger and arguably more talented (certainly at the quarterback position). This will be a huge test as to whether the Bears are for real, and a chance for the 49ers to prove their window isn;t quite closed yet.
Chargers @ Broncos, Week 17: Who is the second banana to the Chiefs? Will this game determine who makes the playoffs out of this division?
Week 17 division games are extra important, as they count double towards a team’s playoff chances or seeding. For two up-and-coming teams that hope to establish themselves as contenders, it’s even more important. The Chiefs are the class of the AFC West and the league until proven otherwise. However, both of these teams have aspirations to become the #2 team in the West and make noise in the postseason. To do that, they will have to beat each other. The winner of this game cements itself as the second banana to Kansas City and a potential contender in the AFC. They also build great momentum to try and get that elusive first playoff win.Ravens @ Bills, Week 1: Can the Bills cement themselves above the Ravens in the AFC?
The Ravens’ 2024 season ended heartbreakingly to the Bills in the divisional round. These two teams have consistently proven themselves to be at the top of the AFC pile, and they will likely be in the mix in January. But if the Bills win this game, they may be on the way to cementing themselves as the top contender to unseat the Chiefs as kings of the AFC. For the second year in a row, the Ravens start their season with a rematch of their last playoff loss, and if they can avenge it, they set themselves up as the big baddies in the AFC and can potentially make a deep run.
Bengals @ Browns, Week 1: Can the Bengals avoid a slow start and corral the Brown’s questionable QBs?
We all know the Bengals typically don’t get off to a strong start early in the season (recall their embarrassing loss to New England last year). We also know their defense struggled mightily last year. Conveniently, starting the year against the Browns provides a great litmus test for both of these problems. The Browns’ QB situation is a mess, especially after they added Tyler Huntley, which doesn’t speak highly of their confidence in any of their QBs. They also don’t have any mindblowing weapons, certainly not any fantasy first-rounders. So they provide a somewhat easy start for new DC Al Golden and their struggling defense. At the same time, we get to see if Joe Burrow can hit the ground running after a healthy offseason and win a game that he should be heavily favored in. Another embarrassing early-season loss would not bode well for Cincinnati or Zac Taylor, so here’s hoping they show their best side in Week 1.
Vikings @ Bears Week 1: What exactly are JJ McCarthy and Caleb Williams? Who will win their first battle?
These two QBs are perhaps the two most intriguing questions of the 2025 season. How much of Caleb’s 2024 struggles were due to bad coaching and a bad O-Line? Is Minnesota’s confidence in JJ McCarthy warranted? We all agree that both of these QBs are in a great situation, with rebuilt O-Lines, talented weapons, and offensive gurus as head coaches. This battle will likely define the future of the NFC North, and this first edition will be extremely exciting. Will both QBs show that their team’s confidence was well-founded? Will they establish themselves as great division rivals for years to come? Or will early-season struggles leave us with questions about one or both of these young signal-callers?
Steelers @ Jets, Week 1: Will Pittsburgh regret getting into the Aaron Rodgers business? Will they miss Justin Fields? Who won the QB swap?
The NFL scriptwriters are wasting no time with interesting narratives in week one. Aaron Rodgers will return to the Jets stadium where he famously carried the American flag out and played just 3 snaps in his first season in New York. The Steelers and Jets essentially swapped quarterbacks this offseason, with the Jets signing Justin Fields to a modest 2 year, $40 million deal. Rodgers is actually making less money, with incentives getting him up to a possible $19.25 million. In many ways, their new teams mirror them better. Fields and the Jets are young, talented, but unproven, while Rodgers and his Steelers are grizzled old veterans all-in on one last run. This game will immediately show us who got the raw end of this deal and who will be happier with their new quarterback.
Texans @ Rams, Week 1: How will the Texans O-Line stand up to the talented young Rams D-Line?
This is another banger Week 1 matchup with a lot of narratives surrounding it. For one, with Matt Stafford’s injury news swirling, we all hope to see him in this game to start the season. But also, we will get an explosive answer to Houston’s biggest question: their offensive line. The Rams are young and talented along the D-Line, led by former FSU teammates Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. This will right away stress test the young Houston O-Line. If they can keep CJ upright, we might get an all-time game in Week 1. If not, this game, and perhaps Houston’s whole season, will be in trouble right out of the gate.
Jaguars @ Bengals, Week 2: Is Trevor the guy? Not if he can’t get past the Bengals’ defense…
I think we are all united behind Nick Wright to find out if this Prince will ever deliver on his promises. He has Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter, perhaps the two best receivers out of the last 2 NFL drafts. There are no excuses left for Trevor, and this game will be an early yardstick for him. As I already mentioned, the Bengals D is not very good, and they often start out the year slowly. If Trevor doesn’t look good against this defense, there’s not much chance for him against much better teams. This will be the first chapter in the story of the Prince’s last chance to show who he can be.
Eagles @ Chiefs, Week 2: Will the Chiefs get revenge in the Super Bowl rematch?
Anytime we get a Super Bowl rematch, it’s going to be a fascinating game. The Eagles absolutely dominated the Chiefs to win the Championship, but can they keep that up? They lost players to the Super Bowl free agency tax, and they joined the Chiefs at the bottom of each round of the draft. Have the Chiefs come up with something clever and new to beat them, or will the Eagles continue to dominate the line of scrimmage and the matchup? Could this game mark the end of the Chiefs era and the beginning of the Eagles era?
Rams @ Eagles, Week 3: Can the Rams challenge the Eagles in the NFC like in 2024?
The snow game between these two teams was one of the best of the entire playoffs, and also the only close game the Eagles played on their road to the Super Bowl ring. Immediately after facing the Chiefs, the Eagles will then have to battle one of their leading competitors in the NFC. Perhaps in fairer weather, the Rams will be able to prevail. If they do, they cement themselves as contenders in the NFC. If the Eagles continue to dominate every competitor, they truly cement themselves as the best team in the league. This will be a fascinating battle, and I’ve already written a lot about how much I’m looking forward to it.
Lions @ Ravens, Week 3: Could this be a Super Bowl preview?
These are two teams that have incredible rosters on paper, theoretically, everything they need to compete for championships. But they both had heartbreaking playoff losses (in two different ways) last year. Battling each other will show which of these teams can really put it up on the field, and it should be an amazing game. Can the Lions continue to compete at the highest level despite coordinator and player losses? The Ravens typically cream NFC teams, but even if they do, does that bode well for their potential playoff run? We’ll have to find out in Baltimore in Week 3.
Chiefs @ Giants, Week 3: Is getting nonstop pressure on Mahomes the blueprint to beating him?
We all saw the Eagles demolish the Chiefs’ O-Line and send Mahomes into fits. Under constant pressure, the Chiefs were unable to put anything together offensively until the game was already over. This is also how Mahomes lost another Super Bowl against the Buccaneers. The Giants are another NFC East team with a terrifying defensive line. The Chiefs bolstered their tackles, but if the Giants can put the pressure on and beat Mahomes, that may be the blue print for other teams to follow. The Giants are by no means a great team, which would prove even more that pressure pressure pressure is the method to beat Mahomes.
Colts @ Titans, Week 3: Is Cam Ward the guy? Can the winner of the Colts QB battle compete in the division?
The Titans selected Cam Ward first overall and hope that he’s the future of their franchise. Ward has been extremely underdiscussed, but we’re all curious to see him out on the field. Meanwhile, the Colts have the QB mid-off of the century between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson. If Cam Ward can’t compete with either of those guys, he’s not long for the NFL. Meanwhile, if neither of those guys can beat a rookie, the Colts have serious issues at the QB position. This game could cement Cam Ward as the guy for Tennessee, or leave both teams with tons of questions. Let’s be honest, it will be on the Red Zone multiviewer, but it will be curious to see the results of this division battle.
Ravens @ Chiefs, Week 4: Can the Ravens ever beat the Chiefs?
The Ravens began the 2024 season with a heartbreaking loss to the Chiefs, literally by a toe. Their 2023 season ended against the Chiefs, and the next loss had to twist the knife for them. Everyone knows Lamar is one of the best QBs in the league, and the Ravens are one of the scariest teams. The playoff questions still surround them, and the Chiefs are the current class of the AFC in the playoffs. Beating the Chiefs in the regular season, the Ravens can at least prove to themselves that it’s possible.
Bengals @ Broncos, Week 4: Is the Broncos D for real? Can Bo Nix beat the bad Bengals D?
These two teams match up well against each other and will answer big questions about each other. On one side, we have the explosive and excellent Bengals offense against the newly upgraded Broncos D. This will be the first big test for those new additions. There aren’t many corner rooms that can plausibly cover Ja’marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but Patrick Surtain and Jahdae Barron might just be it. On the other side, we have more of a litmus test for Bo Nix. If he can’t keep it moving against the very poor Bengals D, he may be on more of a Mac Jones trajectory and on track for a sophomore slump. I would trust Sean Payton’s scheme to create easy wins for Nix against the Bengals, but I also trust Joe Burrow and his receivers to keep it close. This should be a fireworks show and a great game to assess the level of both teams.
Packers @ Cowboys, Week 4: Micah Parsons’ Return to Dallas, the Cowboys Revenge?
Micah Parsons being traded to the Packers just a week before the season starts was a huge bombshell. It also sets the table for a rematch of Micah vs. his old team, the Cowboys vs. the team that bounced them in 2023, and an all-around incredible game. Emotions already run high between these conference rivals, and now they are forever intertwined by a huge trade. The Packers have the best of it in the short term, and Micah’s return to Dallas will be tough for the Boys. If they can show that they still have legs during their rebuild, it will relieve their home fans. But if the Packers embarrass the Cowboys, in Dallas, with the newly acquired Micah Parsons? Fireworks will fly for the Cowboys.
Giants @ Saints, Week 5: Who will rise to the top of two over-crowded QB rooms?
These two teams both have overcrowded QB room and it’s unclear who will come out on top of them. Russ has been named the Giants starter, but will his seat already be heating up by week 5? Meanwhile the Saints haven’t even named a starter, though Spencer Rattler has some momentum. Will this matchup result in a QB change for one or both teams? Neither has high expectations, but this game is winnable for both of them, and if they fail, they could decide to roll the dice on a different quarterback. Will we look back on this as the game where a quarterback cemented their status, or as a moment that ended a quarterback’s career?
Lions @ Bengals, Week 5: Did the Lions lose a step losing both coordinators? Did Cincinnati’s new DC help their struggling defense?
This will be an interesting test for both teams. Hopefully, the Bengals have heated up by this point and are at their best. This will be a test for the brand-new Lions defense sans Aaron Glenn and whether they can stop one of the best offenses in the league. On the other side of the ball, will the Lions look as explosive without Ben Johnson? Did the Bengals truly fix their defense with a new coordinator? Both of these teams have championship aspirations, and their strengths and weaknesses match up in a way that’s sure to produce some fireworks.
Bears @ Commanders, Week 6: Is the rematch of the Hail Mary game also a preview of the future of the NFC?
We all remember the last time these teams met, and perhaps the most iconic end to a game in years. While the Bears certainly hope the Hail Mary game was just a fluke due to bad coaching, this rematch could prove otherwise. Caleb was largely overshadowed by how incredible Jayden’s season was, and the #1 vs. #2 draft pick narrative will hang over both of their heads for their whole careers. We all hope that better coaching and offensive line play will improve Caleb’s fortunes, and that Jayden won’t take a sophomore slump. Ideally, this will be an electric matchup that we will see much more over over the next decade or so.
Chiefs @ Bills, Week 11: A yearly tradition. Can the Bills beat them not just in this game, but when the stakes are the highest?
This is now the 4th year in a row these teams will meet despite being in different divisions. It’s become a yearly tradition for this matchup to provide insane games, and it often gets a rematch in the playoffs. As we all know, the Bills have had little luck in the postseason matchup, as Mahomes is 5-0 against them, including in last year’s AFC Championship. The Bills are 5-2 against them in the regular season, but I’m sure they’d trade all 5 of those wins for just one shot at the Super Bowl. Maybe this trade isn’t just a hypothetical. As famous Chiefs fan Nick Wright constantly muses, the Chiefs are just practicing in the regular season. Perhaps the Bills could learn from this and save some bullets for the playoffs. Use their regular-season matchup to feel out and learn about the Chiefs, then bring your A-game in the postseason.
Texans @ Titans, Week 11: A challenging matchup for Cam Ward that will foreshadow his fortunes in the AFC South.
There’s no denying that the Texans are the current kings of the AFC South, having won it in back-to-back years. That’s largely due to their excellent defense and defensive head coach Demeco Ryans. For Cam Ward, beating that defense will be the key to ever winning his division, and thus to any playoff success. Staring down Will Anderson Jr. and Danelle Hunter will certainly be a welcome to the NFL moment, as will trying to beat Derek Stingley’s coverage. For the Texans, it’s a chance to cement themselves as the top dog in the division and show the kid he’s got a long way to go before the Titans can compete. The Titans hope to come out of this game (win or loss)+ knowing they’ve got the guy, while the Texans hope to come out of it feeling that they’ve still got a firm grip on the South.
Chiefs @ Broncos, Week 11: Does the Broncos’ new defense stand up to the best in the division?
This will be yet another big test for the new and improved Denver defense. Everyone knows the Chiefs are the class of the AFC West (and the entire AFC). Unfortunately for the Broncos, they will have to fight (and beat) the Chiefs to get where they want to go. By this point in the year, we’ll know a bit about where each team stands, and this game could even be a big decider for the division. It’ll be fascinating to see the new and improved Denver D try to contain Mahomes, and equally fascinating to watch Bo Nix battle a talented and experienced Kansas City offense. This game will tell us a lot about the present and future status of the AFC West.
Lions @ Eagles, Week 11: Is this an NFC Championship Preview? Can the Lions make a deep run?
Last year, the Lions’ season ended much earlier than they had hoped, after a first-round blowout loss to the Washington Commanders. The Eagles, of course, ended the year the way every team hopes to. After the NFC Championship loss to the 49ers in 2023, Dan Campbell famously said, “This may have been our shot,” and that you never know when you’ll get back to the biggest stage. Beating the Eagles would be a great way to show that they still have Championship mettle and the ability to make a deep run in the NFC. For the Eagles, they will start every game with a target on their head, with their name circled on other teams’ calendars. So when it comes to these really talented rosters, it will provide a tough challenge for the defending champs. This should be one of the best games of the year, and it rightfully holds the Sunday primetime spot for the week.
Seahawks @ Rams, Week 11: Is Darnold the guy? The Rams ended his season last year. Can he compete in their division?
The Rams are the current class of the NFC West, but the Seahawks certainly hope to change that. They took a big swing at changing quarterbacks and bringing in Sam Darnold after his historic season. However, we all remember how his season ended last year, and it was when the Rams demolished him. They have one of the best young D-Lines in the league, so it’s no surprise they got after Darnold. But if he hopes to compete in the NFC West and become the guy for the Seahawks, he needs to get better under pressure and quick.
Giants @ Patriots, Week 13: How will Drake Maye look under pressure? (but not that much pressure)
All Patriots fans are hoping we see more exciting flashes from Drake Maye as he continues to develop under his new head coach and OC. The Patriots probably won’t make too much noise this year, but you never know in a fairly weak division and a 4th-place schedule. The Giants are not world-beaters either, but they do have one of the scariest D-Lines in the league. Seeing how Drake looks under pressure from that line will be a big sign of his future in the NFL.
Vikings @ Seahawks Week 13: Did the Vikings make a mistake moving on from Darnold? Or is JJ leading them into a new era?
The Vikings traded away Sam Darnold after his historic 14-win season and invested a lot in their top draft pick JJ McCarthy. JJ looks pretty good so far in the preseason. But he is ultimately unproven at the NFL level. He has everything he needs for success around him: two great receivers and a great TE, a good running game, and an excellent offensive coach. But if they go visit Darnold in his new home and he excels, could they end up regretting their decision? Or if JJ comes in and looks great, will they be vindicated in their decision as they enter the JJ McCarthy era?
Texans @ Chiefs Week 14: Can the Texans make a deep run and stack up with the best teams in the AFC?
The Texans certainly have championship ambitions after winning a playoff game in back-to-back years. As always, the Chiefs are the measuring stick for success in the AFC. We all know the Texans have an excellent defense, and it will be fascinating to see it match up against Patrick Mahomes. We will also see a stress test for the shaky Texans O-Line in Chris Jones and the rest of the Chiefs’ defense. This late in the season, every game counts, and this will show us exactly how much chance the Texans have to make a deep run in the AFC.
Dolphins @ Steelers, Week 15: Can the Dolphins ever win in the cold? Is McDaniel done in Miami?
We all know the Dolphins struggle when the weather gets cold, which is also unfortunately when the stakes are highest. Pittsburgh will certainly be cold in December, and the stakes of this game could be high for one or both teams. In contrast to the weather, as the season goes on, Mike McDaniel’s seat could be heating up. If the Dolphins can’t perform against a fairly middling Steelers team, it might indicate that they have a coaching problem that’s causing the weather problem. If they can’t play in winter, they’ll never win a Super Bowl, so if they can’t win this game, it’s hard to see a championship ever coming for this configuration.
Eagles @ Commanders, Week 16: They won’t meet until this late in the year. Who will emerge as the king of the NFC East?
It’s a curious quirk of the schedule that these two teams won’t meet until Week 16. We all expect them to be the top two teams in the NFC East, and they did meet in the NFC Championship. By this time, these teams will already have pretty well-defined records. These two games could easily determine the winner of the division, thereby making a huge difference in playoff seeding. This matchup defines the future of the NFC East and could easily define the future of the NFC playoffs for a long time to come.
Jets @ Saints, Week 16: Whose rebuild is on track? Have either of them found “the guy”?
Neither of these teams are going to be contenders this year, as they’re both in the process of rebuilding with brand new head coaches. For the Saints, it’s a matter of dumping expensive veterans and cleaning up the cap. For the Jets, it’s about establishing a culture for the future to make the most of their young talent. Neither team is 100% sure their franchise QB is on the roster right now, but they both have high hopes. The Saints spent a second-round pick on Tyler Shough alongside Spencer Rattler, who they drafted last year. The Jets signed Justin Fields from the Steelers and hope he can be the guy for at least the next few years. This game will be an early yardstick for both teams. If they can’t compete with other teams in a similar phase of rebuilding as them, then their rebuild is not on the right track. Or if they dominate other bottom feeders, they may be ready to take a step up soon.
Eagles @ Bills, Week 17: In the run-up to the playoffs, could this be a Super Bowl preview?
The Eagles don’t have anything to prove, and if their season goes as well as they’re hoping, they may even be resting their starters at this point. This game is on the doorstep of the playoffs, and the stakes could easily be extremely high. Though they play in different divisions, the extra win could be super meaningful for one or both of them. We know these QBs are two of the best in the league, and this could easily be a Super Bowl preview for this year or a future year. I personally hope a lot is on the line and these teams battle at full strength, because that will be a battle to remember.
Bears @ 49ers, Week 17: In a huge primetime test for Caleb, will he prove his playoff mettle? Could this game determine playoffs or seeding for one or both teams?
Sunday night, Christmas weekend, all eyes will be on this game. Every Week 17 has high stakes, especially for teams we expect to compete for the playoffs but not necessarily win their division. As they ramp up into a potential playoff run, Caleb Williams will have a lot to prove. The 49ers have been the class of the NFC for years, representing the conference in the Super Bowl twice against the Chiefs. If the Bears want to contend for championships, they should be able to beat the 9ers. The Bears are younger and arguably more talented (certainly at the quarterback position). This will be a huge test as to whether the Bears are for real, and a chance for the 49ers to prove their window isn;t quite closed yet.
Chargers @ Broncos, Week 17: Who is the second banana to the Chiefs? Will this game determine who makes the playoffs out of this division?
Week 17 division games are extra important, as they count double towards a team’s playoff chances or seeding. For two up-and-coming teams that hope to establish themselves as contenders, it’s even more important. The Chiefs are the class of the AFC West and the league until proven otherwise. However, both of these teams have aspirations to become the #2 team in the West and make noise in the postseason. To do that, they will have to beat each other. The winner of this game cements itself as the second banana to Kansas City and a potential contender in the AFC. They also build great momentum to try and get that elusive first playoff win.
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