NFL Weekly Schedule: Key Matchups and Predictions for Week 1 of 2025
The 2025 NFL season kicks off with exciting matchups in Week 1. Highlights include the Chiefs vs. Chargers clash in Brazil, the Lions’ visit to Lambeau Field, and the highly anticipated quarterback duel between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen in Buffalo. Here we bring you all the details. Our NFL correspondents offer you the best from the locker rooms, with the most relevant news of the week. In addition, ESPN Research provides key data and betting analysis for each game. Seth Walder, statistics analyst, shares his bold predictions, and Eric Moody, fantasy expert, reveals crucial information for your teams. Here is the complete Week 1 schedule, which culminates with the “Monday Night Football” game between the Vikings and Bears on ESPN. (Game times are on Sunday, unless otherwise noted).Featured Week 1 Games:
- Chiefs vs. Chargers
- Giants vs. Commanders
- Bengals vs. Browns
- Buccaneers vs. Falcons
- Dolphins vs. Colts
- Steelers vs. Jets
- Raiders vs. Patriots
- Cardinals vs. Saints
- Panthers vs. Jaguars
- 49ers vs. Seahawks
- Titans vs. Broncos
- Lions vs. Packers
- Texans vs. Rams
- Ravens vs. Bills
- Vikings vs. Bears
Thursday:
DAL-PHIChiefs vs. Chargers (in Sao Paulo)Friday, 8 p.m. ET | YouTube | Matchup Rating: 75.1/100 ESPN BET: KC -3.5 (46.5 O/U)What is said about the Chiefs: The defense is eager to prove its worth against their AFC West rival. Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo did not use his starting lineup in the preseason. “Finally, going out and playing a full game together and hitting someone other than who we always play with, is going to be really good,” said CB Trent McDuffie. “As you know with Spags, I’m doing a lot of things.” Much of McDuffie’s responsibilities will likely be to follow and cover Ladd McConkey, the Chargers’ star receiver. “I really like how he plays, his separation on breaks and his routes are very good. You can tell that his timing with Justin Herbert improved a lot last year. It will be a great challenge for us on defense to see what we are made of.” – Nate TaylorWhat’s being said about the Chargers: With a below-average rushing offense, receivers struggling to get open (outside of McConkey), and production often stalling in the second halves, L.A.’s offense was their Achilles’ heel in 2024. The Chargers spent the offseason revamping their offense, adding running backs Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton, right guard Mekhi Becton, and wide receiver Keenan Allen. With the new additions, the biggest story heading into this season will be how offensive coordinator Greg Roman increases productivity in 2025. “On paper, I think we’re ahead of where we were last year at this time,” Roman said. “But we have to go out and do it.” – Kris RhimKey stat: Patrick Mahomes has an 82.6% win percentage in September, the second-best among starting quarterbacks since 1950, behind Roger Staubach’s 84.6%. – ESPN ResearchBold Prediction: Chiefs rookie Josh Simmons will record a 92% pass block win rate in his NFL debut, well above the 89% average for a tackle. I’m not that worried about the Chargers’ pass rush, and as good as Khalil Mack has been throughout his career, his PRWR has declined as he’s aged. – WalderInjuries: Chiefs | ChargersFantasy Information: Xavier Worthy replaces Rashee Rice as Mahomes’ number 1 receiver, as Rice is suspended for six games. Worthy scored more than 19 fantasy points in three of his last four regular season games last season and performed exceptionally in the Super Bowl. He should thrive against a Chargers secondary that finished in the bottom 10 in touchdowns allowed to wide receivers in 2024. – MoodyBetting: The Chargers had the best record against the spread (ATS) in the 2024 season, 13-4. – ESPN ResearchPredictions:
Maldonado: Chiefs 27, Chargers 24 Moody: Chiefs 38, Chargers 23 Walder: Chiefs 23, Chargers 20 FPI: KC, 57% (for an average of 2.9 points)Must-read readings of the confrontation:Kelce prepares for a possible final run with the Chiefs … How Jim Harbaugh has evolved as Chargers coachGiants vs. Commanders
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 43.9/100 ESPN BET: WSH -6.5 (45.5 O/U)What’s being said about the Giants: The Giants lost a lot last season, including both matchups against the Commanders by a total of eight points. That gave Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels the right to brag about his former teammate and best friend, Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers didn’t take it well, and he’s tired of losing. “I said, ‘Enough is enough,'” Nabers said. “‘I’m coming for you.'” He and the Giants have a chance to redeem themselves in Week 1. – Jordan RaananWhat’s being said about the Commanders: The Commanders know they’re facing a front-seven defense that, as offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said, is “as challenging as we’ll face.” The Giants sacked Daniels five times in their first meeting, but none in the second, while allowing a total of 364 rushing yards in the two games. “A lot of people want to get their hands on you quick and that’s where they take advantage of you. They want to pressure the passer,” TE John Bates, one of the league’s best blockers, said of the Giants’ defensive line. “I won’t say they’re the ones who want to be the most physical, so you have to have a base and have your feet under you and be poised.” – John Keim
Key statistic: Russell Wilson will make his 200th NFL start in Week 1, becoming the sixteenth quarterback in NFL history to do so. Only one other quarterback has made his 200th start in Week 1 of a season, and that player also made his 200th start in a Giants uniform: Eli Manning in 2017. – ESPN ResearchBold Prediction: Giants WR Darius Slayton will record a reception of over 40 yards, albeit in a losing effort. Even in his later years, Wilson occasionally throws the ball, and Slayton could be the beneficiary of such a pass. – WalderInjuries: Giants | CommandersFantasy Information: The Commanders allowed 4.8 yards per carry on 490 attempts last season, the fourth-worst mark in the league, so Washington will likely load the box to stop Tyrone Tracy Jr. and the Giants’ running game. That could open up vertical shots for Nabers, even if CB Marshon Lattimore shadows him. Lattimore hasn’t been as consistent or healthy in recent years, so Nabers’ playmaking ability and the Giants’ inclination to pass the ball should position him for ample targets and a big game. – MoodyBetting: When the Commanders won both matchups against the Giants in 2024 (with a 2-0 ATS record), it was the first time they covered in both meetings since 2012. – ESPN ResearchPredictions:
Maldonado: Commanders 23, Giants 17 Moody: Commanders 21, Giants 20 Walder: Commanders 24, Giants 17 FPI: WSH, 68% (for an average of 7 points)Must-read readings of the confrontation:Inside the Giants’ high-profile, reimagined field marshals room… The Commanders embrace McLaurin’s return to the practice field… Giants’ Nabers says back injury was ‘minor’Bengals vs. Browns
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup Rating: 43.8/100 ESPN BET: CIN -5.5 (48.5 O/U)What’s being said about the Bengals: Nobody needs to tell Bengals QB Joe Burrow that Browns DE Myles Garrett can be a game wrecker. Garrett has sacked Burrow more than any other player in the NFL: 10 sacks in eight games and a whopping 20 hits, according to ESPN Research. Burrow said it’s imperative to know where Garrett is on every play and where the quick read is in case Garrett ruins a play. “Sometimes he’s there before you can catch the ball, basically, and you have to get it out,” Burrow said. – Ben BabyWhat’s being said about the Browns: The Browns face a familiar divisional rival, but coach Kevin Stefanski said there’s a bit of mystery with the Bengals’ new defensive coordinator, Al Golden. “You have to be mindful of the unknown,” Stefanski said. “He can do anything from a front standpoint, from a coverage standpoint.” However, Cleveland will debut the new version of its offense with a renewed focus on running the ball. The Browns ranked 29th in rushing yards per game last season (94.6), but they face a Bengals defense that ranked 25th in run stop win rate (28.9%). – Daniel OyefusiKey stat: The Bengals are 1-11 in Weeks 1-2 since 2019 (when Zac Taylor became coach), the worst in the league in that span. – ESPN ResearchBold Prediction: Bengals RB Chase Brown will record multiple touchdowns. The Bengals should lean on Brown to get ahead against the Joe Flacco-led Browns. And with 54 receptions last season, Brown proved he can also make an impact in the passing game. – WalderInjuries: Bengals | BrownsFantasy Information: David Njoku is poised for a big Week 1. The Bengals allowed the second-most fantasy points to tight ends last season, and Njoku torched them in both matchups. Njoku is a strong TE1 starter in what should be a high-scoring game. – MoodyBetting: The Browns are on a six-game ATS losing streak as underdogs, the longest active streak in the NFL. – ESPN ResearchPredictions:Maldonado: Bengals 27, Browns 13 Moody: Bengals 28, Browns 13 Walder: Bengals 33, Browns 13 FPI: CIN, 64.1% (by an average of 6 points)Must-read readings of the confrontation:Bengals, Burrow ready to ‘put on a show’ … How the Browns’ crucial offseason is shaping their futureBuccaneers vs. Falcons1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup Rating: 43.6/100 ESPN BET: TB -1.5 (47.5 O/U)What’s being said about the Buccaneers: QB Baker Mayfield will face a big test without All-Pro LT Tristan Wirfs and two of his top receivers, Chris Godwin Jr. (ankle) and Jalen McMillan (neck). TE Cade Otton’s game status is also in jeopardy due to a groin injury. But Mayfield has been here before, as at one point he was without his top three receivers last season. “If you try to take a positive from the injuries we had last year, those guys had to step up and play big,” Mayfield said, referring to Ryan Miller and Sterling Shepard. “Obviously, Tez [Johnson] and Mek [[Emeka Egbuka] Emeka Egbuka] are new, but we trust them and expect them to make plays for us.” Specifically with McMillan’s injury, which occurred in the Bucs’ second preseason game, this is where Egbuka’s ability to learn all the receiver roles in this offense will be a big help. – Jenna LaineWhat’s being said about the Falcons: When QB Michael Penix Jr. got into a scuffle during a joint practice with the Titans last month, he pointed out in his press conference that he wasn’t going to shy away from a fight because “I’m from Tampa.” In his first full season as a starter, Penix will face his hometown team, the Buccaneers, division rivals, for the first time in Week 1. The second-year quarterback said he’s managed to steal some fans now that he’s playing for Atlanta: “They say, ‘Oh, you’re there now, so we have to transfer.'” – Marc RaimondiKey stat: The Falcons have won two straight games and four of their last five matchups against the Bucs. – ESPN ResearchBold Prediction: Egbuka will record at least six receptions in his NFL debut. The buzz about Egbuka this preseason has been too strong to ignore, and he will come out of the gates making plays immediately for a Buccaneers offense that needs him. – WalderInjuries: Buccaneers | FalconsFantasy Information: Bucs WR Mike Evans should see a lot of targets against a Falcons defense that allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to WRs in 2024. Atlanta remains vulnerable to wide receivers, and although they made personnel changes this offseason, the Falcons still struggle to pressure the quarterback, which puts more stress on the secondary. Evans faces A.J. Terrell Jr., and in their Week 5 matchup last season, he produced 23.2 fantasy points. – MoodyBetting: Mayfield is -140 to throw for over 1.5 touchdown passes; he had multiple passing touchdowns in 12 of 17 starts in 2024. – ESPN ResearchPredictions:
Maldonado: Falcons 26, Buccaneers 24 Moody: Buccaneers 33, Falcons 20 Walder: Buccaneers 22, Falcons 20 FPI: TB, 54.2% (by an average of 2 points)Must-read readings of the confrontation:Can Egbuka and others step up for the injured WRs? … Mooney (shoulder) says it will be a game-time decision … Inside the Falcons’ competition for the right tackle
Dolphins vs. Colts1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup Rating: 36.9/100 ESPN BET: IND -1.5 (46.5 O/U)What’s being said about the Dolphins: After missing almost the last month due to oblique and calf injuries, respectively, WR Tyreek Hill and RB De’Von Achane have returned to practice for the Dolphins and are expected to play. Regarding Miami’s offensive cohesion after spending three weeks without their two leaders in total yards last season, coach Mike McDaniel said that not only were Hill and Achane “on their game” before their injuries, but he also “saw them in the classroom participating in live action in a way that I think may have been more difficult in previous years.” Translated: there is no concern that the Dolphins stars will acclimate on game day. – Marcel Louis-JacquesWhat is said about the Colts: The Colts have revamped their defense with a new scheme featuring man-to-man coverage, but the key player, coaches and teammates say, is Laiatu Latu. The second-year pass rusher finished last season with only four sacks, but the Colts are featuring him in 2025 in an effort to unlock his potential. “I think he’s going to have a big season based on what I’ve witnessed so far,” said coordinator Lou Anarumo. – Stephen HolderKey statistic: This is Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa’s first career start against the Colts, the only AFC team (besides the Dolphins) he has never faced. – ESPN ResearchBold Prediction: Colts QB Daniel Jones will run for over 40 yards. When Jones has had success, he has leaned on his legs, and I would expect coach Shane Steichen to try and maximize that part of his game right away. – Walder
Predictions:
Maldonado: Dolphins 24, Colts 20 Moody: Dolphins 31, Colts 21 Walder: Colts 23, Dolphins 17 FPI: IND, 50.5% (by an average of 0.6 points)Must-read readings of the confrontation:Tag
