- The Cowboys and Eagles kick off the 2025 season: The Micah Parsons trade will take center stage on Thursday night as the Cowboys try to upset the defending Super Bowl champions.
- A new era begins in Chicago: Head coach Ben Johnson will try to revitalize the Bears' offense, which features a slew of weapons, a talented young quarterback and a revamped offensive line.
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Estimated Reading Time: 20 minutes
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DAL@PHI | KC@LAC | TB@ATL | CIN@CLE | MIA@IND | CAR@JAX | LV@NE | ARZ@NO | PIT@NYJ | NYG@WSH | TEN@DEN | SF@SEA | DET@GB | HOU@LAR | BAL@BUF | MIN@CHI
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles (-8.5)
Storyline: Micah Parsons trade
Micah Parsons’ future in Dallas collapsed over contract negotiations, resulting in the three-time All-Pro being traded to the Green Bay Packers. While the Cowboys came away with a pair of first-round picks, that does little to help a struggling defense in the short term. Parsons (90.0 PFF overall grade) was Dallas’ only defender to generate a PFF overall grade above 75.5 in 2024.
Matchup to Watch: Eagles RB Saquon Barkley vs. Cowboys' Run Defense
There’s no mystery about what the Eagles want to do offensively: run the rock. Powered by Saquon Barkley and two of the NFL’s top 12 run blockers, Jordan Mailata (94.6) and Lane Johnson (85.4), Philadelphia posted the highest EPA per rush in the NFL last season. The Eagles will aim to do it again this season.
That spells trouble for a Cowboys defense that allowed the highest EPA per rush in the league last season and looks largely unchanged in 2025
Additional News:
- EDGE Micah Parsons traded to the Green Bay Packers
- Cowboys CB DaRon Bland signs four-year, $92 million extension
- Cowboys LT Tyler Guyton (knee) full go after missing time in camp
- Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs (knee) expected to play after being activated from PUP list on Aug. 24
Kansas City Chiefs (-3) vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Storyline: NFL International Series kicks off in Brazil
The Chiefs are riding high into this one, having won their past seven matchups against the Chargers. The last time we saw these teams face off, Patrick Mahomes made magic happen. Trailing with less than five minutes remaining, the former MVP led his team down the field for a game-winning field goal as time expired to capture the win. The Chargers will aim to snap that streak through building a significant lead, one hopefully immune to the Chiefs’ late-game heroics.
Matchup to Watch: Chargers WR Ladd McConkey vs. Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie
The Chargers relied heavily on then-rookie Ladd McConkey last season, and they will again in 2025. His 85.0 PFF overall grade ranked in the top 12 among receivers in 2024, highlighted by a strong performance against the Chiefs' defense in Week 4. He averaged 2.68 yards per route run and notched a pair of receptions for 15 or more yards in that contest.
McDuffie wasn’t responsible for most of that production but will draw the assignment to limit the Chargers' biggest receiving threat. Last season, McDuffie posted the highest PFF advanced coverage grade in man coverage.
Additional News:
- Chiefs WR Rashee Rice begins six-game suspension
- Chiefs rookie WR Jalen Royals (knee) ruled out against Chargers
- Chargers RB Najee Harris (eye) tells reporters he expects to play
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5) vs. Atlanta Falcons
Storyline: NFC South revenge
A late-season push by the Buccaneers, paired with the Falcons' collapse down the stretch, gave Tampa Bay its fourth consecutive division title. Now, the Falcons will aim to right the ship behind their young quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., and a revamped pass rush, featuring a pair of first-round picks. That could spell trouble for the Buccaneers' offense after the departure of offensive coordinator Liam Coen.
Matchup to Watch: Buccaneers LT Charlie Heck vs. Falcons EDGE James Pearce Jr.
The Buccaneers suffered a significant blow this summer when it was announced Tristan Wirfs, the highest-graded pass blocker (94.1) in the NFL last season, would miss at least the first four games on the PUP list. Now, Tampa Bay will pin its hopes of protecting Baker Mayfield’s blindside on Charlie Heck, who struggled in a reserve role in his past two stops in San Francisco and Houston, earning just a 47.4 PFF pass-blocking grade on true pass sets.
While it remains to be seen how involved rookie James Pearce Jr. will be in the Falcons' pass-rush rotation, he’s too talented to sit. Pearce was one of the most productive pass rushers in college football over the past two seasons, earning a 92.4 PFF pass-rush grade, which ranked in the 97th percentile.
Additional News:
- Buccaneers to be without LT Tristan Wirfs (knee), WR Chris Godwin (ankle) and WR Jalen McMillan
- Falcons restructure WR Darnell Mooney’s contract; Mooney considered day-to-day with shoulder injury
- Falcons RT Kaleb McGary (knee) placed on season-ending injured reserve; RT Elijah Wilkinson expected to start
- Buccaneers RT Luke Goedeke signs four-year, $90 million extension
Cincinnati Bengals (-5) vs. Cleveland Browns
Storyline: Bengals‘ early-season struggles
Despite possessing one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, the Bengals are enemies with September. They hold just a 4-8 record in the month over the past three seasons. Cincinnati will look to end that trend against a Browns team with numerous questions, although Cleveland isn’t too far removed from playing spoiler in Week 1, trouncing the Bengals in Cleveland 3-24 in Week 1 of the 2023 season.
Matchup to Watch: Bengals EDGE Trey Hendrickson vs. Browns LT Dawand Jones
After dealing with a contract dispute all offseason, Trey Hendrickson is ready to roll with a revised $30 million contract for 2025. It was a well-deserved raise, considering Hendrickson is one of the most productive pass rushers in the game. He particularly excels against the Browns, having racked up a combined three sacks on a 23% pass rush win rate against the team.
Third-year tackle Dawand Jones will have his hands full in this game. Before fracturing his fibula in Week 11 last season, Jones earned just a 57.6 PFF pass-blocking grade, playing primarily on the right side. Now, he will draw a tough matchup while transitioning to the left side full time.
Additional News:
- Bengals sign DI Mike Pennel to practice squad
- Browns rookie RB Quinshon Judkins remains unlikely to return to team activities early in the year
Miami Dolphins vs. Indianapolis Colts
Storyline: Daniel Jones makes Colts debut
Former top-five pick Anthony Richardson won’t be leading the Colts into Week 1 after falling in the starting quarterback battle to veteran Daniel Jones. While Jones' ceiling isn’t nearly as high, his floor is solid and he is poised for success in Shane Steichen's system. The Colts are aiming to break a losing streak in season openers that dates back to 2013, the longest in the NFL.
Matchup to Watch: Colts TE Tyler Warren vs. Dolphins' Coverage
As PFF’s Dalton Wasserman has highlighted, Tyler Warren will be key to keeping the Colts' RPO game running at a high level this season. At Penn State last season, Warren earned a 93.4 PFF receiving grade on RPOs, setting up what should be a productive fit in Indianapolis.
That will put pressure on Dolphins linebackers Tyrell Dodson and Jordyn Brooks to stay alert. Last season, the pair helped Miami earn a top-eight PFF defensive grade against RPOs (73.2). However, the question remains if the secondary can hold up after enduring significant personnel changes.
Additional News:
- Dolphins RB De'Von Achane (calf) and TE Darren Waller (retirement) are on track to play Week 1
- Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill not a team captain for first time since joining Miami
Carolina Panthers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (-3.5)
Storyline: Jaguars head coach Liam Coen's debut
After orchestrating one of the most productive offenses in the NFL last season with the Buccaneers, Liam Coen starts his head coaching career in Jacksonville with hopes of rejuvenating Trevor Lawrence’s career. Armed with numerous weapons, including two-way phenom Travis Hunter, Jacksonville will have the firepower to make it happen.
Matchup to Watch: Panthers QB Bryce Young vs. Jaguars' Safeties
The former first overall pick bounced back in a big way following his benching last season. From Week 8 through the end of the regular season, Young tossed the most big-time throws (26) in the NFL. If he stays hot and develops a rapport with first-round rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who earned a 95.6 PFF receiving grade on targets 10 or more yards downfield in 2024, the Panthers' offense could be a stronger-than-anticipated unit.
The Jaguars overhauled their backend after they ranked dead last in PFF coverage grade (37.3) at the safety position, returning Andrew Wingard (77.6) to the mix and signing Eric Murray (64.8) in free agency. They will be put to the test right out of the gate.
Additional News:
- Panthers WR Jalen Coker (quad) lands on injured reserve
- Panthers LG Damien Lewis (shoulder) returns to practice, expected to play
- Jaguars Travis Hunter listed as starting WR and backup CB
- Panthers LT Ikem Ekwonu (appendectomy) questionable to play
Las Vegas Raiders vs. New England Patriots (-2.5)
Storyline: Pete Caroll and Mike Vrabel return to the coaching ranks
Both the Raiders and Patriots head into Week 1 with new head coaches leading the show in Pete Caroll and Mike Vrabel, respectively. Along with their new foundational cornerstones, each team features rebuilt rosters, highlighted by names like Ashton Jeanty and Geno Smith in Las Vegas, and Will Campbell and Stefon Diggs in New England. Much remains to be seen with these two teams, but the future is bright.
Matchup to Watch: Patriots' Offensive Line vs Raiders' Defensive Line
The Patriots fielded one of the worst offensive lines in football last season, ranking dead last in PFF pass-blocking (51.7) and PFF run-blocking (44.4) grades last season. That led to four new starters on the offensive line, including top-five pick Will Campbell, who earned a 75.0-plus PFF overall grade in each of his three seasons as a starter at LSU.
On the other side of the ball, the Raiders return with Maxx Crosby on a new contract after his slightly down season in 2024, in which he earned a 74.3 PFF overall grade — his lowest since 2020. Opposite Crosby is Malcolm Koonce, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL. The last time we saw Koonce in 2023, he was very productive, earning an 81.3 PFF overall grade.
Additional News:
- Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) uncertain to play
- Former Patriots S Duron Harmon officially retires
- Patriots release S Jabrill Peppers
Arizona Cardinals (-6.5) vs. New Orleans Saints
Storyline: Kellen Moore makes head-coaching debut
After an abysmal 2024, the Saints opted to find a new face to lead the franchise: former Eagles, Chargers and Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. With Spencer Rattler under center, Moore will look to rebuild an offense that ranked dead last in PFF passing grade (50.4) last season when newly retired Derek Carr was not on the field.
Matchup to Watch: Cardinals RB James Conner vs. Saints' Run Defense
Last season, the Cardinals' offense leaned on the downhill running ability of James Conner, who earned the highest PFF rushing grade (90.6) of his career with a mark that ranked in the top six among running backs.
That will stress a Saints defense that struggled mightily to stop the run last season. New Orleans tied for the second-worst PFF run-defense grade (48.0) in the NFL, due in part to allowing the highest EPA per play on runs between the tackles.
Additional News:
- Saints release special teams ace J.T. Gray
Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5) vs. New York Jets
Storyline: Quarterbacks looking for payback
The offseason quarterback carousel resulted in the Steelers' and Jets' signal-callers from a year ago swapping places, with Aaron Rodgers landing in Pittsburgh and Justin Fields going to New York. Rodgers' return to MetLife Stadium is the headlining story after he failed to live up to the hype that brought him to New York, where he ranked just 16th in PFF passing grade (76.1) in his single healthy season.
On the other sideline, Fields has downplayed the significance of playing his former team, but he undoubtedly wants to show the Steelers they were wrong to not give him another look this offseason.
Matchup to Watch: Steelers WR D.K. Metcalf vs. Jets CB Sauce Gardner
The Steelers paid a pretty penny to acquire a high-end X receiver in D.K. Metcalf this offseason, and he’s already going to be put to the test in Week 1 against Sauce Gardner, one of the most talented cornerbacks in the league.
When these two matched up last season in Week 13, Gardner allowed one reception on four targets for just 28 yards, shutting down the talented wideout. Gardner earned his highest PFF coverage grade of the season (90.1) as a result.
Additional News:
- Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (torn tricep) to miss 2025 season
- Steelers HC Mike Tomlin expects DI Cameron Heyward to suit up Week 1 amid “hold in” over contract dispute; nothing official as of yet
- Steelers first-round rookie DI Derrick Harmon (knee) won’t play
- Steelers RB Jaylen Warren signs two-year, $17.5 million extension
New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders (-6)
Storyline: NFC East showdown
This is one of two battles in the NFC East to start the year. The Commanders will look to pick up right where they left off last season, tallying a pair of wins against the rival Giants. But New York isn’t going to go down without a fight. Armed with a new veteran signal-caller in Russell Wilson, who logged an 80.0 PFF passing grade in the preseason, Brian Daboll has confidence this team can get back on track with improved quarterback play.
Matchup to Watch: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels vs. Giants' Pass Rush
The Giants are loaded at pass rusher after selecting Abdul Carter in the top three of this year’s draft, adding the rookie to a stable that already included Dexter Lawrence (81.4 PFF pass-rush grade), Brian Burns (82.9) and Kayvon Thibodeaux (72.0).
The unit put up mixed results in 2024 against Daniels, who ranked 12th in PFF overall grade under pressure. In their first matchup in Week 2, the Giants racked up five sacks on Daniels, allowing him to post just a 59.4 PFF passing grade. However, Daniels flipped the script in the second game, avoiding any sacks on his way to an 82.7 PFF passing grade.
Additional News:
- Giants TE Theo Johnson returns to practice after missing significant time this summer
- Giants LT Andrew Thomas (foot) remains questionable to play
Tennessee Titans vs. Denver Broncos (-8)
Storyline: No. 1 pick Cam Ward makes NFL debut
The Titans are hoping to have found the new face of the franchise in first-year quarterback Cam Ward. The Miami product was the best vertical passer in college football last season, which helped him earn an FBS-best 92.9 PFF passing grade. He will need to showcase that fearlessness against a Broncos defense that allowed the lowest EPA per dropback last season.
Matchup to Watch: Titans TE Chig Okonkwo vs. Broncos' Coverage
As mentioned in my tight end props to target article in Week 1 breakdown, Okonkwo has been gaining steam as a breakout tight end this season, thanks to his new quarterback and a solid run to close out last season (earned a top-10 PFF receiving grade at the position from Week 12 onward).
But that promising projection will likely have to wait a week with the Broncos on the schedule to start the year. Denver was excellent at holding down tight ends last season, leading the league in PFF coverage grade (85.6) on targets to the position.
Additional News:
- Titans sign LB Kyzir White
- Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw to ease into regular season after sitting out preseason
San Francisco 49ers (-2.5) vs. Seattle Seahawks
Storyline: QB Sam Darnold makes Seahawks debut
Fresh off revitalizing his career with the Minnesota Vikings and signing a three-year, $100.5 million contract with Seattle, Sam Darnold is set to make his debut in the Seahawks’ green, with hopes of continuing that newfound success. Last season, Darnold produced his best season as a pro, earning the 12th-highest PFF passing grade (77.5) in the NFL. In Seattle, he'll be armed with new weapons and a solid defense.
Matchup to Watch: Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III vs. 49ers' Run Defense
The Seahawks are underdogs at home in this NFC West battle, but if they can control the ground game, they can give the 49ers' defense fits. San Francisco spent quite a bit this offseason in an attempt to fix a 28th-ranked run defense from last season (54.6 PFF grade), but that hasn’t paid off yet, as tackling issues continued to plague the unit in the preseason.
That could spell trouble against Kenneth Walker III, who holds the second-highest rate of missed tackles forced per attempt (0.27) since he entered the league in 2022. If he is 100% healthy, Walker will be an X-factor in this contest.
Additional News:
- 49ers promote WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the active roster
- 49ers WR Jauan Jennings returns to practice amid contract standoff
- Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III (foot) a full participant at practice
Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers (-2.5)
Storyline: How the Lions navigate two new play-callers
After winning their second straight NFC North title, the Lions lost two significant leaders to head-coaching jobs: offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Now the task at hand will be to keep the ship afloat with new play-callers on both sides of the ball in offensive coordinator John Morton and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. They will be put to the test right out of the gate in a divisional matchup against the rival Packers on the road.
Matchup to Watch: Lions RT Penei Sewell vs. Packers EDGE Micah Parsons
Former All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler Terron Armstead joined the PFF NFL Show to talk about this high-powered matchup. Penei Sewell, one of the top contenders to win the NFL’s Protector of the Year award, brings a strong profile to the table, with marks above the 90th percentile in all of PFF’s stable pass-blocking metrics.
However, he will have his hands full with the newest Packers’ pass rusher, Micah Parsons. Parsons has been a demon rushing the passer for his entire career. Since 2021, he ranks in the top two in PFF pass-rush grade, pass-rush win rate, pressure rate and pass-rush productivity score.
Additional News:
- Packers EDGE Micah Parsons (back) may need injection to play
- Lions rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa (sickness) expected to play after missing practice
Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Rams (-3)
Storyline: Can Matthew Stafford hold up amid back issue?
Week 1 is only just arriving, and there are already questions surrounding the Rams' leader, Matthew Stafford, who continues to deal with a back injury that held him out of camp. Stafford suffered a bit of a setback last season, ranking 21st in PFF passing grade (73.3). While he’s still highly capable of being a productive NFL passer, his injury will bear monitoring.
Matchup to Watch: Texans LT Aireontae Ersery vs. Rams EDGE Jared Verse
Without Laremy Tunsil in the building, the Texans are turning to second-round rookie Aireontae Ersery to man C.J. Stroud’s blindside. Ersery brings good size and length to the position, which should make him a strong pass protector, as well as quick footwork that will have an impact in the running game. Over his final two seasons at Minnesota, he earned 70.0-plus PFF grades as both a run blocker and a pass protector, which bodes well for his NFL potential.
He will have to be at his best against Jared Verse in Week 1. Verse has established himself as one of the NFL's premier pass rushers, finishing fourth in the league in pressures (77) and sixth in pass-rush win rate (19.6%) last season as a rookie. He’s a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in 2025 and could feast on Ersery’s inexperience.
Additional News:
- Rams QB Matthew Stafford (back) and LT Alaric Jackson (blood clots) expected to start after missing significant time in camp
- Texans WRs Christian Kirk (collarbone) and Braxton Berrios not at practice early in the week
- Texans S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (knee) returns to practice for first time since Aug. 7
Baltimore Ravens (-1) vs. Buffalo Bills
Storyline: AFC divisional round rematch
The first Sunday Night Football contest of the 2025 season features a rematch of one of the most hotly contested games of the 2024 campaign. The Ravens are looking for revenge after their late comeback was dashed due to a dropped two-point conversion by Mark Andrews in the snowy conditions of Buffalo. The Bills hung tough to advance in that game and will aim to take care of business at home again against a Ravens team that is returning most of their key contributors from a year ago.
Matchup to Watch: Ravens RB Derrick Henry vs. Bills' Run Defense
Henry, the winner of the PFF Best Runner Award last season, is accomplishing more past the age of 30 than some backs do in an entire career. His 93.5 PFF rushing grade last season led the NFL, and that included a pair of standout performances against the Bills' defense. In two games against Buffalo, Henry averaged 7.1 yards per carry and notched seven rushes of 15 or more yards, including a massive 199-yard performance in Baltimore last September.
While the Bills' defense features some new faces and young draft picks, Buffalo will have to work to hold Henry down after ranking 27th in PFF run-defense grade (57.9) last season. The unit's 66.6% negatively graded play rate against the run was the third highest in the NFL, pointing to far too many consistent mistakes.
Additional News:
- Ravens TE Isaiah Likely (foot) not expected to play
- Bills dealing with injuries to WR Khalil Shakir (ankle) and CBs Christian Benford (lower leg) and Tre'Davious White
Minnesota Vikings (-1.5) vs. Chicago Bears
Storyline: Ben Johnson makes Bears head-coaching debut
After leading the Lions to back-to-back NFC North titles while orchestrating one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL, Ben Johnson stayed in the division with hopes of revamping the storied Bears franchise. His Bears debut comes on Monday Night Football against a Vikings team that his Lions smashed in a must-win game to close out the regular season, and he will be looking to do it again to start 2025.
However, the Vikings also have a new face leading the charge, with J.J. McCarthy set to make his regular-season NFL debut after suffering a knee injury in the preseason to start his career.
Matchup to Watch: Bears QB Caleb Williams vs. Vikings' Blitz Packages
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has made a name for himself with exotic blitz packages that tie young quarterbacks in knots. Last season, the Vikings sent a blitz on pass plays more than any other team in the NFL (54.8%).
Although Caleb Williams struggled in his rookie campaign, he was at his best when matched against the blitz, particularly when facing the Vikings. During their Week 12 matchup in Chicago last season, Williams went 18-for-24 with 214 yards and three big-time throws on his way to a 92.2 PFF passing grade against the Vikings' blitz.
Additional News:
- Bears CB Jaylon Johnson (groin) hopeful to play Week 1
- Vikings LT Christian Darrisaw (knee) is questionable for Week 1 but nearing return
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