NEW ORLEANS -- Philadelphia is back on top of the football world for the second time in team history.
The Eagles ended Kansas City's three-peat bid with a dominating 40-22 demolition of the defending Super Bowl champs. Philly smothered Patrick Mahomes and blitzed past Steve Spagnuolo's defense in resounding fashion. It was the type of dominant Super Bowl that harkened back to the '90s destructions of yesteryear.
Avenging their Super Bowl LVII loss to K.C. in blowout fashion, the Eagles' victory means the 2025 campaign is set to kick off at Lincoln Financial Field. It's never too early to consider who Philadelphia might face in the September opener.
For the 2025 season, Philly will host the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Rams.
Let's take a look at our top four potential matchups to kick off 2025:
Detroit Lions
The NFC matchup we didn't get to see in the 2024 postseason after the Lions' disastrous loss to the Washington Commanders. Even losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Detroit should still boast an explosive offense led by Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Facing the Eagles' No. 1 passing defense would make for an intriguing opening-game matchup. We saw how Vic Fangio suffocated the Chiefs. Could Philly do the same to the high-powered Lions, who have a better offensive line? Detroit's deteriorated defense should be getting back several key starters, including star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, which would make a dynamite clash against the best offensive line in football. Dan Campbell's Lions have done big numbers viewership-wise, including two years ago in the Kickoff Game versus Kansas City. Does the NFL want Detroit in the opener twice in three years, or would it instead save a matchup between the top two teams in the conference for a late-season prime-time bout?
Los Angeles Rams
This matchup would likely hinge on what the Rams do this offseason, specifically whether Matthew Stafford remains Sean McVay's quarterback. If L.A. reboots the QB position, it might be too risky a proposition for a prime-time opener. Stafford and the Rams gave the eventual Super Bowl champs a handful in the Divisional Round, with the snow game coming down to the final drive. L.A.'s young defense of developing stars, including Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, would step into the limelight in a season-opener. And, of course, the NFL could spend the offseason showcasing Saquon Barkley's massive dashes against Los Angeles to hype the game.
Washington Commanders
We know the NFL likes to save division matchups for later in the season, but given the dearth of great options, perhaps the league would make an exception for the upstart Jayden Daniels-led Commanders. Washington is far ahead in its rebuild, thanks to the burgeoning quarterback. Giving Daniels the opening night spotlight would cement the NFL's confidence he'll continue to grow into the next superstar signal-caller. It'd also speak to the league's faith that the Commanders weren't a one-off. Placing the division game in the opener would help the rivalry with Philly continue to grow. The ugliness of the NFC Championship Game, however, could provide pause. Washington adding ancillary pieces to the puzzle this offseason -- Myles Garrett, anyone? -- could deliver even more spice to the NFC East bout.
Denver Broncos
Two years ago, the NFL trusted a young, up-and-coming Lions with the opening game against the Super Bowl champion Chiefs. It worked out splendidly. The league could take a similar path with the Bo Nix-led Broncos. Sean Payton's squad took a step forward with Denver's first playoff berth in nine seasons. The Broncos are an underrated up-and-coming squad. They boast an excellent defense, led by Defensive Player of the Year winner Patrick Surtain, Zach Allen, Nik Bonitto, etc. A rising offense under Nix has the potential to explode next season with the right parts. We also can't go wrong with Sean Payton on opening night.
