NFL Kickoff 2025: Eagles to Host Cowboys in High-Stakes Rivalry

The NFL season is set to ignite on Thursday, September 4th, 2025, with a clash of titans as the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles host their arch-rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. This highly anticipated matchup, to be broadcast on NBC’s "Sunday Night Football" package, promises a thrilling start to the new season. While the full 2025 NFL schedule will be unveiled on Wednesday, the league has strategically released this marquee game to generate early excitement and anticipation.

The choice of the Eagles as the host team aligns with a long-standing tradition. Since 2004, the Super Bowl champions have been granted the honor of hosting the season opener 20 times. The only deviation from this pattern occurred in 2018 when the league commemorated its 100th season with a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears, two of the NFL’s most historic rivals.

The selection of the Dallas Cowboys as the Eagles’ opponent stems from a combination of factors, primarily centered around the Cowboys’ immense popularity and their proven ability to draw significant viewership. Despite a disappointing 7-10 season in 2024, the Cowboys boasted the second-highest national TV viewership figures, according to Sportico. This impressive feat underscores the enduring appeal of "America’s Team," even in the face of adversity. The Detroit Lions, who finished with a league-best 15-2 record, were the only team to surpass the Cowboys in viewership.

The NFL is banking on the Cowboys’ national appeal to boost television ratings for the kickoff game. However, beyond mere viewership numbers, the Cowboys bring several compelling storylines to the table, making them an intriguing choice for this high-profile contest.

One of the most significant changes for the Cowboys heading into the 2025 season is the appointment of Brian Schottenheimer as the team’s new head coach, replacing Mike McCarthy. Schottenheimer’s arrival represents a fresh start for the Cowboys, and the season opener against the Eagles will serve as his first opportunity to showcase his coaching prowess on a national stage. Given that Schottenheimer was not widely considered a top coaching candidate during the offseason, this game provides him with a unique opportunity to validate Jerry Jones’s decision to promote him.

The return of quarterback Dak Prescott from a season-ending hamstring injury adds another layer of intrigue to the Cowboys’ narrative. Prescott, who posted a career-worst passer rating of 86 before his injury, will be eager to prove that he can return to his previous form. In 2023, Prescott was a strong contender for the NFL MVP award, ultimately finishing as the runner-up to Lamar Jackson. Cowboys fans will be closely monitoring Prescott’s performance in the season opener to gauge his readiness and assess his ability to lead the team back to contention.

Prescott will also have a revamped arsenal of offensive weapons at his disposal. The Cowboys made a significant move in the offseason by trading for wide receiver George Pickens, who is expected to become the team’s primary receiving threat alongside CeeDee Lamb. The addition of Pickens could significantly boost the Cowboys’ passing attack, and fans will be eager to see how quickly he can develop chemistry with Prescott.

The Cowboys’ running game has also undergone a complete transformation. The team has added Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, Jaydon Blue, and Phil Mafah to their backfield, creating a crowded and competitive situation. Deuce Vaughn is the only holdover running back from the previous season. The pecking order in the Cowboys’ backfield will be a key storyline to watch in Week 1, as the team looks to establish a consistent and effective rushing attack.

In addition to the on-field changes, the Cowboys’ rivalry with the Eagles adds further spice to the season opener. The two teams have a long and storied history, marked by intense competition and memorable moments. This rivalry is consistently a marquee matchup for the NFL.

Despite the Cowboys’ intriguing storylines and national appeal, the Eagles are favored to win the season opener. The reigning Super Bowl champions have a strong track record in the NFL Kickoff Game, posting a 15-5 record since 2004. Furthermore, the Eagles will have the advantage of playing on their home field, where they are known for their passionate and supportive fan base.

However, the Eagles are not without their challenges. The team has experienced significant roster turnover, particularly on defense. Key players such as Milton Williams and Josh Sweat have departed in free agency, while veteran cornerback Darius Slay has been released and star safety CJ Gardner-Johnson has been traded. Replacing these departed talents will require several players to step up into new roles, which takes time.

While Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has done a commendable job of replenishing the team’s talent pool, it may take time for the new players to fully integrate into the system and develop the necessary chemistry. This potential lack of cohesion could allow the Cowboys to remain competitive in the game.

The Cowboys also face their own set of challenges. Prescott may experience some rust in Week 1 as he returns from his injury, and Pickens will be working to establish a rapport with his new quarterback. These factors could hinder the Cowboys’ offensive performance, particularly in the early stages of the game.

Nevertheless, the Eagles’ offensive continuity could prove to be the deciding factor. The team returns 10 of 11 starters from last season’s high-powered offense, including quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley. If Hurts and Barkley can maintain their consistent performance, the Eagles should be able to overcome the Cowboys’ challenges and emerge victorious in the season opener.

While the Cowboys may be a formidable opponent, the Eagles’ experience, home-field advantage, and offensive firepower make them the favorites to kick off the 2025 NFL season with a win. However, the Cowboys’ storylines, national appeal, and potential for improvement ensure that this game will be a must-watch for football fans across the country.