The 2025 NFL season kicks off with fireworks as the Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys in a Week 1 primetime showdown at Lincoln Financial Field. With Philadelphia celebrating their Super Bowl LIX title and Dallas entering a new era under head coach Brian Schottenheimer, this opener promises both drama and intensity.
Match Preview
Eagles: Banner Night and Big Expectations
The Eagles will raise their championship banner before kickoff, setting the stage for another title defense. Quarterback Jalen Hurts returns with a stacked offense featuring Saquon Barkley, last season’s Offensive Player of the Year. Philadelphia’s goal? To prove they remain the team to beat in the NFC.
Cowboys: A New Beginning
Dallas enters the season with plenty of changes. Star defender Micah Parsons is gone following a blockbuster trade, and Schottenheimer now leads the team after a disappointing 2024 campaign. Dak Prescott will lean heavily on CeeDee Lamb and newcomer George Pickens to test Philadelphia’s secondary.
Key Storylines to Watch
• Barkley vs Dallas Run Defense: Expect the Eagles to lean on their star RB early and often.
• Prescott’s Connection with Pickens: A new weapon for Dallas could be the X-factor.
• Rivalry Heat: These teams have one of the fiercest rivalries in football, and the Eagles currently hold the upper hand after a dominant 41–7 win last December.
Predictions
Oddsmakers have Philadelphia favored by around 8.5 points, and most analysts expect a comfortable win for the champs.
• Predicted Score: Eagles 31 – Cowboys 20
• MVP Candidate: Saquon Barkley, with a big night on the ground.
• X-Factor: Philadelphia’s defense against Dallas’s retooled passing attack.
Bottom line: the Eagles look primed to start their title defense strong, while the Cowboys may need time to adjust under their new regime.
How to Watch
• Date & Time: Thursday, September 4, 2025 — 8:20 p.m. ET
• Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
TV & Streaming
• NBC (national broadcast)
• Peacock (streaming)
• NFL+ (mobile and tablet streaming)
Local Coverage
• Philadelphia: NBC10 and SportsRadio 94WIP (Merrill Reese & Mike Quick)
• Dallas/Fort Worth: NBC 5 DFW, KRLD-FM 105.3 The Fan (English), KVMK-FM 107.5 La Grande (Spanish)
National Radio
• Westwood One (Kevin Harlan & Ross Tucker)
• Compass Media
Final Thoughts
The Eagles-Cowboys rivalry is always must-watch, but with Philadelphia unveiling their Super Bowl banner and Dallas beginning a new chapter, this one feels extra special. Expect fireworks, emotion, and plenty of storylines to kick off the NFL season.
