The major happenings of the 2025 NFL offseason are now behind us, and with free agency, the draft, and schedule releases completed, the real football season is just around the corner. All 32 NFL teams are conducting Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this spring, hosting essential mini camps, and preparing for the upcoming summer training camps, which lead into a fall season filled with exciting games.
The reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, are still basking in their recent victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, especially after a key successful Tash push play. Although the owner meetings were tense, the league is gearing up to compete for the title. On Tuesday, exactly 100 days remain until the start of the 2025 season on September 4, when the Eagles will face off against the Dallas Cowboys in a prime-time opener.
To celebrate the approaching season, here are 100 essential facts, predictions, and key storylines to know, including odds for the next Super Bowl winner.
Key NFL season facts:
1. The 2025 NFL season marks the 106th year in league history.
2. The opening game features the Philadelphia Eagles versus the Dallas Cowboys on September 4, broadcast on NBC at 8:20 pm.
3. On September 5, the Kansas City Chiefs will play the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, as part of the NFL’s Second Annual South American Showcase.
4. This Brazil game will be exclusively streamed on the NFL’s official YouTube channel.
5. Six more international games are scheduled across Ireland, England, Germany, and Spain with matchups like Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings in Dublin and Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Commanders in Madrid.
6. Super Bowl LX is set for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Top Super Bowl contenders according to FanDuel Sportsbook include the Eagles (+650), Buffalo Bills (+750), Baltimore Ravens (+750), and Kansas City Chiefs (+800), among others, with several teams showing strong playoff pedigrees and promising rosters.
Leading MVP candidates from DraftKings Sportsbook include Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and Jayden Daniels.
Several familiar faces will be coaching new teams this season:
– Ben Johnson is now the Chicago Bears’ head coach.
– Liam Cohen takes charge of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
– Pete Carroll returns as the Las Vegas Raiders head coach.
– Mike Vrabel moves to the New England Patriots.
– Kellen Moore is coaching the New Orleans Saints.
– Aaron Glenn leads the New York Jets.
– Brian Schottenheimer has been promoted to head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Veteran player signings feature significant moves such as Sam Darnold to the Seahawks, Justin Fields to the Jets, and Russell Wilson to the Giants, alongside notable wide receiver and defensive player transfers.
Some major trades include:
– Geno Smith joining the Raiders to reunite with Pete Carroll.
– DK Metcalf moving to the Steelers.
– George Pickens heading to the Cowboys.
– DeVonta Smith and Ramik Tunsil bolstering the Washington Commanders.
– Joe Thuney transferring to the Bears.
Top draft picks spotlight:
– Caleb Ward, taken first overall by the Titans, expected to start immediately.
– Travis Hunter was selected second by the Jaguars.
– Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart were top picks for the Giants.
– Jaron Walker and James Pierce Jr. were first-round picks for the Falcons.
– Finally, Shedale Sanders, son of NFL great Deion Sanders, was picked by the Browns in the fifth round.
Important storylines include:
– Whether the Chiefs will be dethroned after their recent vulnerabilities.
– The pressure on AFC stars like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow to challenge Kansas City.
– The uncertain future of Aaron Rodgers.
– Washington Commanders’ potential under young quarterback Jayden Daniels.
– The competitiveness of the NFC North division in 2025.
Must-watch games this season highlight key matchups such as Eagles vs. Cowboys in Week 1, Jets vs. Steelers, Chiefs vs. Eagles, and several thrilling contests throughout the season.
Rule changes for 2025:
– The Tash push quarterback sneak remains legal following a contested vote.
– Kickoff touchbacks now place the ball at the 35-yard line instead of the 30.
– Overtime guarantees at least one possession for each team.
– Teams warned for infractions can attempt onside kicks anytime.
– Virtual tracking systems will primarily measure downs and distance, supplemented by traditional chain crews.
Crucial questions facing teams this season range from the development of young quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr. and Caleb Williams, to the durability of the 49ers, and whether the Jets’ culture can stabilize under Aaron Glenn.
Early season predictions include:
– The Patriots overtaking the Dolphins and Jets in the AFC East.
– Jaguars rising under Liam Cohen and Texans flying high in the AFC South.
– The Buccaneers defending their NFC South title.
– The 49ers rebounding to win the NFC West.
– The competitiveness of the AFC West, with all rivals winning games against the Chiefs.
Additional notes:
– Teams in the AFC East and NFC West will wear new rival-themed jerseys for selected home games.
– Two holiday tripleheaders will feature on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
– A second Black Friday game will be aired on Prime Video featuring the Eagles.
– JJ Watt joins CBS as the new No. 2 color analyst.
– Fans are encouraged to keep an eye on emerging NFL stars in 2025.
Fan Take: This comprehensive overview of the 2025 NFL season highlights key players, coaches, and storylines that will shape the league’s future. For fans, these developments promise an electrifying season full of thrilling games, emerging talents, and dynamic team battles that could redefine the NFL landscape.
