By Sunday 
A Prime-Time Showdown Awaits
As is tradition, the reigning Super Bowl champions will open the NFL season with a Thursday night showdown. This year, the Philadelphia Eagles will have the honor of hosting the 2025 season opener, and all signs suggest that the Detroit Lions will be their opponent.
The matchup makes sense on multiple levels. Detroit has established itself as a rising powerhouse, proving they belong in marquee games. Their 2023 season opener, a stunning win over the Kansas City Chiefs, sent a clear message that these aren’t the “Same Old Lions.” Now, the NFL may be looking to give them another high-profile spotlight against the defending champs.
The Game Fans Missed Last Season
Many analysts, including Kevin Patra of NFL.com, believe this potential matchup carries added intrigue because of what didn’t happen last season. The Lions were expected to face the Eagles in the NFC playoffs, but their shocking loss to the Washington Commanders ended those hopes prematurely. Now, this game could serve as a long-overdue showdown between two of the conference’s top contenders.
Patra highlighted the matchup’s appeal, noting that even with the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the Lions still have a dynamic offense led by Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Facing the Eagles’ formidable defense under Vic Fangio would set the stage for a compelling battle.
Lions Are a Ratings Juggernaut
The NFL is always looking to maximize viewership, and the Lions bring serious star power. According to Anthony Crupi of Sportico, Detroit was the most-watched team during the 2024 regular season, averaging 22.6 million viewers per game—more than even the Dallas Cowboys.
Their postseason presence only added to their appeal. Detroit’s playoff loss to Washington was one of the most-watched divisional-round games ever on FOX. With their ability to draw national attention, pairing them with the Eagles in a high-stakes opener seems like a no-brainer for the league.
A Potential NFC Championship Preview?
The 2025 opener won’t just be about entertainment—it could also be an early preview of the NFC’s best. The Eagles and Lions are widely seen as the top teams in the conference, and a head-to-head battle right out of the gate could set the tone for the season.
While the official schedule won’t be released until May, all indications suggest that Detroit will be making a trip to Philadelphia for one of the most highly anticipated season openers in recent memory. If that’s the case, NFL fans are in for a thrilling start to 2025.