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Could Detroit Be Snubbed from the 2025 NFL Opener?
Heading into the offseason, many assumed the Detroit Lions would be the obvious choice to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2025 NFL season opener. The storyline made perfect sense: the Eagles just won the Super Bowl, and the Lions, fresh off a strong season, would be a marquee opponent for the league’s first game of the year.
However, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter, that may not be the case. Instead, he believes another NFC North team—the Chicago Bears—could get the primetime spotlight.
Schefter’s Bold Prediction
On “The Adam Schefter Podcast,” the veteran NFL analyst shared his thoughts on the potential season opener.
“I can totally see it now. Ben Johnson’s first game in Philadelphia,” Schefter said, as quoted by the Detroit Free Press. “Bears looking to make a comeback. It’s not the marquee matchup that you’re giving away early on when you’re gonna get the ratings anyway with the Lions or the Rams. But it’s a compelling enough matchup that everybody would be excited to see it.”
Schefter even went so far as to call his shot:
“My guess right now, guess, is Bears at Eagles in the opener. I’m calling my shot right now.”
Why the Bears?
The Bears recently hired former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their head coach, and they’re hoping he can unlock the potential of second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. That coaching storyline, combined with Chicago’s effort to rebuild after years of struggles, could make for an interesting season-opening narrative.
However, as Schefter acknowledged, this isn’t necessarily the blockbuster matchup fans were expecting. While Bears vs. Eagles would still draw attention, a showdown between Detroit and Philadelphia would carry much more weight, especially after how both teams performed last season.
What This Means for the Lions
If the Lions don’t get the season-opening spotlight, it’s highly likely they’ll still face the Eagles in a primetime game later in the year. Amon-Ra St. Brown has already expressed his desire for the matchup, and with both teams expected to be contenders, the NFL won’t miss the opportunity to showcase them under the bright lights.
Schefter even hinted at this possibility:
“I also could see the league saving that game for one of its primetime, sweet ratings weeks where they need to get the big numbers,” he said.
The Final Word
While Schefter’s prediction is worth considering, it’s far from a guarantee. The Lions remain one of the most exciting teams in the league, and a matchup against the reigning champions in the season opener still makes a lot of sense.
The Eagles may have hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, but fans are eager to see what a fully healthy Lions team could do against them. Until the official schedule drops, Detroit fans can keep holding out hope that their team gets the spotlight it deserves.