By Sunday 
Two NFC powerhouses. One electric kickoff. Football fans want this heavyweight battle to launch the NFL season.
The Matchup Fans (and Players) Are Craving
There’s electricity buzzing in the air, and we’re still weeks away from the official NFL schedule release. But if you ask Detroit Lions fans—or their star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown—they’ve already circled the game they want to see under the bright lights of opening night.
The 2025 season can’t start soon enough, especially with the Lions slated to face the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. This clash of NFC giants has already been ranked the second most anticipated game of the entire NFL slate—trailing only the AFC Championship rematch between the Chiefs and Bills.
And here’s the kicker: St. Brown wants this showdown to open the season.
“I Want It” — Amon-Ra’s Opening Night Pitch
On his podcast, Amon-Ra didn’t hold back. He made it loud and clear that he’s all in on facing the Eagles to kick off the season.
“Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown has already stumped for this game to be the season opener,” wrote NFL.com’s Kevin Patra, who captured the buzz perfectly. Fans, it seems, are right there with him.
Given that the Eagles, as Super Bowl champs, traditionally host the NFL’s first game of the season—and the Lions played in that slot just two years ago—the stars might be aligning.
Why This Game Has Everyone Talking
Let’s rewind to last year. The Lions and Eagles were the top two teams in the NFC for much of the 2024 regular season. Detroit had swagger, energy, and a division title. Philly had dominance—and, eventually, the Lombardi Trophy.
But here’s the thing: we never got to see them clash in the postseason.
“It’s the matchup we didn’t get last postseason,” Patra noted. “The Lions and the Eagles were the clear-cut two best NFC clubs during the regular season.”
Now, with both teams retooled but still led by their core stars—Jared Goff and Amon-Ra on one side, Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts on the other—this has all the makings of a classic.
New Faces, Same Fire
Sure, the offseason brought change. Detroit lost both its coordinators. Philly parted ways with its offensive coordinator and several defensive anchors. But that’s life in the NFL. What matters is who’s suiting up when the whistle blows.
And with Goff slinging darts and Barkley ready to tear through defenses, fans are expecting fireworks.
“Regardless of where on the calendar it falls, we should be in for a heavyweight bout,” Patra predicted. Couldn’t have said it better.
The Big Picture
While fans count down to the schedule release, excitement around the Lions isn’t limited to just one matchup. The draft, trades, and big-name signings—like safety Kerby Joseph’s record-breaking extension—have kept Detroit in the headlines.
Still, it’s the potential Eagles opener that has hearts pounding.
It’s not just a game—it’s a statement. And whether it kicks off the season or drops later on, this clash will be can’t-miss football.
But come on, NFL—give the people (and Amon-Ra) what they want.