Week 1 of the NFL season always brings its share of surprises, but this year’s matchups are especially intriguing when viewed through the lens of the 2024 standings. Last season revealed vulnerabilities in some long-standing contenders while spotlighting the ascent of emerging teams.
Several opening-week games feature divisional rivals or top-finishing squads facing off in matchups that could shape early momentum. The 2024 standings do more than set expectations—they offer a strategic framework for identifying which Week 1 games are likely to be the most challenging.
Division Leaders with Something to Prove
Several teams that finished atop their divisions now face immediate pressure to validate last year’s success. These opening games feature matchups that are more than just competitive—they’re shaping up to be statements of intent.
Dallas at Philadelphia
The Eagles dominated the NFC East in 2024, finishing with a 14–3 record and one of the league’s most balanced rosters. Despite their talent, they closed the season on a quieter note, which makes their Week 1 matchup against Dallas especially high-stakes.
The Cowboys, though eliminated from playoff contention last year, were competitive in stretches and have retooled key areas. Beating the defending division champions on the road would be a massive early-season statement. Philadelphia, meanwhile, must avoid an opening stumble that could plant early seeds of doubt about their staying power atop the NFC.
Baltimore at Buffalo
A heavyweight battle between the Ravens, the top seed in the AFC North last year, and the Bills, who quietly managed a 13-win season, has clear playoff implications. Baltimore had a dominant point differential and a league-best 12 wins but dropped their final regular-season game.
Buffalo, meanwhile, ended the year strong and continues to be one of the toughest teams to beat at home. They’ve also earned early attention from analysts and betting platforms alike. According to FanDuel Research, this matchup ranks among the most anticipated Week 1 games due to the playoff potential of both squads and the high probability of it being decided by one possession.
If they can slow Lamar Jackson and hold serve in Orchard Park, Buffalo could begin shifting early AFC power rankings.
Matchups Built on Last Season’s Momentum Swings
Some teams were trending sharply in either direction at the end of 2024. Week 1 games featuring these clubs could either extend their respective trajectories or end them prematurely.
Kansas City at Los Angeles
Kansas City finished 2024 with the best record in the league, losing only twice all season. Their defense tightened up down the stretch, and their offense remained efficient. They open the new year against a Chargers team that ended last season with an 11–6 record and one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.
This matchup, played in Brazil will test how well the Chargers’ momentum carries into 2025. They’re looking to unseat the Chiefs in the AFC West and won’t get a better chance to do so than this.
Detroit at Green Bay
In 2024, Detroit captured the NFC North with a 15–2 record, showing dominance at home and consistency on the road. Meanwhile, Green Bay made the playoffs with a solid 11-win campaign, despite going just 1–5 in divisional games.
This Week 1 rematch is more than rivalry, it’s a chance to redefine momentum in the NFC North. Reviewing the NFL standings 2024, it’s clear that Detroit’s defensive gains and red-zone efficiency set them apart, while Green Bay’s struggles against familiar opponents limited their ceiling. A win here would not only erase some of that narrative but also mark a pivotal shift in early-season perception.
Now, the Packers are seeking redemption. Hosting the division winner in Week 1 gives them a golden opportunity to reset the NFC North hierarchy. Detroit must prove its historic 2024 wasn’t a fluke, while Green Bay must avoid digging an early hole in the standings again.
Divisional Games With Shifting Power Dynamics
The most tactically significant matchups often come from within divisions, where familiarity breeds both contempt and chess-like game planning. These Week 1 divisional games are set up to test new and old rivalries alike.
Cincinnati at Cleveland
Despite a late-season surge, Cincinnati finished 2024 third in the AFC North with a 9–8 record. Cleveland, meanwhile, limped to a 3–14 finish and had one of the league’s worst point differentials.
However, the Browns did manage to beat divisional opponents late in the year, and their rebuild appears to be entering a new phase. The Bengals, coming off five straight wins to end 2024, will want to assert their dominance early. Dropping a divisional game to last year’s bottom team would raise immediate concerns about their playoff hopes.
Tampa Bay at Atlanta
The NFC South was weak overall, but Tampa Bay still emerged with a 10–7 record and a +117 point differential. Their defense led the way, especially in divisional play. They start 2025 against Atlanta, who finished 8–9 but showed promise on offense in the second half of the season.
Atlanta has the tools to challenge for the division if they can start fast. Week 1 presents a test of whether the Buccaneers’ defensive dominance will continue or whether the Falcons have finally found the formula to flip the rivalry.
Underrated Openers That Could Shape Mid-Tier Teams
Some Week 1 matchups won’t draw headlines but may still impact how the middle tier of the league shakes out. These are the teams looking to climb into wildcard contention.
Miami at Indianapolis
Both teams had 8–9 records last season and struggled with inconsistency. Miami was especially volatile on the road, while Indianapolis had difficulty in close games. Their Week 1 showdown is a true coin flip—and a loss could set either team back several weeks in a competitive AFC.
For the Dolphins, it’s a test of whether their offensive scheme can adapt against physical defenses. For the Colts, it’s about execution and minimizing mistakes. In a year where both teams could finish 9–8 or 10–7, this early result may break a tie come December.
Pittsburgh at New York
The Steelers finished with 10 wins, but a late-season losing streak highlighted their offensive limitations. New York Jets, with a top-tier defense, ended last season at 5-12. Both clubs are fighting to be more than just fringe playoff teams in 2025.
Momentum Starts Here
As the 2025 NFL season kicks off, Week 1 offers more than just a fresh start—it sets the tone for contenders and hopefuls alike. With division champions eager to prove last year was no fluke and rising teams looking to make an early statement, every matchup carries weight.
