The NFL preseason allows teams to experiment with what works and discard what doesn’t. For roster hopefuls, it provides a chance to make a name and hang on with their teams. The league condensed its preseason schedule to three weeks in 2021 after adding a 17th regular-season game for each team.
The NFL’s roster cutdown day is Tuesday. Each team must trim its roster from 90 players to 53. As they prepare to make those tough choices, will there be any other opportunities for auditions?
Are There Any NFL Preseason Games on Aug. 24?
No, the NFL preseason concluded with Saturday’s slate of 10 contests. Now that the exhibition portion of the schedule is complete, there are plenty of storylines to watch as the regular season approaches.
Defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles Open Season Against Dallas Cowboys
The season kicks off Thursday, Sept. 4, when Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and the Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys, now under Brian Schottenheimer’s direction. While Nick Sirianni’s team brings back much of its core, the Cowboys added George Pickens via an offseason trade.
The Cowboys will hope the at-times disgruntled former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver draws some of the attention away from CeeDee Lamb and provides another strong target for Dak Prescott. Still, the Micah Parsons situation looms over the franchise.
Aaron Rodgers Faces Off Against Former Team to Start New Chapter
The New York Jets moved on from Aaron Rodgers this offseason, then signed Justin Fields away from the Pittsburgh Steelers as his replacement. Rodgers waited before ultimately joining Mike Tomlin’s squad for his 21st NFL season.
For Rodgers, it will be an immediate chance at revenge against the Jets. His two-year stint with the team fell short of expectations. It will also mark the first time he takes the field in black and gold, making for an intriguing storyline.
Lamar Jackson Takes on Josh Allen in AFC Divisional Playoff Rematch
Jackson and Allen were arguably the league’s top two quarterbacks last season, with Allen winning the Associated Press MVP award over Jackson. The Ravens quarterback may have felt slighted, given that he held the edge in several statistical categories.
With the two facing off right away, especially in primetime on Sunday night, plenty of eyes will be watching.
There are several other exciting matchups in Week 1 of the 2025 season, including Ravens vs. Bills, a rematch of the 2024 AFC divisional round, on Sept. 7; Chiefs vs. Chargers in Brazil on Sept. 5; and Vikings at Bears on Sept. 8.
Full Schedule for Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Regular Season
- Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m., Thursday, September 4
- Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers (Sao Paulo, Brazil), 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 5
- Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets, 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 7
- New York Giants at Washington Commanders, 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 7
- Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints, 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 7
- Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 7
- Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts, 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 7
- Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 7
- Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 7
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 7
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m., Sunday, September 7
- Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos, 4:05 p.m., Sunday, September 7
- Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers, 4:25 p.m., Sunday, September 7
- Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams, 4:25 p.m., Sunday, September 7
- Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills, 8:20 p.m., Sunday, September 7
- Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears, 8:15 p.m., Monday, September 8
