All 16 NFL Week 1 games, ranked by watchability after schedule release

We now know the full 2025 NFL schedule.

Which means it is time to start planning your viewing schedule for Week 1.

By the time the first week of games rolls around, you are going to be so excited to see football again that you will probably watch every minute you can. But to turn a phrase from Animal Farm, while all games are good some games on this slate are “more good” than others.

Yes that is some rough phrasing but work with me here.

If you cannot see every minute of action in Week 1, you’re in luck. We’ve ranked the games by watchability, to help you plan your opening week viewing slate.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets

You almost get the feeling NFC schedule makers are betting Aaron Rodgers signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers, which would make this the rare “double-revenge game.” As it stands, we have Justin Fields taking on his former team as the newly minted starting QB in New York. But if you add Rodgers to this game, it probably moves up a few spots on this list.

15. Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots

Yes, the Patriots fan in me is getting cautiously optimistic after the offseason we have seen in New England, so I will be glued to the TV for this one. But for average fans, there are a few better options in the early window on the first Sunday of the season.

14. Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts

Yes, Tua Tagovailoa versus Anthony Richardson and/or Daniel Jones is technically a “better option” than the previous game.

13. Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns

With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins back in the fold, Joe Burrow has his two favorite receivers in the huddle with him as the season begins.

However, will be in the huddle as the starting quarterback for the Browns is a fascinating question.

12. Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos

According to FanDuel, this game has the biggest spread of the week right now, with the Broncos favored by seven. Still, Cam Ward’s expected debut is a reason to at least flip to this game at certain points. Not sure it would merit being one of the four games in your early window quadbox, however.

11. New York Giants at Washington Commanders

This game is the other contest with a big spread, as the Commanders are also seven-point favorites. Unless Jaxson Dart somehow earns the starting job during training camp, this is Russell Wilson’s show to start the season.

If, however, Jameis Winston is named the starting quarterback in New York, move this game up a few spots for the chaos factor.

10. Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints

Between Conclave, Pope Leo XIV, and now Cardinals vs. Saints in Week 1, a huge year for the Vatican.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons

This might be a fun game to watch, as both defenses are looking to take a step forward this year, which could turn this contest into a shootout. Plus, Baker Mayfield versus Michael Penix Jr. kicks the fun factor up a notch.

8. Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars

At first blush, this might be a game to skip, but this will be Travis Hunter Jr.’s NFL debut, so seeing how the Jaguars truly use the two-way standout is going to be worth keeping an eye on.

And depending on how much he plays on the defensive side of the ball, we could see some snaps where he is aligned across from Panthers rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan.

Add in the hope for a “year three leap” from Bryce Young, and you have a game certainly worth a spot in your quad box in the early window.

7. San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks

Brock Purdy versus Sam Darnold!

Brock Purdy versus Sam Darnold.

6. Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

Expectations are creeping higher in Chicago with the arrival of Ben Johnson, combined with the moves the Bears have made this offseason.

Plus, we might get the debut of J.J. McCarthy under center for the Vikings.

Not a bad way to close out the first week of the season.

5. Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams

Both the Texans and the Rams have big dreams heading into 2025. Both teams made a stop in the Divisional Round last season, with the Rams losing to the Eagles and the Texans losing to the Chiefs. Squaring off against each other in Week 1 is a great way to see just where they stand as the year begins.

4. Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

On paper, this might not be the best matchup of the week — as the Eagles are favored by 6.5 according to FanDuel — but it is the first game of the season, and the Eagles are going to raise a banner. That gives this contest some extra viewing points.

3. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers (São Paulo, Brazil)

As we saw last season, Week 1 continues on Friday with a game in Brazil. This year, the Los Angeles Chargers will take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Sao Paulo. Can the Chiefs bounce back after a tough loss in the Super Bowl? Is this the year the Chargers live up to preseason expectations? Lots of fun storylines to follow.

Plus, we might get footage of Boltman’s travels in Brazil. For example, will he stop by Carnival?

Bernd Buchmasser

2. Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers

Two storied NFC North rivals. Lambeau Field. Dan Campbell versus Matt LaFleur. The return of Aidan Hutchinson. Jared Goff versus Jordan Love.

Lots of fun storylines in this one.

1. Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills.

Not only is this a rematch of a thrilling AFC Divisional Round game from last season, but it also features two of the premier quarterbacks in the game with Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, the two most recent MVP selections. A perfect way to close out the first Sunday of the 2025 NFL season on Sunday Night Football.