Best Choice Games of the 2025 NFL Season
Which games outside of the Primetime Contests look the most interesting?
Today (Sept. 4) marks the start of the 2025 NFL Season. Many of us will head to our favorite bars, our preferred seats in the living room, or any screen in general to watch the first of many NFL games this year. The Cowboys/Eagles opener won’t only be the first contest of the season - it will be the league’s first Primetime matchup as well.
Primetime games are special in the NFL world - they represent carefully curated matchups that the NFL bigwigs want us to see. Usually, Primetime matches have one or more teams from last year’s playoffs, an intriguing quarterback battle, or some personal stakes with a player facing off against their former ball club. Regardless of the circumstances, Primetime games are special. However, they certainly won’t be the only entertaining games that we’re treated to this NFL season.
The goal of this exercise is to identify some of the games that aren’t Primetime matchups that should still be exciting and fun to watch. For the purposes of this article, a Primetime game is defined as:
A game when NO OTHER game is on national television. This includes Thursday, Friday, Saturday (late season), Sunday, or Monday Night Football matchups
An international game. Although these are generally morning games for the United States audience, they are still technically the only NFL game on television/streaming services at that particular time
A game on a holiday - including the early matchups on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas, etc.
Basically, the games that are in the 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. EST/EDT windows are fair game.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at two or three “Choice” games from each upcoming week this season.
Note: All game times will be listed in EST/EDT times
Week 1 (Thursday, Sept. 4 - Monday, Sept. 8)
Carolina @ Jacksonville, Sunday, 1 p.m.
I’ll try to refrain from letting my Panthers fandom leak into this list too much, but this game has legitimately interesting points. Each team has a former No. 1 overall pick quarterback who has been hit or miss to start their careers. Both the Jags and Panthers also used Top 10 picks in this year’s class to add premium receiving talent. Finally, both Jacksonville and Carolina had horrible defenses last season, Jacksonville being the worst against the pass and Carolina being the worst in general. There are too many similarities for this game to not entertain.
Pittsburgh @ New York Jets, 1 p.m.
The appeal of this contest is obvious - Justin Fields and Aaron Rodgers facing off against their former teams. While the Jets are looking to transition and rewrite their franchise as being more serious, the Steelers and Rodgers are looking for one more season of competitive play. This game could have playoff consequences early for both teams.
Tennessee @ Denver, 4:05 p.m.
If the NFL doesn’t want to market the Number One overall pick from this year’s class, we’ll do it here. Cam Ward’s first game will be a good test of his NFL readiness. He faces a vaunted defense in Denver that led the league in many categories last season. This will also be a good opportunity for Denver to show how much they’ve improved and if they’re ready to be talked about among the AFC’s elite.
Week 2 (Sept. 11 - Sept. 15)
Chicago @ Detroit, 1 p.m.
Week 2 brings Ben Johnson’s return to where he made a name for himself. Will Detroit be able to win without him? This will also be the second division game the Bears will have played, meaning early playoff implications could be on the line.
Philadelphia @ Kansas City, 4:25 p.m.
The allure of this matchup is self-explanatory: a Super Bowl rematch. The Chiefs lost SBLIX in embarrassing fashion and will look to prove that they are better than what we saw last February. For Philly, beating the Chiefs again would indicate that they may be ready to follow in Kansas City’s footsteps and look to repeat as Super Bowl champs.
Week 3 (Sept. 18 - Sept. 22)
Cincinnati @ Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Justin Jefferson vs. Ja’Marr Chase. WR1 vs. WR2. Aside from the hopeful show we get from the star receivers, this game has implications for both teams. Cincinnati has been bogged down by slow starts throughout the entire Zac Taylor era. The Bengals have to win more September games if they want to be in serious playoff contention. For Minnesota, this will be the first big-time passing attack they’ll face. JJ McCarthy will hopefully be more comfortable with the system, as this will likely be a shootout.
Arizona @ San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.
An early division matchup with two of the teams I think have a chance to make the postseason. After a few games, hopefully, more Niners players will be fully healthy following a tumultuous offseason of injuries. On the Cardinals front, we should have enough tape to know whether or not the new defensive additions made a real difference. Facing off against Kyle Shanahan’s offense will be a good test.
Week 4 (Sept. 25 - Sept. 29)
Washington @ Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Battles between second-year quarterbacks will always be fun. Following the success of his rookie season, Jayden Daniels will have a chance to continue to show that he’s the top dog of his draft class. For Michael Penix, his best moments came in the near-comeback against the Commanders last year. A weakened Commanders defense will be a chance for Penix to show that he belongs with the bevy of great QBs that came from the 2024 Draft.
Indianapolis @ Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 p.m.
Another matchup with quarterback questions involved. Daniel Jones will have had three games to this point to stave off Anthony Richardson from making a run at being the starter. In the Rams arena, Matthew Stafford has dealt with a litany of injury concerns throughout the offseason. If the Rams are fully healthy, they should be a strong match against the Colts improved secondary.
Week 5 (Oct. 2 - Oct. 6)
Miami @ Carolina, 1 p.m.
The last two times these teams have met, the Dolphins’ far superior talent and coaching destroyed the Panthers. That may not be the case this season - if the bad vibes leak into the season for Miami and things start slowly, we could see the floor fall out for the Dolphins. A quarter into the season should allow us to see the budding Bryce Young/Tetairoa McMillan connection as well, now that Adam Thielen is a Minnesota Viking.
Houston @ Baltimore, 1 p.m.
A rematch from the 2023 Playoffs and 2024 Season, the Texans have another opportunity to prove that they belong with the upper echelon of AFC teams. So far, the big dogs have given Houston problems, and this matchup may continue that trend. Baltimore might be one of the strongest defensive fronts the new Texans offensive line will face.
Bye Week Teams: Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay, Pittsburgh
Week 6 (Oct. 9 - Oct. 13)
Tennessee @ Las Vegas, 4:05 p.m.
More Cam Ward love from us. This matchup should be fun, featuring the 1st Pick and newly traded/extended QB Geno Smith for Las Vegas. Smith is one of the most fun to watch quarterbacks in the league, paired with the league’s best tight end and No. 6 Overall Pick running back Ashton Jeanty. This game has a lot of the league’s “next-ups.”
Cincinnati @ Green Bay, 4:25 p.m.
While the Bengals hope to build upon a quicker start this season, the Packers may have a different outcome in mind. Now that Green Bay has added Micah Parsons, this might be one of the best chances we get at a shootout this season. The Bengals offensive line will have to be on their Ps and Qs to stop the Packers upgraded pass rush.
New England @ New Orleans, 4:25 p.m.
If starter Spencer Rattler doesn’t show much growth through the first five weeks of the season, this could be the first game in which we see rookie QB Tyler Shough. For New England, this is a good chance to show that the money they spent in free agency was worth it; they need to beat the teams they’re favored against in a convincing fashion.
Bye Week Teams: Houston, Minnesota
Week 7 (Oct. 16 - Oct. 20)
Miami @ Cleveland, 1 p.m.
This game could have legitimate consequences for who ends up with the No. 1 Overall Pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. At this point in the season, there’s also a chance we see one of Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders at quarterback for the Browns. Whoever is throwing the ball will have an advantageous opportunity against a poor Miami secondary.
New Orleans @ Chicago, 1 p.m.
Hopefully, some of the challenges for first-time head coaches Ben Johnson and Kellen Moore will have worn off by the time these two teams play. This could also be a point at which Tyler Shough enters the fray.
Bye Week Teams: Baltimore, Buffalo
Week 8 (Oct. 23 - Oct. 27)
New York Giants @ Philadelphia, 1 p.m.
A divisional matchup between a team with maybe the best offensive line vs. a team with maybe the best defensive line? The Eagles have a chance to extend a hopeful division lead, while the Giants have the opportunity to play spoiler. This could be a point at which we see Jaxson Dart as well.
Dallas @ Denver, 4:25 p.m.
Given Dallas’ recent trade of Micah Parsons to Green Bay, they will likely have to aim to outscore opponents to get wins. This Denver defense will be a fun matchup/test against an offense that will look to be high-powered after adding George Pickens this offseason.
Bye Week Teams: Arizona, Detroit, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle
Week 9 (Oct. 30 - Nov. 3)
Denver @ Houston, 1 p.m.
The Denver defense, headlined by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, against the Houston defense, led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. This game might feature the league’s best and second best defense facing off against each other.
Kansas City @ Buffalo, 4:25 p.m. A Chiefs/Bills matchup doesn’t need much explanation. Every time these teams meet, we’re treated to fireworks. Fresh off winning the MVP award, Josh Allen will look to prove he’s no longer second or third fiddle in the AFC. This is a game that can have serious implications in regard to getting the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff standings.
Bye Week Teams: Cleveland, New York Jets, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay
Week 10 (Nov. 6 - Nov. 10)
New Orleans @ Carolina, 1 p.m.
Last year’s Saints/Panthers contests were drastically different. In Week 1, the Saints put up 47 points, smoking the Panthers in NOLA. The rematch in Week 9 had Bryce Young kneeling the ball for his first win, where the game didn’t end on a scoring play. Both teams should be drastically different this season, and Carolina needs to stack easy wins to take their next step. This will be a good test of whether the Panthers are headed in the right direction, and should show how the Saints are faring in Year One of Kellen Moore.
Baltimore @ Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Two of the best rosters in the NFL, the Vikings and Ravens, are both looking to improve from good regular seasons in 2024. At this point, JJ McCarthy will have had ample time to adjust to league speed. With Jordan Addison back and Adam Thielen in the fold, the Vikings have an impressive trio of weapons to face the Ravens defense. The main caveat to this matchup is that Lamar Jackson rarely loses to NFC teams. Regardless, this should still be a high-scoring affair.
Bye Week Teams: Cincinnati, Dallas, Kansas City, Tennessee
Week 11 (Nov. 13 - Nov. 17)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
Since joining the league, Trevor Lawrence and Justin Herbert have faced off twice. First, the Jaguars smoked the Chargers in the regular season, then in the playoffs, everyone knows what happened. This matchup is bound to be just as exciting. Between the Chargers defense and the new-look Liam Coen Jags offense, this should be a barn-burner.
Seattle @ Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 p.m.
Last season, the Rams and Seahawks tied with 10 wins apiece. Los Angeles won the division tiebreaker and ended up in the playoffs, but the Seahawks weren’t far behind. This year, both teams have major questions/changes regarding the quarterback position. At this point in the season, Sam Darnold should have plenty of reps with his new teammates. The Matthew Stafford questions may not be as clear-cut, but if he’s healthy, this should be a fun one.
Bye Week Teams: Indianapolis, New Orleans
Week 12 (Nov. 20 - Nov. 24)
New England @ Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
One of the most perplexing trends across the league has been the Bengals slow starts in the Zac Taylor era. This was most evident last season, when the hapless Patriots upset the Bengals in Week One. The Bengals need to beat the teams they’re favored against if they want to make the playoffs; the Patriots fall in that category. Hopefully, we get a shootout between two teams that both want to take steps this season.
Philadelphia @ Dallas, 4:25 p.m.
In a few days, everyone will know that the Eagles will host the Cowboys for the season-opener. 11 weeks later, Dallas will host the Super Bowl champs in a rematch in Arlington. If the Cowboys want to be relevant following the Parsons deal, this is almost a must-win game. For the Eagles, they have to stack wins against division rivals to be the first team with back-to-back NFC East titles since the early 2000s.
Bye Week Teams: Denver, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami, Washington
Week 13 (Nov. 27 - Dec. 1)
Arizona @ Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
The Cardinals were my pick to sneak into the 7 seed for the NFC playoffs. For that to happen, they need to stack wins against playoff-caliber teams. Travelling to Tampa Bay provides them with such an opportunity. At this point in the season, Tampa will have worked through any issues with new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard.
Las Vegas @ Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m.
In the past, games against the last-place AFC West Raiders were usually written off as easy. This season, the new-look Raiders have a chance to shock a lot of people, especially in the division. This will be a good chance for Pete Carroll’s crew to show that things are changing in Las Vegas.
Bye Week Teams: None
Week 14 (Dec. 4 - Dec. 8)
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore, 1 p.m.
At Week 14, we’ve officially entered the late-season push for many playoff teams. Throughout the years, the late-season Ravens/Steelers matchups have usually had major playoff implications. For two teams looking to take the division crown, this will be an important contest.
Washington @ Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Another matchup between two quarterbacks from the 2024 Draft Class. Jayden Daniels will be looking to build off of his immaculate rookie season, and JJ McCarthy will have a good idea of the NFL game up to this point. From a team perspective, these are two NFC groups looking to, at a minimum, secure a playoff spot. This could be important for Wild Card standings/tiebreakers.
Cincinnati @ Buffalo, 4:25 p.m.
While we often think of the elite AFC matchups as having two of the Ravens, Chiefs, and Bills, the Cincinnati Bengals have quietly contended with those teams in the Joe Burrow era. This will have to be a shootout for the Bengals, who will look to push for the playoffs this season. A contest between the MVP and someone who’s hoping to be the MVP should give us an all-timer.
Bye Week Teams: Carolina, New England, New York Giants, San Francisco
Week 15 (Dec. 11 - Dec. 15)
Buffalo @ New England, 1 p.m.
At this point, Buffalo will likely have the AFC East crown wrapped up. That doesn’t mean this can’t be a competitive contest. For the Patriots, Drake Maye will be looking to build on the free agents and draft selections added to help this team. If the Patriots can pull off an upset here, it may portend how the division plays out in the future if Drake Maye takes the step.
Green Bay @ Denver, 4:25 p.m.
Two of the best rosters in the NFL will be fighting for division/playoff seeding in this matchup. Up to this point, we will have seen if Micah Parsons has had a significant impact on the Packers’ season prospects. If Denver wants to dethrone Kansas City as the AFC West champions, it’ll have to win tough games. This will be the exact type of test they have to pass.
Week 16 (Dec. 18 - Dec. 22)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Dallas, 1 p.m.
The Kellen Moore Bowl will feature two teams that want to make the playoffs but could be on the outside looking in at this point in the season. With many other teams improving over the offseason, both of these teams need a win in this game. We could end up with a shootout if both Dak Prescott and Justin Herbert are 100% entering this contest.
Atlanta @ Arizona, 4:05 p.m.
While Atlanta seems to be all-in on making the playoffs this season, the deck is pretty stacked against them. If the team wants to achieve the slim chances of getting to the postseason, they’ll likely have to rack up wins late against middle of the pack teams. It’s the same scenario for Arizona - they need to beat the teams they’ll be favored against.
Week 17 (Dec. 25 - Dec. 29)
Baltimore @ Green Bay, TBD:
Technically, we don’t know what time this game will be played. We do have Christmas Day games, Sunday Night, and Monday Night Football games so this likely will be in the early or afternoon windows, but there’s a chance the game could be flexed. Regardless, a matchup between the best player in the league (Lamar Jackson, for those wondering) and a team that could be the favorite for the 1 seed in the NFC should be electric.
Seattle @ Carolina, TBD:
One or both of these teams may not be in the playoff picture at this point in the season. However, I’m a sucker for a revenge game scenario. You could argue that Sam Darnold had the worst stretch of his career in Carolina (and as a Panthers fan, I’d agree). If Darnold can hold off Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe to be the starter at this point in the season, he’ll get a chance to prove Carolina wrong for letting him go.
Philadelphia @ Buffalo, 4:25 p.m.
The only thing missing from the Bills’ resume over the last few seasons has been a Super Bowl berth and win. Beating the reigning champs will go a long way in that regard. Philly is also looking to go back-to-back, and this may be their toughest opponent. Whoever you’re rooting for in this one, there may not be a game with higher stakes.
Week 18 (Jan. 4 - Jan. 5)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver, TBD: Every contest in Week 18 is both TBD on time and date (some games will be on Saturday), AND is a division matchup. If we expect two teams from the AFC West to make the playoffs, this game is likely the decider. This might come down to a defensive slugfest between two of the NFL’s top defenses last season.
Washington @ Philadelphia, TBD: Like the previous game, this game could be the decider between who wins the NFC East. If Jayden Daniels can build off of his rookie season, the Commanders could look to win the division for the first time since they won in 2020 after going 7-9. The Eagles, on the other hand, have the chance to go back-to-back as division champs for the first time since they did it in 2001-2004.
Arizona @ Los Angeles Rams, TBD: With how open the NFC West is, this contest and the Niners/Seahawks Week 18 game could decide the division. If the Rams are fully healthy at this point in the season, they’ll be a tough team to beat. However, the Cardinals also could have the opportunity to make it as a Wild Card team. There will be a lot at stake in this one.
Cleveland @ Cincinnati, TBD: Finally, we make it to the last game on the list. While I don’t expect there to be equal stakes in this matchup, this game could mean a lot to the Bengals. For a team that probably has to make the playoffs in order for the current regime to have job security, this is a must-win. On the other hand, Cleveland has the opportunity to play spoiler. They will also likely have the opportunity to secure better draft positioning for 2026. While it’s a win-win for the Browns, Bengals fans might be sweating during this one.