NFL 2025 Season Kicks Off with Controversy, Comebacks, and Global Expansion

Season Launch and Opening Drama

The 106th NFL season is underway, with the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles defeating the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL Kickoff Game on September 4, 2025. The game was marked by controversy as Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter received a one-game suspension for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, though the suspension was considered served due to his early ejection.

Week 1 Highlights

The Buffalo Bills made a spectacular start to their 2025 campaign, mounting an impressive comeback with 16 consecutive points in the final quarter against the Baltimore Ravens to secure their first victory of the season. The game also saw Ravens running back Derrick Henry make history by surpassing Hall of Famer Jim Brown’s record, scoring his 107th career rushing touchdown.

International Expansion

The NFL has expanded its international presence this season with seven International Series games scheduled. The series began with Kansas City facing the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil, at Arena Corinthians. The schedule includes the first-ever NFL regular season game in Ireland, with Minnesota facing Pittsburgh at Croke Park in Dublin on September 28. Additionally, three games will be played in London, featuring Minnesota vs Cleveland and Denver vs New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, followed by the Los Angeles Rams vs Jacksonville at Wembley Stadium.

Broadcast Innovation

This season brings exciting developments in NFL broadcasting, with Netflix exclusively streaming two Christmas Day games. The NFL Sunday Ticket continues its streaming partnership with YouTube TV, while YouTube will exclusively stream the International Series game in Brazil worldwide for free. NFL+ maintains its streaming service, offering live games, radio broadcasts, and additional content across its various tiers.