First NFL Game of 2025 Season Date & Details

By Sarah Miller · October 5, 2030

The first football game of the 2025 NFL season is scheduled for Thursday, September 4, 2025, when the defending Super Bowl champions host the opening kickoff at home. This marquee matchup traditionally marks the official start of the regular season and will be broadcast nationally on NBC.

When Does the NFL Regular Season Start?

The NFL regular season typically begins the weekend after Labor Day in early September. For 2025, Week 1 kicks off on Thursday, September 4, with the NFL Kickoff Game, followed by a full slate of games from Sunday, September 7 through Monday, September 8.

Key Dates for the 2025 Football Season

NFL Kickoff Game: Thursday, September 4, 2025
Week 1 Games: Sunday, September 7 – Monday, September 8, 2025
Preseason Games: Early August 2025 (varies by team)
Super Bowl LIX: February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara
College Football Season: Begins Saturday, August 30, 2025

NFL Opening Game Traditions and Significance

The NFL Kickoff Game has become a major event since its inception in 2002. The reigning Super Bowl champion hosts the game, symbolizing both celebration and competition. It sets the tone for the new season and draws millions of viewers.

Why the Opening Game Matters

Provides a platform to honor the previous season’s champions
Kicks off a 17-week regular season schedule
Generates early momentum and media attention
Features special halftime ceremonies and entertainment

2025 NFL Kickoff Game Preview

While the exact matchup won’t be confirmed until after Super Bowl LIX in February 2026, the 2025 Kickoff Game will feature the 2024 Super Bowl winner hosting a yet-to-be-determined opponent. Recent hosts include the Kansas City Chiefs (2023) and Los Angeles Rams (2022).

Year	Date	Home Team	Away Team	Result	Viewers (Millions)
2024	Sept 5	Kansas City Chiefs	Baltimore Ravens	Chiefs 27–20	22.1
2023	Sept 7	Buffalo Bills	New York Jets	Jets 22–16	20.3
2022	Sept 8	L.A. Rams	Buffalo Bills	Bills 31–10	21.8
2021	Sept 9	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Dallas Cowboys	Buccaneers 31–29	22.5
2020	Sept 10	Houston Texans	Kansas City Chiefs	Chiefs 34–20	18.9

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows consistent national interest in the NFL Kickoff Game, with average viewership exceeding 20 million since 2020. High-profile matchups, such as Tom Brady’s Bucs vs. Cowboys in 2021, draw peak audiences. Broadcast reach continues to grow due to expanded streaming options and global fan engagement.

How the NFL Schedule Is Released

The full NFL schedule is typically released in mid-May. In 2025, fans can expect the complete Week 1–18 slate to be published around May 14–16. The league uses complex algorithms to balance divisional play, interconference matchups, and prime-time considerations.

Schedule Release Timeline

April: Announce key dates and international games
May: Full regular-season schedule released
July: Preseason schedules finalized
August: Training camps open; preseason begins

Frequently Asked Questions About the First Football Game of the Season

When is the first NFL game of the 2025 season?

The first NFL game of the 2025 season is set for Thursday, September 4, 2025. It will be the NFL Kickoff Game hosted by the reigning Super Bowl LIX champion.

What time does the first football game start?

The NFL Kickoff Game typically starts at 8:20 PM Eastern Time (ET) and is broadcast live on NBC and Peacock. Kickoff times for Sunday games vary between 1:00 PM, 4:05 PM, and 8:20 PM ET.

Which team will play in the 2025 opening game?

The home team will be the winner of Super Bowl LIX, which takes place on February 8, 2026. The visiting team is determined during the NFL scheduling process in May 2025.

Where can I watch the first football game of the season?

The NFL Kickoff Game will air on NBC and stream live on Peacock, NFL+, and select cable affiliates. International viewers can watch via NFL Game Pass or local broadcasters.

Does college football start before the NFL?

Yes, the NCAA college football season usually begins in late August—about two weeks before the NFL. The 2025 college football season is expected to start on Saturday, August 30, 2025.