The 2025 NFL Season is here. The games that count kick off tonight as the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles play host to the Dallas Cowboys. It’s a rivalry game, but will it be close?

The NFL switched to a kickoff model in 2003 and since then we’ve seen 18 defending champions open in the kickoff game. The record for those teams in 13-5. We’ve seen some upsets—most recently to begin the 2023 season as the Detroit Lions beat the Kansas City Chiefs. But, more often than not, we’ve seen the defending Super Bowl champion come out on top.

The Eagles are favored in this game, and for good reason. They have an excellent roster and are at home. The Cowboys, meanwhile, are with a new coach and a week removed from a surprise trade of one of their best players. All that should come to play, especially with a questionable Cowboys defense trying to hold the reigning Offensive Player of the Year in check in Saquon Barkley.

For fantasy, I like Jalen Hurts as a QB1 for the Eagles and Barkley as an RB1. I think he’ll get off to a good start. I have A.J. Brown as a low-end WR1 who will be solid, while DeVonta Smith is more of a WR2 for me. He and Dallas Goedert at tight end would make fine Week 1 starts.

For the Cowboys, I also like Dak Prescott as a QB1. I think the Cowboys’ defense will struggle all season, forcing the offense to put up yards and points. The Cowboys don’t have a terribly impressive run game, but Javonte Williams figures to lead the way. I think he’s more of an RB3 for me this week.

In the passing game, I like CeeDee Lamb. He’s a WR1 for me in Week 1. George Pickens is something of an unknown as he comes to a new team. He has upside, and this team will likely have to throw. Still, he’s a WR3 for me this week. Jake Ferguson should see some volume at tight end as well. He’s a TE2 for me.

Now, on to the Week 1 picks!

NFL Picks, Week 1

Eagles Over Cowboys
Chargers Over Chiefs
Falcons Over Buccaneers
Bengals Over Browns
Dolphins Over Colts
Patriots Over Raiders
Cardinals Over Saints
Jets Over Steelers
Commanders Over Giants
Jaguars Over Panthers
Broncos Over Titans
Seahawks Over 49ers
Packers Over Lions
Rams Over Texans
Bills Over Ravens
Bears Over Vikings

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.