There is no better option to kick off the upcoming NFL campaign
The last time the Los Angeles Rams played the Thursday night NFL season opener, it didn’t fare well. L.A. was blown out 31-10 by the Buffalo Bills, en route to a 5-12 campaign. With the Philadelphia Eagles again on the schedule in 2025, the Rams must get redemption by playing the reigning champs in Week 1.
Both teams are considered Super Bowl contenders in the NFC. There are many reasons to wish for this rematch immediately.
For starters, the Rams were flat-out embarrassed by Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 460 yards in two matchups last season. Playing this game early in the year would create a more even matchup for both sides. January’s Divisional Round game produced snowflakes—and I’m not just talking Philly fans—which allowed the Eagles to pull away before the Rams made it close. Plus, Jared Verse has more boos to soak in from the visiting crowd.
Other compelling reasons include whether the Eagles’ young secondary can contain the Puka Nacua-Davante Adams tandem, and how well Philly replaces departed players and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Philadelphia was historically dominant in back-to-back games to end ‘24, yet L.A. was the lone team to ever give them a fight in the playoffs.
I’d also have to think that the Eagles probably aren’t too happy about Sean McVay saying the Brotherly Shove “doesn’t look like football to me.” And I was calling Philly fans snowflakes?
Despite this rematch being in heavy consideration for Week 1, one other matchup might be a tad more intriguing to schedule makers.
The Eagles finished with the NFC’s No. 2 seed, behind the top-seeded 15-2 Lions, and didn’t face off against each other. Philadelphia has the upper hand versus Detroit in the Dan Campbell era, going 2-0 against them. Detroit lost both of its highly touted coordinators this offseason to head coaching jobs, something I’m sure won’t get talked to death over the summer or anything.
An NFC Championship rematch with the Commanders is also an option. Washington was chased off the field in a 55-23 title game rout. Dan Quinn’s squad should be a force to be reckoned with in the conference with Jayden Daniels under center, especially after another strong offseason and draft.
Even then, Eagles-Lions is likely the NFL season opener. Assuming that ends up being the case, Rams fans will have to wait to see their team get revenge. Hopefully, L.A.’s chance at redemption doesn’t come in a winter wonderland.
