By: Jim Williams
Capital Sports Network – Senior Columnist and Associate Editor
The 2025 NFL season roars to life as New York’s powerhouse trio—the Giants, Jets, and Bills—headline Week 1 with high-stakes showdowns that promise drama, redemption, and playoff-caliber intensity. From Russell Wilson’s debut with Big Blue against the Commanders, to Aaron Glenn’s first game as Jets head coach facing Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers, and a primetime clash between MVPs Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson in Buffalo, these opening games are packed with storylines that will shape the season. Whether you’re tracking fantasy football stars or scouting early contenders, these matchups are essential viewing for fans across the AFC East and NFC East.
New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders
Location: Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD
Time: Sunday, Sept. 7 at 1:00 PM ET
Broadcast: FOX
Preview:
The Giants kick off their 2025 campaign on the road against NFC East rivals Washington Commanders. Russell Wilson makes his Big Blue debut, while rookie standout Malik Nabers returns to torment a revamped Washington secondary. The Commanders, led by second-year QB Jayden Daniels, swept the Giants last season and enter as 6-point favorites.
Key Matchups:
- Dexter Lawrence vs. Tyler Biadasz in the trenches
- Nabers vs. Marshon Lattimore (hamstring watch)
- Giants pass rush vs. Daniels’ mobility
Prediction: Expect a gritty divisional battle. If Wilson can avoid turnovers and the Giants’ defense pressures Daniels, an upset is possible.
New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Time: Sunday, Sept. 7 at 1:00 PM ET
Broadcast: CBS / Paramount+
Preview:
Aaron Glenn begins his head coaching tenure with the Jets against a veteran Steelers squad led by Aaron Rodgers—now wearing black and gold. The Jets boast a young, aggressive defense but face injury concerns, including CB Sauce Gardner and OL Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Storylines:
- Rodgers’ revenge game against his former team
- Defensive slugfest expected with a low 39-point total
- Jets offense led by rookie QB Jaxson Dart and RB Breece Hall
Prediction: A low-scoring affair with turnovers and field position deciding the outcome. Steelers favored by 3 points.
Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens
Location: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
Time: Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8:20 PM ET
Broadcast: NBC / Peacock
Preview:
Sunday Night Football delivers fireworks as MVPs Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson face off in a rematch of last year’s Divisional Round thriller. Buffalo won that game 27–25, but Baltimore dominated their regular-season meeting.
Key Players:
- Josh Allen (Bills): 13–4 in primetime starts
- Lamar Jackson (Ravens): 11–1 in primetime since 2022
- RBs James Cook vs. Derrick Henry
- WRs Khalil Shakir vs. DeAndre Hopkins
Prediction: A shootout is likely, with both offenses loaded. Buffalo’s pass rush must contain Jackson to secure a win.
