Must-Watch NFL Games for the 2025 Season (And Why They Matter for Season Ticket Holders)

As the 2025–2026 NFL season approaches, fans are already circling key dates on the calendar. Whether you’re hunting for NFL tickets to witness these clashes live or just love a good football rivalry, this season is packed with can’t-miss NFL matchups.

If you’re planning to sell NFL tickets this year, rivalry games and revenge matchups are your best opportunity. These are the games that are most often searched on ticket marketplaces, drive resale prices, and deliver real value for sellers using platforms like FlipSeats.

From bitter divisional rivalries to emotionally charged revenge games, here are the top games that promise some drama and excitement!

3 “Revenge” Games of the 2025–2026 NFL Season

1. Eagles vs Chiefs – Super Bowl LVII Rematch

Sunday, September 14, 2025

No storyline sells quite like a Super Bowl rematch. After their dominant 40-22 win in Super Bowl LVII, the Eagles will face a motivated Kansas City team hungry for redemption. Expect fireworks as two powerhouse offenses go head-to-head.

2. Eagles vs. Commanders – NFC Championship Grudge Match

Saturday, December 20, 2025
TBD Week 18

The Commanders suffered a crushing 55-23 loss to the Eagles in the 2025 NFC Championship Game. This season, they’ll be eager to flip the script and prove they belong at the top of the NFC East.

3. Chiefs vs. Bills – AFC Powerhouses Collide Again

Sunday, November 2, 2025

The Bills have been knocked out of the playoffs by the Chiefs more times than they’d like to remember—most recently in the 2025 AFC Championship. With Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes both playing MVP-caliber football, this game could decide playoff seeding, or more.

10 Best NFL Matchups and Rivalries to Watch This Season

1. Bears vs. Packers

Sunday, December 7, 2025
TBD Week 16

Dating back to 1921, this is arguably the oldest rivalry in the NFL. With over 200 meetings and decades of animosity, NFC North pride is always on the line when these teams clash. The Bears and Packers battled through two close games last season. After a big late-season win at Lambeau, can the Bears carry that momentum forward? Or will the Packers reclaim their dominant form in this historic rivalry?

2. Ravens vs. Steelers

Sunday, December 7, 2025

One of the most physical and emotionally charged rivalries in football. These AFC North matchups are known for their brutal hits, tight finishes, and playoff implications. Both teams will be chomping at the bit after the Ravens dominant performance in the Wild Card game.

3. Cowboys vs. Eagles

Thursday, September 4, 2025
Sunday, November 23, 2025

The NFC East’s fiercest rivalry. Expect trash talk, hard hits, and a battle for division supremacy. Both teams often come in as playoff contenders, making each meeting count double. The 2025 NFL season kicks off with the Eagles hosting the Cowboys on September 4 at Lincoln Financial Field. This marks the first time in 25 years that these rivals meet in Week 1. Will the reigning Super Bowl champions be able to open the season with a win?

4. Chiefs vs. Raiders

Sunday, October 19, 2025
TBD Week 18

This AFC West rivalry is built on bad blood dating back to the AFL days. Physical, nasty, and unpredictable—exactly what NFL fans love. The Raiders have made significant offseason moves, including acquiring QB Geno Smith and bolstering their defense with key signings. They hope to challenge the Chiefs’ dominance in the division.

5. Bears vs. Lions

Sunday, September 14, 2025
TBD Week 18

The Bears-Lions rivalry is one of the NFC North’s most iconic—full of history, grit, and now serious playoff implications. In 2024, Detroit got the better of Chicago, edging out a 23–20 win on Thanksgiving and cruising to a 34–17 victory in Week 16 to notch a franchise-record 13th win. Heading into 2025, the Bears look to turn the tide under new head coach Ben Johnson—Detroit’s former play-caller. Caleb Williams is back for year two, aiming to challenge a Lions squad still firing on all cylinders with Jared Goff. These games could shape the NFC North.

6. Giants vs. Eagles

Thursday, October 9, 2025
Sunday, October 26, 2025

This rivalry has given us everything from “Miracle at the Meadowlands” moments to postseason heartbreak. In 2025, the Giants look to flip the script behind Brian Daboll and rising star WR Malik Nabers. The Eagles aren’t backing down, aiming to stay on top of the NFC East. The NFC East tension is always high when these two teams collide.

7. Bills vs. Dolphins

Thursday, September 18, 2025
Sunday, November 9, 2025

A divisional clash dating back to the 1970s, this AFC East rivalry often helps shape playoff standings. The Bills have owned this rivalry lately with six straight wins. But don’t count Miami out. These 2025 matchups could decide who’s playing deep into January.

8. Packers vs. Vikings

Sunday, November 23, 2025
TBD Week 18

The Packers-Vikings rivalry never takes a year off, and in 2024, the edge went to Minnesota. They pulled off a narrow win last December and swept the season series for the first time since 2017. Looking ahead to 2025, both teams are gearing up for more high-stakes games that could shake up the NFC North.

9. Seahawks vs. 49ers

Sunday, September 7, 2025
TBD Week 18

The Seahawks-49ers rivalry is always a brawl, and 2025 is shaping up to be no different. They split last year’s matchups – 49ers rolled early but the Seahawks bounced back to break a six-game skid. Both teams will be looking to win the NFC West, so every snap will matter.

10. Browns vs. Steelers

Sunday, October 12, 2025
Sunday, December 28, 2025

A fierce AFC North rivalry defined by bruising, high-intensity football. While the Steelers have historically held the upper hand, the Browns and their passionate fanbase always come ready to battle—especially with unforgettable moments like the infamous 2019 helmet incident still fueling the fire. They split last season’s matchups and both teams are looking for bounce-back seasons in the AFC North.

Honorable Mention Rivalries

• Colts vs. Patriots – The shadow of Brady vs. Manning still looms over this AFC matchup.
• Falcons vs. Saints – A fiery and often overlooked NFC South rivalry fueled by deep-seated animosity and passionate fan bases.
• Jets vs. Dolphins – From the “Monday Night Miracle” to modern-day bad blood, this AFC East rivalry never disappoints.
• Broncos vs. Raiders – A gritty AFC West matchup that’s always unpredictable.
• Cowboys vs. Commanders – Historic, heated, and full of drama every season.
• Bengals vs. Steelers – A rivalry built on hits, highlights, and heartbreak.

How to Sell NFL Tickets for Big Games and Maximize Resale Value

With high-stakes NFL matchups on the horizon, tickets for these marquee games won’t last long. Games with playoff implications or historic rivalries often see a surge in demand—and prices. If you’re a season ticket holder and can’t attend one of your team’s biggest rivalry showdowns, listing your tickets early can help you take advantage of peak resale value and fan demand.

FlipSeats is the easiest way to resell NFL season tickets across multiple marketplaces and maximize resale value. Reach more buyers, leverage pricing guidance and support, and automate ticket transfers. FlipSeats takes the stress out of ticket selling!

Ready to get started? Create your free FlipSeats account today!

Whether you’re watching from the stands or streaming from home, the 2025–2026 NFL season promises to be unforgettable. From revenge games to legendary rivalries, the road to the Super Bowl is paved with epic showdowns.