Eagles kick off Super Bowl defense against Cowboys on September 4

On September 4, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles will officially start their title defense as Super Bowl champions when they face the Dallas Cowboys in the opening game of the NFL season. The match will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, home of the Eagles, marking the beginning of a highly anticipated season for the defending champions. The Eagles had a stellar season previously, sweeping the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, which contributes to the rivalry dynamic. Jalen Hurts will once again take the helm as quarterback, supported by a formidable offense featuring running back Saquon Barkley, who was named Offensive Player of the Year after a standout season where he rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. The Eagles also return a strong defensive lineup that excelled in the previous season, finishing first in points allowed and second in yards allowed. The Cowboys, coming into this season with hopes to turn the tide in rivalry against the Eagles, aim to secure a win. The team did not make significant changes during the offseason but added key players like wide receiver George Pickens and running back Javonte Williams to strengthen their roster. Quarterback Dak Prescott is set to return healthy, following an injury that cut his last season short. Prescott's previous performance included notable passing stats, amassing nearly 2,000 yards along with 11 touchdown passes. The Cowboys hope that a healthy lineup will enable them to reclaim dominance in the NFC East and break a losing streak against the Eagles, which saw them lose three out of the last four meetings. Additionally, the game marks the first aired matchup in NBC’s series of Thursday night games, setting the tone for the TV season as well. Following this announcement, the NFL will continue to release more notable game schedules over the upcoming week, creating excitement among fans as they await the full season schedule release. The long-standing rivalry between the Cowboys and Eagles adds further intrigue to the matchup, given the historical performance where the Cowboys have an overall lead in the series but have struggled in recent encounters. Eagles fans are optimistic about sustaining championship momentum, while Cowboys supporters hope to see a turnaround as the seasons unfold. As the teams prepare for the kickoff, both franchises face their own sets of pressures and expectations as they step onto the field to start the new season on a high note. The clash is more than just a game, as it sets a precedent for each team's strategic approach, performance levels, and aspirations of success for the remainder of the NFL season.