The NFL's Must-Circle Game: Every Team's 2025 Highlight

Every year, players and coaches talk about it: that one game. Sometimes it's a rivalry, a playoff rematch, or a chance for revenge. Now that the 2025 NFL schedule is out, the circling of dates has begun. So, let’s highlight the single biggest game on each team's calendar, be it a crucial test, a heated rivalry, or a mouthwatering opportunity for payback.

Key Matchups for Every Team

Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks, Week 4: The Cardinals were on a roll last season, but two losses to the Seahawks in a short span derailed their season. This early game is a chance to prove they've moved past those setbacks and measure themselves against a divisional rival.

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers, Week 3: The Falcons were stunned by a late-season overtime loss to the Panthers last year. This is their first chance at revenge, and you can bet they'll be fired up.

Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills, Week 1: The Bills ended the Ravens’ Super Bowl hopes last season. Week 1 provides the perfect opportunity for payback, especially considering Lamar Jackson's MVP battle with Josh Allen.

Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills, Week 9: This rivalry needs no introduction. The Chiefs have eliminated the Bills from the playoffs multiple times recently. While a regular-season win won't erase past playoff disappointments, it's a major goal for Buffalo.

Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars, Week 1: The debut of Travis Hunter and the start of Liam Coen's coaching career are huge. This clash between two young, innovative coaching minds and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinators adds extra spice.

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions, Week 2: Bears offensive coordinator Ben Johnson faces his former team, providing extra motivation to show Detroit what they missed.

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens, Week 13: The Bengals suffered two agonizing losses to the Ravens last year, including one where they blew a late lead. This Thanksgiving clash offers a chance for redemption.

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals, Week 18: For the Browns, it's a season of transition with a veteran and two rookie quarterbacks. The final game may be the most important, offering a glimpse into their future.

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles, Week 1: The Cowboys aim to make a statement on national TV to prove they were just a few injuries away from challenging the Eagles last season.

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs, Week 11: The Broncos came agonizingly close to beating the Chiefs last year, losing on a blocked field goal. This game is a chance to show they’re not a one-hit wonder.

Detroit Lions at Washington Commanders, Week 10: The Commanders ended the Lions’ Super Bowl hopes last year with a decisive playoff victory. The Lions have circled this one for months.

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions, Week 1: The Packers must find a way to beat the Lions to contend in their division, and they’ll attempt to start early.

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs, Week 14: The Texans pushed the Chiefs closer than expected last year in the playoffs. Another game this close offers another chance to win and turn the season around.

Indianapolis Colts at Arizona Cardinals, Week 6: Colts coach Shane Steichen faces Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon, his former Eagles colleague. This matchup adds a layer of personal interest and pressure.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans, Week 13: Travis Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick, faces his former team. Expect fireworks from the supremely talented player.

Philadelphia Eagles at Kansas City Chiefs, Week 2: A Super Bowl rematch after a crushing defeat. The Chiefs will be out for revenge.

Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots, Week 1: This one is circled on the calendars of Raiders co-owner Tom Brady and those who still remember the Josh McDaniels era.

Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans, Week 17: The Texans dealt a humiliating playoff defeat to the Chargers last season. This late-season matchup offers a chance for revenge before the playoffs.

Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles, Week 3: The Rams believe weather conditions affected their playoff loss to the Eagles. They get an early chance to prove their point in more favorable conditions.

Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills, Week 3: The Dolphins haven't won in Buffalo in years and see this as their chance to prove they can compete in the AFC East.

Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks, Week 13: Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy has a chance to prove himself and his team’s faith in him against his predecessor, Sam Darnold.

New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans, Week 7: Patriots coach Mike Vrabel returns to Tennessee, ready to show his former team what they lost.

New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans, Week 17: Saints QB Tyler Shough, drafted after Cam Ward, gets a chance to show he should have been taken higher.

New York Giants at Denver Broncos, Week 7: Russell Wilson’s return to Denver against the coach who released him adds a compelling narrative.

Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets, Week 1: Aaron Rodgers (if he plays) gets a chance to show the Jets what they let go of, and the Jets defense will relish the opportunity to get some payback.

Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles, Week 3 (Repetition): The Rams and Eagles' belief that the divisional round would have been different if the weather had been kinder makes this a highly anticipated rematch.

Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers (Dublin), Week 4: Aaron Rodgers, if he plays, may have extra motivation to prove the Vikings wrong for passing him up in favor of J.J. McCarthy.

San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams, Week 5: The 49ers aim to begin reclaiming their divisional dominance after a disappointing season that included several losses to the Rams.

Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings, Week 13: Sam Darnold faces his former team, ready to show them how much they value his contributions.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets, Week 3: Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles returns to face his former team.

Tennessee Titans at Los Angeles Rams, Week 2: The Titans want to see their No. 1 pick QB Cam Ward shine against a tough Rams team.

Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles, Week 16: The Commanders aim to avenge their blowout loss to the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game and prove they belong among the league's elite.

Conclusion: Get Ready for Kickoff!

The 2025 NFL season promises to be thrilling, filled with compelling matchups and plenty of opportunities for teams to settle scores. Mark your calendars, and get ready for some unforgettable football!

This article was written by a seasoned sports journalist with extensive experience covering the NFL.