The Bills play the Eagles next season. Just don’t expect it to be the NFL’s opening game

Key Takeaways:

• The Buffalo Bills will play the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles next season but not in the NFL’s opening game.
• The game won’t be the opener because it will be played in Buffalo, not Philadelphia.
• NFL tradition dictates that Super Bowl champions open the season at home on Thursday night.
• The Bills have other marquee home games scheduled, including matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.
• The NFL has not yet released the full 2025 schedule.

A Prime Matchup, But Not on Opening Night

When it comes to the NFL schedule, one thing is typically set in stone: the Super Bowl champions kick off the league’s regular season on a Thursday night at home. Next season, the Buffalo Bills are set to face the reigning champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. However, fans expecting this high-profile game to launch the season will be disappointed. The reason? The game will be played in Orchard Park, not Philadelphia.

Home Field Determines the Opener

Tradition holds that the Super Bowl champions host the opening game in their own stadium. “Yes, the Buffalo Bills play the Eagles next season, but there’s a reason you won’t see that game in Week 1: The game will be played in Orchard Park, and not Philadelphia,” reports WGRZ. This means that while the champs are coming to Buffalo, the coveted opening night spotlight will shine elsewhere.

Anticipation for a Prime-Time Showdown

Though not kicking off the season, the Bills vs. Eagles matchup won’t lack excitement and could find its way to prime time. It mirrors last season when the Kansas City Chiefs visited Buffalo in November, drawing significant attention. Fans can expect a thrilling game as two strong contenders face off at Highmark Stadium.

Marquee Games on the Horizon

Buffalo’s schedule is stacked with high-profile opponents. In addition to the Eagles, the Bills will host Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs for another regular-season game in 2025. “If you’re looking for another marquee game that will be coming to Highmark Stadium in its final season, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens will be in town,” notes the report. With talents like Josh Allen, Mahomes, and Jackson taking the field, these matchups promise to be highlights of the season.

Awaiting the Official Schedule

There is currently no set date for when the NFL will release the full 2025 schedule, including Sunday Night Football games. “But if you’re looking for a ballpark date, last year the NFL released the complete schedule on May 15,” WGRZ reminds readers. Fans eagerly await the announcement to circle the dates of these must-watch games.

Looking Ahead

As anticipation builds, Bills fans have plenty to be excited about. Even without the opening game spotlight, hosting the Super Bowl champions and other top-tier teams ensures a season filled with memorable moments. Orchard Park will be the stage for some of the most significant clashes in the NFL’s upcoming season.