NFL KICKOFF WEEKEND FEATURES HISTORIC DIVISIONAL SHOWDOWNS

Eight divisional matchups headline Week 1 as defending champion Eagles host Cowboys on Thursday Night Football

NEW YORK — The NFL's 106th season officially begins Thursday night as the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys in a prime-time NFC East clash at Lincoln Financial Field (NBC, 8:20 p.m. ET).

This Kickoff Weekend marks the fifth time since 2002 realignment that at least eight divisional games have been scheduled for Week 1, joining 2023, 2020, 2011, and 2008. The early emphasis on division rivalries sets an intense tone for the 272-game regular season journey toward Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium.

The weekend continues with international flair as the Kansas City Chiefs battle the Los Angeles Chargers Friday night in São Paulo (8 p.m. ET, YouTube) — marking the second consecutive year the NFL has opened with a game in Brazil.

Sunday Night Football delivers a marquee matchup when two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens visit reigning MVP Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC). This represents just the fifth time in NFL history that the two most recent Most Valuable Players have met in Week 1, with previous meetings including Hall of Famers like Kurt Warner, Brett Favre, and Terry Bradshaw.

The Eagles enter as just the 10th team in NFL history attempting to repeat as Super Bowl champions. History favors defending champions in Week 1, as they've won their season opener in 20 of the past 25 seasons since 2000.

With divisional rivalries taking center stage and championship aspirations on full display, Kickoff Weekend promises to deliver the intensity and drama that defines NFL football.