The Denver Broncos are set to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2025 NFL season, and they may have narrowly avoided a major challenge with how the schedule played out. Thanks to a stronger performance last season, Denver earned a tougher slate of opponents—no more “fourth-place schedule” perks. Still, their overall strength of schedule sits comfortably in the middle of the league, making it a relatively manageable path forward. That’s welcome news for a team hoping to take the next step and contend for the AFC West title.
One of the more high-profile opponents on the Broncos’ schedule is Philadelphia. However, the team caught a break: they won’t be facing the Eagles in Week 1. Instead, the Eagles are slated to host the Dallas Cowboys to open the 2025 regular season, a primetime Thursday Night Football showdown that’s sure to feature an electric atmosphere and potentially a celebration of Philly’s 2024 Super Bowl victory.
That’s a big relief for Denver. While the Broncos could still face the Eagles in a primetime slot later in the season, avoiding the season opener under the lights in hostile territory is a blessing—especially for a young, rising team still settling in.
While I believe the Broncos can absolutely outperform the Eagles this year—and yes, that includes the bold belief that Bo Nix could be better than Jalen Hurts—the timing of the matchup matters. Playing in Philly in a non-Week 1 setting likely makes for a more level playing field.
The game between Denver and Philadelphia will still be one to watch, but for now, Broncos fans can breathe a little easier knowing their team won’t be thrown into the NFL’s most intense spotlight right out of the gate.
