The 2025 NFL season is set to commence on Thursday, featuring a matchup between the reigning Super Bowl champion PHILADELPHIA EAGLES and the DALLAS COWBOYS.The EAGLES aim to secure back-to-back Super Bowl titles, a feat achieved by only eight teams in NFL history (the STEELERS accomplished it twice).

This NFL season promises excitement, marked by subtle yet impactful changes. The “Tush Push” play remains legal, the kickoff rule has been tweaked, and the league has introduced “Rivalries” jerseys for eight teams. Additionally, a tripleheader of games is scheduled for Christmas. The league has also secured a new television partner and expanded its international game presence.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the 2025 NFL season, detailing the implemented changes and the revamped schedule:

New Rules

The NFL has implemented several rule adjustments this offseason, including modifications to the dynamic kickoff rule from last season, aiming to encourage more kickoff returns in 2025.

“The NFL installed a few rule changes this offseason, including a modification of the dynamic kickoff rule established last season.”

Here are the key rule changes for 2025:

Modifications to Dynamic Kickoff

• Adjustments to the alignment requirements for receiving team players in the setup zone, allowing a maximum of three players not on the restraining line, with no more than one player in each of the three areas within the setup zone.
• The dead ball spot after a touchback is now the 35-yard line if the ball lands in the end zone and is downed by the receiving team or goes out of bounds behind their goal line, previously the 30-yard line.
• Teams can now declare an onside kick at any point during a game if trailing, not just in the fourth quarter.

New Overtime Rules for Regular Season

• NFL teams have aligned postseason and regular-season overtime rules, granting both teams an opportunity to possess the ball, regardless of the first possession’s outcome, within a 10-minute overtime period in the regular season.
• The postseason overtime period remains at 15 minutes.

Instant Replay Assist

Rivalries Jerseys

NIKE and the NFL have introduced a “Rivalries” uniform program, similar to the “City Edition” jerseys in the NBA or “City Connect” jerseys in MLB.These new designs are for home teams playing a divisional opponent and will be worn once a season.

The AFC West and NFC West are the first divisions to debut the “Rivalries” uniforms. after their debut, these uniforms will be part of the team’s uniform lineup for three years, alongside existing alternate uniforms. Additional “Rivalries” uniforms will be introduced in the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons.

Here’s when the “Rivalries” uniforms will be worn this season.You can view the 2025 designs here.

Holiday Games

The NFL will continue its tradition of holiday games on Thanksgiving, featuring three games (a practice since 2006). The 12:30 p.m. game (the DETROIT game) has been moved to 1 p.m. to align with Sunday game times.