Some of the biggest NFL rivalries are based on proximity. Others are inspired by a single play that leaves a bad taste in the mouth of an entire fanbase. Either way, these rivalries inspire fierce competition on the field and palpable tension in the stands.
Before the season begins, let’s take a look at five of the biggest rivalries in the NFL, and how you can experience the action live with TicketSmarter as the full 2025 schedule is released.
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
The first game between these storied franchises dates back to before the existence of the NFL and the Chicago Bears moniker. The Green Bay Packers met the Decatur Staleys on Nov. 27, 1921, and fell 20-0 in an American Professional Football Association matchup. In 1924, after the Staleys changed their name, this rivalry game produced the NFL’s first-ever ejections for fighting—Chicago’s Frank Hanny and Green Bay’s Tillie Voss.
As of the 2025 season, these squads have won five Super Bowls and have 67 members in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Both teams currently compete in the NFC North. When the schedule is released on May 14, 2025, fans can secure seats for this historic showdown from official sources and trusted resale platforms like TicketSmarter.
Research has also shown that the traditional home-field advantage—once a major factor in NFL rivalry games like this one—has diminished in recent decades, thanks in part to improved travel and advancements like instant replay arxiv.org.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Kansas City Chiefs (previously Dallas Texans) and Las Vegas Raiders (previously Oakland Raiders) first met in 1960. Their rivalry gained steam when the Kansas City Athletics baseball team moved to Oakland and, in 1969, the Royals and A’s began their own heated contests. That same energy carried over to the NFL, resulting in fierce games like the 1970 contest infamous for a bench-clearing brawl after a late hit on Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson.
Today, both franchises compete in the AFC West and each has three Super Bowl championships. You can follow these matchups live during the regular season, with flexible options to choose from premium seats or more affordable upper-deck tickets using TicketSmarter’s interactive seating maps.
Over the past decade, the Chiefs have also developed a high-profile postseason rivalry with the Bills, eliminating them from the playoffs in several consecutive seasons—a reminder that AFC rivalries can evolve with each chapter of league history, as discussed by Sports Illustrated (si.com).
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
Although this is one of the league’s newer rivalries, you can count on a tough, physical contest whenever the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens meet. The rivalry is fueled by a four-hour geographic divide—making mid-Atlantic towns divided territory each season.
Both teams are known for hard-nosed defense, with AFC North titles regularly at stake when they collide. Since this rivalry began, the Steelers and Ravens have each won two Super Bowls. Heading into the 2025 NFL season, the series sits at a narrow 33-25 in favor of Pittsburgh. When the NFL releases the Sunday Night Football and primetime schedule—featuring 20 nationally televised matchups in 2025—these games are likely to be highlights.
Interestingly, new research has shown that the advantage traditionally enjoyed by teams coming off a bye week—often significant in the past—has largely diminished over the past decade, leveling the playing field for intense divisional matchups such as this (arxiv.org).
Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders
Two of the NFL’s most iconic franchises, the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders, have faced off over 120 times since 1960. Combined, they boast 37 division crowns and eight Super Bowl trophies. Both are among the wealthiest sports franchises on the planet and play in the competitive NFC East.
The rivalry has roots beyond the field: in 1958, a failed Dallas ownership acquisition led to the Cowboys obtaining the Washington fight song rights—a quirky episode that ultimately helped birth the franchise. On the field, the rivalry has produced historic comebacks and playoff drama—moments you can witness this season by securing tickets as soon as the 2025 schedule drops.
Tensions often run deep among fanbases during these matchups, and studies of fan forums reveal that the language used by groups reflects a strong sense of team identity and deep-rooted intergroup bias, contributing to the electric atmosphere found in rivalry games (arxiv.org).
New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Another classic NFC East battle, the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles have built their rivalry over decades, shaping the sporting identities of their cities. The [New York Giants] and [Philadelphia Eagles] met for the first time in 1933, when the Giants posted a dominant 56-0 win. Now, the Eagles hold a slim all-time series lead, including five postseason duels.
The rivalry is etched in NFL history through legendary moments, from Frank Gifford’s brutal injury in 1960 to the 1978 “Miracle at the Meadowlands” and DeSean Jackson’s walk-off punt return touchdown in 2010. When the full 2025 NFL schedule is unveiled, Giants-Eagles games promise high stakes and memorable plays—get your verified seats with TicketSmarter for these storied showdowns.
NFL Tickets: Plan Your 2025 Season
From the opening kickoff in September through the final drive of the Super Bowl, experiencing NFL games live is the best way to immerse yourself in football’s biggest rivalries. In 2025, the full regular season schedule is set for release on Wednesday, May 14, with tickets for all teams available shortly after—so plan to act early for hot matchups or premium seats.
Use TicketSmarter’s interactive seating charts to compare prices, filter by section or price point, and secure your spot with verified mobile tickets for every game—including major rivalries, Sunday Night Football matchups, and special events like the NFL Thanksgiving Day and international games. Payment plans for season tickets, exclusive deals, real-time notifications, and easy reselling or transferring options make it easy to follow your team all season long.
If you’re making a gameday trip, check HotelPlanner for travel deals, and rely on TicketSmarter for safe and secure football ticket access—from preseason to playoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions about 2025 NFL Tickets and Schedule
Where can I buy tickets for the 2025 NFL season opener for my team?
For the 2025 NFL season, the schedule will be released in mid-May (May 14, 2025). Once released, you can purchase tickets for your team’s season opener through TicketSmarter, which offers interactive seating charts and secure mobile delivery. You can also explore team-specific ticket pages, such as Green Bay Packers or Chicago Bears, to find the game you’re looking for.
What is the best site for last-minute NFL tickets with mobile delivery?
TicketSmarter provides a trusted platform for last-minute NFL tickets, offering electronic and mobile ticket delivery for secure and fast entry—even after games have started.
How early should I book tickets for the 2025 NFL Thanksgiving Day games?
Thanksgiving Day games are some of the most popular NFL matchups every season. It’s recommended to purchase tickets as soon as the full schedule is released (May 14, 2025). Booking early maximizes your choice of seats and access to better prices, especially with TicketSmarter’s price alert features.
Where can I find tickets for NFL rivalries like Cowboys vs. Commanders or Steelers vs. Ravens?
You can find and purchase tickets for legendary NFL rivalries directly on TicketSmarter’s website. For example, browse Dallas Cowboys tickets or Washington Commanders tickets, as well as Pittsburgh Steelers tickets and Baltimore Ravens tickets for direct access to these games.
Can I finance season tickets for the 2025 NFL schedule online?
Yes, many platforms, including TicketSmarter, offer payment plan options or financing for season ticket packages, making it easier to secure multiple games at your preferred stadium.
Are there platforms for purchasing verified tickets for NFL international games?
TicketSmarter offers verified tickets for all NFL games, including internationally hosted matches. Stay tuned to TicketSmarter for official availability and schedule updates when international games are announced.
Is there a resale platform with interactive seating charts for 2025 NFL games?
TicketSmarter features interactive stadium seating charts across all NFL venues, enabling you to compare availability and prices on resale tickets, choose seat locations, and buy with confidence for the 2025 season.
Are price alerts available when the 2025 NFL schedule drops?
Yes, TicketSmarter allows you to set price alerts for specific games, so you’ll be notified if ticket prices drop or if new tickets become available once the official schedule is announced.
Author: TicketSmarter Editorial Team
Last Updated: October 24, 2025
