Terrion Arnold Hints Fans Wanted Lions vs. Eagles for Season Opener Instead of Cowboys

The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles will host the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL's 2025 season-opener on Thursday, Sept. 4.

But Detroit Lions cornerback Terrior Arnold suggested Monday that fans perhaps would have preferred a different matchup for the champs:

The NFL often has its defending champion play the opening game of the following season, so Philadelphia's inclusion isn't a surprise. And given that the Cowboys are a hated divisional rival for the Birds, their selection wasn't a huge surprise.

A Philly vs. Detroit matchup would have been a juicy way to start the season, however.

The two teams were the top two seeds in the NFC playoffs last year and appeared to be on a collision course for the NFC Championship Game before the Washington Commanders upset the top-seeded Lions in the divisional round.

The good news for NFL fans is that the Eagles and Lions will play each other this season. It just won't happen in Week 1.