The 12 Best QB Matchups on the 2025 NFL Schedule

Now that Aaron Rodgers is officially a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, we have a pretty good idea of who will quarterback each NFL team at the start of the 2025 season. 

Of course, plenty can and will change. But for now, we can’t make assumptions about injuries or depth chart changes as a result of productivity (or a lack thereof). 

With that in mind, let’s look ahead at the most intriguing quarterback matchups on the 2025 schedule, with a focus on intrigue and novelty (not just strength on strength, although that counts for a lot). 

Because they happen twice a year and aren’t novel, we’ve excluded any intra-divisional matchups.

12. Cam Ward vs. Bo Nix

AP Photo/George Walker IV

When and where: Week 1, Titans at Broncos

Why it’s cool: Barring something unforeseen this summer, this will be Ward’s debut as Tennessee’s No. 1 overall pick. He’ll go up against Denver’s exciting new franchise quarterback in a battle of high-profile young potential stars. 

Prediction: Ward will have his work cut out for him, as the Broncos defense is strong and Nix finished his rookie season on a roll. The Broncos should easily win their home opener, with Nix outplaying Ward.

11. J.J. McCarthy vs. Sam Darnold

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

When and where: Week 13, Vikings at Seahawks

Why it’s cool: McCarthy should be deep into his first full season as a starter in place of Darnold, who stood out as Minnesota’s quarterback throughout 2024 before leaving town for big money in Seattle. Both quarterbacks will feel they have a lot to prove in this spot. 

Prediction: The Vikings are simply the better team, McCarthy should be settled in by this point, and I don’t really believe in Darnold. This should be a Vikes win, causing the franchise to feel comfortable with its decision to stick with its 2024 first-round pick.

10. Jayden Daniels vs. Patrick Mahomes

AP Photo/Nick Wass

When and where: Week 8, Commanders at Chiefs

Why it’s cool: A Monday Night Football meeting between the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year and the league’s most decorated active player is simply gold. Plus, regardless of accolades, Daniels and Mahomes are two of the most entertaining and clutch quarterbacks in the league. This could represent somewhat of a passing of the torch. 

Prediction: This should be a pretty even matchup. I wouldn’t be surprised if Daniels were to outplay the fading (I said it) Mahomes and if the veteran Chiefs were to still find a way to win at Arrowhead in prime time.

9. Jalen Hurts vs. Josh Allen

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

When and where: Week 17, Eagles at Bills

Why it’s cool: The reigning Super Bowl MVP goes up against the reigning NFL MVP in a battle between two of the most dynamic and skilled players in the sport. It’s also potentially a Super Bowl preview. 

Prediction: Let’s just hope this game matters to both quarterbacks and teams, because that’s a risk this late in the season. If it does, I’m siding with Allen and the Bills simply due to that Orchard Park edge in December.

8. Joe Burrow vs. Josh Allen

AP Photo/Darron Cummings

When and where: Week 14, Bengals at Bills

Why it’s cool: Both are coming off monster seasons, and both are expected to be prime MVP candidates for Super Bowl contenders in the same conference. This has the makings of a classic to kick off December. 

Prediction: See above regarding the Bills at home once winter hits, but this could also go either way and nobody would be surprised.

7. Aaron Rodgers vs. Justin Fields

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

When and where: Week 1, Steelers at Jets

Why it’s cool: These teams essentially swapped quarterbacks, with Fields jumping to New York and Rodgers moving to Pittsburgh in free agency. Both will surely want to burn their former teams to kick off the new campaign, and both have a ton to prove entering the year. 

Prediction: I get the feeling a washed-up Rodgers will be roasted by a Jets team that likely doesn’t love what he did to the franchise the last couple of years.

6. Jordan Love vs. Aaron Rodgers

AP Photo/Morry Gash

When and where: Week 8, Packers at Steelers 

Why it’s cool: For the first (and possibly only) time in his career, Rodgers will face the Packers. While this won't be Rodgers vs. Favre and it won’t be at Lambeau, the Sunday Night Football drama for a Rodgers-Love battle should be fantastic. 

Prediction: Love is now a much better quarterback and the Packers are the better team. That said, it’s still a prime-time tilt in Pittsburgh. The Steelers should come to play, but I think they lose a close and entertaining game.

5. Caleb Williams vs. Jayden Daniels

AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough

When and where: Week 6, Bears at Commanders

Why it’s cool: The top two picks from the 2024 NFL draft go head to head for the second year in a row, and Williams will have plenty to prove after he was outperformed by Daniels overall as well as in their midseason clash in ‘24. 

Prediction: Daniels is much further along, and the Commanders are as well. At home, they prevail.

4. Jalen Hurts vs. Patrick Mahomes

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

When and where: Week 2, Eagles at Chiefs

Why it’s cool: They’ve met in two of the last three Super Bowls, with each winning MVP once. And it goes without saying that they’re two of the most uniquely skilled players in the sport. This could be a tremendous early-season tone-setter for both. 

Prediction: Both quarterbacks have played very well against each other’s team, and the less talented Chiefs have home field, so this is close to a toss-up. I kinda think K.C. will have some wake-up call moments this year, so let’s roll with Hurts and the Eagles in this spot.

3. Lamar Jackson vs. Patrick Mahomes

AP Photo/Gail Burton, File

When and where: Week 4, Ravens at Chiefs

Why it’s cool: Four of the last seven MVP awards have gone to these two quarterbacks. Jackson is coming off one of the most dominant two-season stretches in league history, while Mahomes is the active GOAT in most fans' eyes. They’ve had many classic battles, including in last year’s season opener. 

Prediction: Jackson has a mere 80.7 career passer rating in six total matchups with the Chiefs, and Baltimore is just 1-5 in those games. I can’t get behind that.

2. Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen

AP Photo/Ed Zurga

When and where: Week 9, Chiefs at Bills 

Why it’s cool: Three of the last seven MVP awards have gone to these two quarterbacks. Allen is coming off one of the most astounding five-season stretches in league history, while Mahomes is the active GOAT in most fans' eyes. They’ve had many classic battles, including in last year’s AFC Championship Game.

Prediction: Allen is 0-4 in his playoff career against Mahomes and the Chiefs, but he’s won four straight regular-season games over Kansas City. At home, he and the Bills should prevail in this critical midseason tilt.

1. Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen

AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File

When and where: Week 1, Ravens at Bills

Why it’s cool: The Sunday night season opener features last year’s top two MVP vote-getters and the league’s last two MVPs in general. It’s pretty damn hard to top that, especially considering last year’s playoff thriller between the two.

Prediction: I’m not picking against Allen and the Bills in a prime-time home opener. That’ll be too hype, despite the fact Jackson has played the Bills well in recent matchups.