Throughout the extensive history of the National Football League, only a pair of squads have navigated a regular season without a single defeat — specifically, the 1972 Miami Dolphins alongside the 2007 New England Patriots — and a consensus suggests that a new addition won’t be joining this select group in 2025.
The underlying point is that it seems almost certain that each team will encounter at least one setback. Given this likelihood, I’ve committed to forecasting when each team will experience their initial defeat.
For approximately half of the NFL roster, this inaugural loss will occur during Week 1. However, what awaits the remaining teams? Let’s delve into the specifics.
First loss in Week 1
Dallas Cowboys (at Philadelphia Eagles). The Cowboys are experiencing internal difficulties. The Eagles are the current Super Bowl titleholders. The Cowboys’ aspirations for a perfect season will likely conclude after the first game.
Los Angeles Chargers (vs. Kansas Chiefs in Brazil). The Chiefs have secured victories in seven consecutive encounters against the Chargers, though they’ve never triumphed over them on Brazilian soil. Nevertheless, there’s always a first occasion for every outcome. The Chargers have contended with unfortunate injuries, including Rashawn Slater’s season-ending condition, and the Chiefs maintain their usual high caliber.
Atlanta Falcons (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers). The Buccaneers boast a flawless 3-0 record in their recent three road openers, highlighted by a noteworthy 20-16 triumph over the Lions in the previous season, which constituted one of only two regular-season defeats for Detroit. Michael Penix Jr. is projected to make only his fourth career start, facing a seasoned Buccaneers team. This scenario favors a Tampa Bay victory.
Cleveland Browns (vs. Cincinnati Bengals). The Bengals have exhibited lackluster performances early in the past two seasons, yet the Browns confront numerous uncertainties. Cleveland’s defensive capabilities might sustain them in this contest — particularly against Joe Burrow — but overcoming the Bengals poses a significant challenge. The match will likely be more competitive than anticipated, culminating in a Browns defeat.
Indianapolis Colts (vs. Miami Dolphins). With Daniel Jones set to initiate his Colts tenure in Week 1, Indy’s offensive efficiency might encounter difficulties during the initial weeks of the season. The Dolphins face their own set of challenges, yet their offensive lineup is sufficiently potent to surpass Indy.
New Orleans Saints (vs. Arizona Cardinals). The Cardinals’ defensive squad is poised to confront Tyler Shough, Jake Haener, or Spencer Rattler. This matchup gives the Cardinals an advantage.
Las Vegas Raiders (at New England Patriots). The scheduling arrangements disadvantage the Raiders, requiring them to travel across the nation for a game commencing at 10 a.m. PT, disrupting their internal body clock. The Patriots have integrated several defensive reinforcements this offseason, likely causing complications for Geno Smith.
New York Jets (vs. Pittsburgh Steelers). Based on the statements he previously expressed this offseason, it appears Aaron Rodgers is motivated to challenge the Jets.
New York Giants (at Washington Commanders). The Giants recorded the NFC’s poorest record in the previous year and commence the season on the road against a team that advanced to the NFC title game. This situation seems unbalanced.
Carolina Panthers (at Jacksonville Jaguars). This matchup showcases the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator from 2023 (Dave Canales) coaching against the Bucs’ offensive coordinator from 2024 (Liam Coen). Coen’s inaugural game as the Jaguars’ coach provides him with a wealth of offensive resources, hinting at a high-scoring victory for Jacksonville.
Tennessee Titans (at Denver Broncos). Since 2003, there have been 16 quarterbacks who were the initial selections in the NFL Draft. Collectively, their record stands at 1-15 in their debut career starts. Cameron Ward secured the No. 1 overall selection. This contest suggests a likely defeat for the Titans.
Seattle Seahawks (vs. San Francisco 49ers). The 49ers have emerged victorious in six of the past seven encounters within this rivalry. With San Francisco anticipated to be at full strength, they will use the opener to affirm their Super Bowl contention in 2025.
Green Bay Packers (vs. Detroit Lions). Dan Campbell has effectively countered Matt LaFleur in recent seasons, winning six of the past seven games against his NFC North coaching adversary. The Packers face challenges as Jordan Love is currently managing a thumb injury, impacting his practice availability leading up to the opener.
Los Angeles Rams (vs. Houston Texans). The Rams have a starting quarterback in Matthew Stafford who did not participate in a single practice session between Aug. 1 and Aug. 17. With a quarterback managing an injury and uncertainty at the left tackle position, the Rams would ideally avoid confronting a Texans team headlined by formidable pass rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.
Baltimore Ravens (at Buffalo Bills). Sean McDermott, a former defensive coordinator, has strategically countered Lamar Jackson during the Bills’ matchups against the Ravens. The Bills have secured victories in three of their past four games against the Ravens, including playoff encounters. McDermott’s defense has limited Baltimore to an average of only 16 points per game in these three wins.
Minnesota Vikings (at Chicago Bears). This game is compelling: J.J. McCarthy will make his first start for Minnesota, and Ben Johnson will debut as the Bears’ coach. The Vikings will be without Jordan Addison, and Justin Jefferson has dealt with a hamstring issue during training camp. Given the Bears’ home advantage in prime time, they have a slight edge.
Remaining unbeaten teams after Week 1: 16
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First loss in Week 2
Commanders (at Packers). After competing on Sunday in Week 1, the Commanders encounter a rapid turnaround, playing a Thursday ROAD game at Green Bay, posing a demanding situation. Should the Packers suffer defeat in Week 1, as anticipated, they will aggressively pursue victory in this game to avoid falling to an 0-2 record.
Jaguars (at Bengals). To defeat the Bengals, it is imperative to contain Joe Burrow. The Jaguars might not be adequately equipped for this task, having conceded the HIGHEST number of passing yards per game in the NFL during the prior season. This game will reveal whether the Jaguars have sufficiently addressed this vulnerability.
Dolphins (vs. Patriots). This is a game where the Patriots’ revised defensive strategy could exert significant influence, particularly against a Dolphins offense that has appeared less effective in training camp.
Bears (at Lions). This game presents an intriguing dynamic with Johnson opposing his former team. However, the schedule creates difficulties for the Bears. Following a Monday game in Week 1, they must confront the Lions on a condensed week. Campbell’s familiarity with Johnson’s offensive schemes gives the Lions a competitive advantage.
Eagles (at Chiefs). Following their loss in Super Bowl LIX, the Chiefs will exhibit determination for retribution.
Buccaneers (at Texans). In Week 1, the Texans face a Rams team probably lacking its starting left tackle, Alaric Jackson. In Week 2, they encounter a Bucs team likely missing its starting left tackle, Tristan Wirfs. The Houston defense will potentially dominate early in the season.
Remaining unbeaten teams after Week 2: 10
First loss in Week 3
Patriots (vs. Steelers). If the Patriots achieve a 2-0 start, it would surpass expectations, but their undefeated campaign will end against a Steelers defense likely to contain Drake Maye.
Cardinals (at 49ers). After a surprising 2-0 start, marking their first since 2021, the Cardinals’ momentum is halted against the 49ers in a closely contested game that goes down to the wire.
Lions (at Ravens). Jackson maintains a career record of 24-2 against NFC teams, a critical statistic for this Monday night confrontation. Advantage: Ravens.
Remaining unbeaten teams after Week 3: 7
First loss in Week 4
Chiefs (vs. Ravens). The Chiefs face a demanding schedule early in the season, with three of their initial four games against teams that participated in the previous season’s playoffs (Chargers, Eagles, Ravens). A loss in one of these contests wouldn’t be surprising, potentially happening in this game.
Broncos (vs. Bengals). This game could emerge as one of Week 4’s highlights. The prior season featured a shootout between these teams, potentially recurring with the Bengals securing an upset victory on the road.
Remaining unbeaten teams after Week 4: 5
First loss in Week 5
49ers (at Rams). Since the beginning of the 2020 season, the Rams have excelled at winning Thursday games with limited rest. They have participated in six such games, winning each one, and this trend will likely continue here.
Bengals (vs. Lions). Following a captivating Monday night victory over the Broncos, the Bengals must quickly prepare to face the Lions on a short week. The Lions are a challenging opponent under these circumstances.
Texans (at Ravens). Last season, the Texans played six games against playoff teams, securing a 1-5 record. While this team shows potential, its ability to compete with the NFL’s elite remains to be proven, with the Ravens positioned among the top contenders.
Remaining unbeaten teams: 2
First loss in Week 7
Steelers (at Bengals). After an unexpected 6-0 start in Pittsburgh, Rodgers encounters his first defeat with the Steelers during this Thursday night game in Cincinnati. Over the past six years, AFC North teams have a 3-13 record in prime-time road games against fellow division teams, and this pattern will probably persist.
Remaining unbeaten teams after Week 7: 1
First loss in Week 9
Bills (vs. Chiefs). If the Bills overcome the Ravens in Week 1, they could sustain an undefeated record until November, potentially concluding with a loss to the Chiefs. Despite the Bills’ regular-season dominance over the Chiefs, Kansas City holds an advantage here. In this scenario, an 8-0 start for the Bills, including a win over K.C., would significantly improve their chances of securing the AFC’s top seed. When pressure mounts, the Chiefs tend to excel, and the stakes would be high in this situation.
Thus, the Bills emerge as the last undefeated team, though this outcome might not guarantee success, given the struggles of final unbeaten teams to win the Super Bowl this century. Since 2000, the final undefeated team in the regular season has only claimed one Super Bowl victory, achieved by Peyton Manning’s Colts in 2006 after a 9-0 start. This reflects a 19-year drought.
