Anticipation surrounds the NFL season opener, especially with the Philadelphia Eagles set to kick off on September 4 at Lincoln Financial Field. While the opponent remains undisclosed, various matchups have been evaluated, ranking the strongest contenders from least to most appealing.

The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants rank low due to lackluster performances and uneven rivalries. The Dallas Cowboys, once a marquee matchup, now seem less engaging after the Eagles dominated their recent meetings. The Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears present intriguing angles, but questions remain about their readiness against the Eagles.

As divisional rivals, the Washington Commanders have potential due to their recent competitive performances. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams offer a compelling storyline with key strategic elements to evaluate. However, the Detroit Lions top the list as the ideal opener, showcasing the potential clash of top NFC contenders.