Jump to a matchupBroncos (2–2) at Eagles (4–0)Buccaneers (3–1) at Seahawks (3–1)Commanders (2–2) at Chargers (3–1)Patriots (2–2) at Bills (4–0)Chiefs (2–2) at Jaguars (3–1)
The 2025 NFL season is beginning to take shape. The leaves are falling and the calendar is turning.
Sunday will feature October’s first full slate of games, and it’s a good one. In Philadelphia, the Eagles try to run their record to a perfect 5–0, but can they block the Broncos? In an NFC clash between two 1976 expansion teams, the Seahawks and Buccaneers will be wearing their original uniforms in a contest likely to be decided by how Seattle holds up against a banged-up Tampa Bay passing attack.
At SoFi Stadium, can Jayden Daniels overcome his knee injury to rally the Commanders past the Chargers? Looking at the data, the game might actually be decided when Daniels is on the sideline. On Sunday night, can Drake Maye and the Patriots pull an upset in Buffalo? To do it, New England has to slow down the best running game in the league.
And finally, the Chiefs and Jaguars square off in Duval County on Monday night. Kansas City must hold onto the ball. And, more to the point, if Jacksonville can’t rip it away, an incredible stat (see below) says the Jaguars have virtually no chance of winning.
But we start in the City of Brotherly Love, where the Eagles try to do what they always seem to do. Win.
Broncos (2–2) at Eagles (4–0)
Spread: Philadelphia -3.5
Key matchup: Philadelphia’s offensive line vs. Denver’s pass rush
Key stat: Denver is second in sack percentage (10.1%) and first in sacks (15).
Date, Time, TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
If the Broncos are going to hand the Eagles their first loss of 2025, and their first defeat with Jalen Hurts playing 60 minutes since Week 4 of last season, it will start up front.
Denver has the league’s best defensive front by sacks, with 15. Those sacks, though, have come against some of the league’s worst offensive lines, including the Titans, Chargers and Bengals, which rank 30th, 19th and 29th in sack percentage allowed, respectively. This is a much tougher test against an Eagles line with four Pro Bowlers, including tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, center Cam Jurgens and guard Landon Dickerson.
However, a surprising stat. Philadelphia ranks 23rd in sack percentage allowed (8.2%) while throwing only 101 times, the fewest attempts going into Week 5. Translation? The Broncos aren’t going to have many chances to pin their ears back, but when they do, success could be found, even against some household names.
If Denver does get home, look for Nik Bonitto to be the reason. Bonitto is developing into an All-Pro player with 4.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits, ranking second and first in those categories.
Verderame’s Verdict: Philadelphia 19, Denver 15
