Morning Sports Update Experts foresee an improvement, but maybe not quite enough for a playoff spot. Some Patriots predictions: The 2025 NFL season has arrived, with the first game (Cowboys at Eagles) set to kick off on Thursday evening at 8:20 p.m. The Patriots get underway on Sunday against the Raiders (1 p.m.) at Gillette Stadium. With a new head coach and a large amount of roster turnover, it will be a new beginning for New England.