By: Jim Williams
Capital Sports Network Senior Columnist
The 2025 NFL season begins with California’s gridiron giants—the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers—stepping into the spotlight for two must-watch Week 1 battles. The Rams host the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium, where Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua look to ignite a retooled offense against C.J. Stroud’s rising squad. Meanwhile, the 49ers travel to Seattle for a fierce NFC West showdown, with Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle aiming to silence Lumen Field and start their redemption campaign strong. With playoff ambitions, star power, and national broadcasts in play, both teams are ready to set the tone for a thrilling season.
MUST READS
Los Angeles Rams vs. Houston Texans
- Date/Time: Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 – 4:25 PM ET
- Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
- Broadcast: CBS / Paramount+
- Radio: ESPN LA 710 AM, Tu Liga 1330 AM, 93.1 JACK FM
Game Preview: The Rams enter Week 1 with renewed optimism and a stacked offensive arsenal. Matthew Stafford, returning from a cautious offseason, will have Davante Adams and Puka Nacua as his primary weapons, while Kyren Williams anchors the run game. The defense, led by rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, will be tested by Houston’s revamped offense featuring Nick Chubb, Nico Collins, and second-year QB C.J. Stroud.
Houston’s defense, headlined by Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr., is among the league’s most aggressive, and could challenge Stafford’s timing early. With both teams boasting explosive potential, expect a physical, strategic battle that could hinge on turnovers and red zone efficiency.
Prediction: Rams 27, Texans 20
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
- Date/Time: Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 – 4:05 PM ET
- Location: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
- Broadcast: FOX
- Radio: KSFO 810 AM / KSAN 107.7 FM
Game Preview: The 49ers begin their 2025 campaign with a chip on their shoulder after a disappointing 6–11 finish last season. Brock Purdy, now one of the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks, leads a fully healthy offense featuring Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle. The defense, retooled under returning coordinator Robert Saleh, will rely on Nick Bosa and rookie Mykel Williams to pressure Seattle’s new starter Sam Darnold.
Seattle counters with a young, explosive receiving corps led by Jaxon Smith-Njigba and veteran Cooper Kupp, acquired in a surprise offseason trade. The Seahawks haven’t beaten San Francisco at home in four years, and with Lumen Field rocking, they’ll look to end that streak.
Prediction:
