One of the spoils of being champion: The New England Patriots will kick off the NFL season on Sept. 7 by hosting the Kansas City Chiefs. Its opening opponent in a Thursday night game won the AFC West last season. Most of the rest of the schedule will be played on Dec. 24, with no night game. The Falcons are scheduled to open their new stadium in an NFC championship rematch with Green Bay on Sunday night in Week 2. Denver has one road game in the first six weeks " the Broncos also have a bye " before visiting the Chargers, Chiefs and Eagles.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 21, 2017 00:56 UTC