The New England Patriots will kick off the NFL season on Thursday, Sept. 7, by hosting the Chiefs.
Kansas City won the AFC West last season. New England earned the honor to host the season opener with its record comeback to beat Atlanta in the Super Bowl — and they will welcome the Falcons to Gillette Stadium in Week 7 on Sunday, Oct. 22.
Both games are currently expected to air on NBC Boston, as is the Patriots' Week 10 matchup with the Broncos in Denver.
The Patriots' full schedule was released Thursday night.
