The 2017 NFL regular season begins with Patriots vs. Chiefs

The NFL season officially begins TONIGHT, as the defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots play host to the Kansas City Chiefs. These were the top two seeded teams in the AFC last year, but a first-round loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers prevented a postseason bout between the two clubs.

Heading into 2017, we know that as long as Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are affiliated with the Patriots, they’re going to win the NFC East and be Super Bowl contenders. They have a shiny new weapon at receiver in the form of Brandin Cooks, but the rest of the receiver positions and running back spots will need to iron themselves out in terms of utilization. They always find a way to make it work.

The Chiefs feature a very efficient offense and defense, as Alex Smith continues to man the ship ahead of rookie Patrick Mahomes. One rookie will be a big contributor for Kansas City, and that is running back Kareem Hunt. I’d expect a closely-contested game, but have to go with the Patriots at home and the history of the defending champs emerging as victors to begin seasons. Patriots 27, Chiefs 20

Game: Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots
Date/Time: Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 8:30 PM ET
Television: NBC - Al Michaels & Cris Collinsworth