Here’s all the information you’ll need to catch the broadcast between the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots for Week 1.
This is the day NFL fans have been waiting for, the official kickoff for the 2017 regular season is here. Tonight, real football players will face off in a real football game with real implications for the standings. For the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots, it’s also the start of a long season’s climb toward the playoffs (hopefully) as each team has serious postseason hopes.
For the Patriots, to talk about the postseason in terms of hopes sounds ridiculous. After all, they’re raising their fifth Super Bowl Champions banner on Thursday and seem to have the best overall offense they’ve had in years. The additions of Brandin Cooks and Phillip Dorsett, the return to health of Rob Gronkowski, the diverse corps of running backs—they all signal a Patriots offense that should keep defensive coordinators guessing all year long.
The Chiefs return the majority of a roster that went 12-4 last season and swept the most difficult division in football in the AFC West. Any team that can beat the Broncos, Raiders and Chargers twice in a single season is going to be a tough out, so no one should gloss over the Chiefs even in this season-opening game at Gillette Stadium.
The Chiefs defense is going to have to be the star of the show if K.C. is going to win. Justin Houston is back and healthy but Eric Berry has been dealing with a sore heel and Tamba Hali will miss the contest, as will Steven Nelson. That’s some serious losses for a defense that is otherwise loaded. Without a couple key pieces, it might be impossible to stop such a strong offense like the Pats.
Nevertheless, everyone should enjoy a competitive game on Thursday night. Here’s a rundown of everything you’ll need to know to watch the game.
Who: Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots
When: Thursday, September 7, 8:30 p.m. E.T. (7:30 p.m. C.T.)
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Announcers: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth
Watch on TV: NBC
Watch Online: NFL Game Pass
Listen on Radio: Chiefs Radio Network (KCFX,101.1 FM local)