The Patriots will kick off their title defense by hosting the Chiefs in a battle between two of the best teams in the conference. The last time the two teams squared off, the Patriots beat the Chiefs 27-20 in the AFC Divisional Round of the 2015 playoffs. The last two regular season games have been blowouts, with the Chiefs beating the Patriots 41-14 at Arrowhead in 2014, and the Patriots beating the Chiefs 34-3 at Gillette in 2011.

The Patriots have won all of their previous season openers as the defending Super Bowl champions and are 6-2 against the Chiefs under head coach Bill Belichick.

The Chiefs are home to multiple former Patriots players and staffers. OL Jordan Devey is on the Chiefs, while LB coach Gary Gibbs apparently was on the Patriots roster for training camp in 1975. Special projects manager Tommy Brasher used to be the Patriots defensive line coach from 1982-84, offensive quality control coach Mike Kafka used to play quarterback for the Patriots in 2013, and head trainer Rick Burkholder was a Patriots intern in 1986.

Patriots receivers coach Chad O’Shea was a special teams assistant for the Chiefs in 2004 and a linebackers and special teams coach in 2004. Team develop coach Jack Easterby was the Chiefs’ team chaplain from 2011-12.

Date: Thursday, September 7th, 2017

Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Kickoff: 8:30 PM EST

SB Nation Affiliates: ArrowheadPride.com

TV: NBC

Announcers: Al Michaels and Chris Collinsworth, with Michelle Tafoya on the sidelines.

Channels: Courtesy of the New England Patriots media guide.

Massachusetts

Boston, Mass. NBC Boston - 10

Online Streaming: NFL Game Pass for international viewers, 98.5 The Sports Hub Online Radio Stream.

Radio: 98.5 FM, with Scott Zolak and Bob Socci

Additional Information: The Patriots provide an incredible breakdown on their website.