NFL releases 2016 schedule, featuring Broncos-Panthers season opener
The NFL released the 2016 regular-season schedule on Thursday, which kicks off with an unprecedented Super Bowl rematch between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers.
The schedule went live on NFL.com prior to the official 8 p.m. EST release, confirming earlier reports that the Broncos and Panthers would meet in the prime-time opener on Thursday, Sept. 8.
In addition to the excitement surrounding Cam Newton going out for revenge against Von Miller and co., the New England Patriots will face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday Night Football in Week 1, a game that could be a preview of Super Bowl LI.
Related: 7 must-watch games on the 2016 NFL Schedule
On Thanksgiving Day, the Detroit Lions will host the Minnesota Vikings, while the Washington Redskins will travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys. Finally, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts will cap off Turkey Day in prime time.
With Dec. 25 falling on a Sunday in 2016, this upcoming season will also feature two Christmas Day games, with Steelers-Ravens kicking off at 4:30 p.m. EST, followed by Broncos-Chiefs at 8:30 p.m. EST. The majority of the league will play on Christmas Eve, with 12 games being featured on Saturday, Dec. 24.
The 2016 season will end with a full slate of games as the calendar flips to 2017 on Jan. 1, with Wild Card Weekend taking place Jan. 7-8.