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After months and months of unrelenting boredom, the NFL is finally nearing its return. No longer will you have to spend your Sundays hanging out with your family or enduring other godawful tasks. Say goodbye to trips to Bed Bath & Beyond, and hello to not leaving your couch for 12 straight hours.
This will be the 97th NFL season and the 51st season of the Super Bowl era. Last season ended with the Denver Broncos beating the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in the Super Bowl, and Peyton Manning’s giant forehead walking off into the sunset. Because time is a flat circle and the NFL knows how to get ridiculous ratings, the 2016 season will kick off with a Super Bowl 50 rematch. Let’s break down the first games of the NFL regular season and preseason, which I’m sure will feature half of my fantasy team blowing out their knees.
When Does The NFL Season Start This Year?
The 2016 NFL season will kick off on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 8:30 PM EST. The preseason will begin with the Hall of Fame Game on Sunday, August 7, 2016 at 8:00 PM EST.
Preseason Week 1: Green Bay Packers vs. Indianapolis Colts
Date: Sunday, August 7, 2016
Time: 8:00 PM EST
Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio
TV Channel: ESPN
Spread: Pick ’em
Over/Under: 36
Regular Season Week 1: Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos
Date: Thursday, September 8, 2016
Time: 8:30 PM EST
Location: Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado
TV Channel: NBC
Spread: Carolina -3
Over/Under: 42
