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Best NFL games of Week 1: Packers, Seahawks showdown in Lambeau

By Joe Schiller

NEW ORLEANS, LA - AUGUST 26: Drew Brees
NEW ORLEANS, LA - AUGUST 26: Drew Brees /
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FOXBORO, MA – AUGUST 31: Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots watches the action against the New York Giants in the second half during a preseason game on August 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – AUGUST 31: Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots watches the action against the New York Giants in the second half during a preseason game on August 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

3. Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots

What better way to kickoff the NFL regular season than a matchup featuring the reigning Super Bowl champs? Tomorrow night we will see the Chiefs head into Foxborough to take on the Patriots. The last time these two teams met was in the AFC Championship two years ago. There won’t be as much to play for on Thursday, but expect an electric atmosphere from the Patriots’ crowd.

It’s all business for Bill Belichick and company. The Super Bowl comeback is now in the past and the road to Minnesota starts on Thursday. After letting go of LeGarrette Blount and losing Julian Edelman to injury, Tom Brady is going to need to find his new favorite targets. In return, the Patriots continue to follow their next-man-up mentality.

Newly-acquired offense weapons Mike Gillislee and Brandon Cooks will look to lead the offensive production. On the defensive side of the ball, Stephon Gilmore pairs with Malcolm Butler to lead the secondary. Of course, we can’t forget about Rob Gronkowski, who is finally back and healthy.

The Chiefs seem to be in the same boat. Tyreek Hill is expected to be the No. 1 receiver and Kareem Hunt gets thrown into the fire as the starting running back. Any offensive weaknesses will be made up for the strengths on defense. Two All-Pros in the secondary along with a solid front seven gives the Chiefs the best shot in this game. As great as Tom Brady is, he’s shown vulnerability when put under pressure in the pocket.

This game could go either way. The Chiefs need to establish an early presence on both sides of the ball. If not, going down against Tom Brady is never easy to come back from.