<P> 2017 : The defending Super Bowl LI champions , the New England Patriots , hosted the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2017 Kickoff Game at Gillette Stadium . Goodell visited Gillette Stadium for the Kickoff Game , having been absent from the venue since the 2014 season . </P>
who plays the first nfl game of the season
The defending Super Bowl LI champions , the New England Patriots the Kansas City Chiefs