Preview:

The New England Patriots kickoff their 2017 title defense against the defending AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs. Emotions will be at their highest, as New England is coming off the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history. Tonight they'll celebrate their fifth championship in a pregame ceremony that is sure to be extravagant. Their energy level will be at its peak, and there's no reason to believe the Patriots will slow down at all, especially with Brady at the helm, who now possesses the most Super Bowls by any QB in NFL history with five.  

Not taking anything away from the Chiefs, but quarterback Alex Smith does not put up big numbers like his opponent. Still, last season the Utah product threw for a career-high 3,502 passing yards in 2016. There is plenty of talent on the Chiefs' offense; alongside Smith, they will send out Travis Kelce, Kareem Hunt, and Tyreek Hill. Kelce is widely considered as one of the top tight ends in the league behind New England’s Rob Gronkowski.

The Chiefs have the potential to keep up with Tom Brady and the Patriots. Still, even the loss of Brady's most trusted target, Julian Edelman, for the season should not dent New England's offense. Last season’s find, Chris Hogan, as well as new addition Brandon Cooks should shoulder the load just find in the passing games, and they'll present even more opportunities for Gronkowski.

Extra Facts:

–          The Patriots have won eight consecutive season openers and seven in a row on Thursday night

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–          Patriots vs. Chiefs – Home Team is 4-1 against the spread in their last five meetings

–          Patriots-Over is 4-0 in New England's last four games

–          The Over is 6-2 in Chiefs' last eight games in September

Tonight's spread: Patriots -9