The 2016 NFL season, the 97th season in the history of the National Football League (NFL), is scheduled to begin on Thursday, September 8, 2016, with the annual kickoff game featuring the defending Super Bowl 50 champion hosting an as of yet unannounced opponent. The season will conclude with Super Bowl LI, the league's championship game, on Sunday, February 5, 2017, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.