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.