NFL 2016 Schedule Released

The Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos won't have to wait long for a rematch of Super Bowl 50.

The teams will meet Sept. 8 in a nationally televised Thursday night opener in Denver.

"We're glad that it's out," said John Elway, Broncos executive vice president of football operations. "We knew who we were going to play and now we know when we're going to play them. It's always exciting to take that next step and look at the 2016 season. With the schedule coming out, that's kind of the first step. With the draft coming up in the next couple of weeks, we're on to 2016."

The game highlights the 2016 NFL schedule, which was released Thursday night. It included the slate for the 47th season of Monday Night Football.

Denver defeated Carolina 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 in February. Linebacker Von Miller was named the game's most valuable player after collecting 2.5 sacks against quarterback Cam Newton. Two of those resulted in fumbles that led to touchdowns.

"It's exciting for our players to compete on a national stage," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. "We have earned the right to be in the spotlight and we have to take advantage of it."

The 2016 opener will be the first Super Bowl rematch on opening weekend since 1970, when Minnesota beat champion Kansas City 27-10.

The Panthers, who went 15-1 in the regular season, return most of the team that has won the NFC South the past three years. The Broncos have lost several key players this offseason, including quarterback Peyton Manning, who retired last month.

Among the other highlights for opening weekend: The Rams return to represent Los Angeles as they visit the San Francisco 49ers in the nightcap of a Monday night doubleheader. Pittsburgh is at Washington in the first game on Monday.

Another notable matchup in Week 1: The Patriots and Cardinals will meet in Arizona on Sunday night, Sept. 11.

Week One

Thursday, September 8 Schedule (Time Central)

Carolina at Denver, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 11 Schedule (All Times Central)

Buffalo at Baltimore, noon

Green Bay at Jacksonville, noon

San Diego at Kansas City, noon

Oakland at New Orleans, noon

Chicago at Houston, noon

Cleveland at Philadelphia, noon

Minnesota at Tennessee, noon

Tampa Bay at Atlanta, noon

Cincinnati at N.Y. Jets, noon

Miami at Seattle, 3:05 p.m.

N.Y. Giants at Dallas, 3:25 p.m.

Detroit at Indianapolis, 3:25 p.m.

New England at Arizona, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, September 12 Schedule (All Times Central)

Pittsburgh at Washington, 6:10 p.m.

L.A. Rams at San Francisco, 9:20 p.m.