Broncos and Chiefs set for huge clash on opening weekend of NFL season

There are doubts over whether Patrick Mahomes will return for the start of the season (Getty)

These initial schedule revelations, announced during network upfront presentations, also highlighted other key matchups.

The Buffalo Bills will inaugurate their new stadium on 17 September against the Detroit Lions, marking the start of Amazon Prime Video’s "Thursday Night Football."

The Dallas Cowboys feature prominently, visiting the New York Giants on 13 September for NBC’s "Sunday Night Football" opener and hosting the Philadelphia Eagles on Thanksgiving Day, 26 November, on Fox.

Dallas has won its past four Thanksgiving games, including a 31-28 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last year.

The late afternoon Thanksgiving game is traditionally the most viewed of the regular season. Last year’s game averaged 57.23 million viewers on CBS, making it the most-watched regular-season game in league history.

This will be the second straight season Philadelphia will have the spotlight on Thanksgiving week. Jalen Hurts and the Eagles hosted last year's Black Friday game and lost to the Chicago Bears 24-15.

Monday's announcements mean the Cowboys know the dates for three of their 17 games. It was announced a couple of weeks ago their game in Rio de Janeiro against the Baltimore Ravens will take place in Week 3 on Sept. 27 and air on CBS.

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