NFL Kickoff 2021 primer: Opponents, location, start time

When is NFL Kickoff?

The official start to the 2021 NFL season will take place Thursday, Sept. 9.

Who is playing in the NFL season opener?

NFL Kickoff will pit the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Dallas Cowboys.

Where will NFL Kickoff take place?

The Bucs will host the visiting Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, the site of Tampa Bay's historic Super Bowl LV victory in February.

What time is NFL Kickoff?

The Cowboys-Bucs game will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Where can I watch NFL Kickoff?

Fans can watch NFL Kickoff live on NBC or stream the game live on Peacock.

What NFL prime-time matchups will take place during Week 1?

In addition to Thursday night's season-opening showdown, Week 1 will feature two other prime-time games:

• The Los Angeles Rams will host the Chicago Bears on Sept. 12 on Sunday Night Football; kickoff is scheduled for .
• The Las Vegas Raiders will welcome the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 13 on Monday Night Football ; kickoff is scheduled for .

What are the other Week 1 matchups?

The following 13 matchups will take place on Sept. 12, the first NFL Sunday of the 2021 season:

1 p.m. ET (CBS):

• Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills
• New York Jets at Carolina Panthers
• Los Angeles Chargers at Washington Football Team
• Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans
• Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans

1 p.m. ET (FOX):

• Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts
• San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions
• Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons
• Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals

4:25 p.m. ET (CBS):

• Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs
• Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots

4:25 p.m. ET (FOX):

• Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints
• Denver Broncos at New York Giants