Broncos to open against Panthers, Rams' L.A. opener in week two

The Denver Broncos will begin their Super Bowl title defence against the team they defeated in Super Bowl 50.

The 2016 NFL schedule was released on Thursday and will open with the Broncos hosting the Carolina Panthers on September 8 at Mile High Stadium.

The Broncos-Panthers game might get the 2016 NFL season kicked off, but the most anticipated September clash is likely to be the Rams' first game in Los Angeles since 1994.

The Rams will welcome the Seattle Seahawks to Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 18.

There should be a lot of excitement in L.A. after the Rams made a blockbuster trade to move up to the number one pick in this month's NFL Draft.

They will likely select a quarterback - either Carson Wentz or Jared Goff - to be the face of the franchise.

The Rams will also play in one of three games in London.

They will face the New York Giants in week seven at Twickenham Stadium, with the Indianapolis Colts playing the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley in week four and the Washington Redskins taking on the Cincinnati Bengals on October 30. Here are a few other must-see games on the 2016 schedule:

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos, Dec 18

In a rematch of January's AFC Championship game, each team have different pieces in place. There is the obvious change with the Broncos at quarterback after Peyton Manning retired and Brock Osweiler left via free agency for the Houston Texans. The Broncos acquired Mark Sanchez from the Philadelphia Eagles and likely are not done padding the position. Denver also lost a couple defensive players to free agency, but the core of the unit that rattled Patriots quarterback Tom Brady last season is still in place.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals, Dec 18

The Steelers and Bengals will play in Pittsburgh in week two, but Vontaze Burfict will still be serving a three-game suspension for his hit on Steelers receiver Antonio Brown in January's controversial play-off game. The drama will be ubiquitous when the Bengals and Steelers square off with Burfict on the field. It is a safe bet officials will certainly keep an eye out for any retaliatory actions from the Steelers.

Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots, Nov 13

The Patriots have another post-season rematch in week 10 when they host to the Seahawks. New England beat Seattle in Super Bowl XLIX and lead the all-time series 9-8. Of those 17 games, 10 have boiled down to one score. The last three match-ups have been decided by four points or less, so this should be another close one.

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers, Dec 24

This game in week 16 could decide the NFC North. The Packers and Vikings went down to the wire last season with the Minnesota knocking Green Bay off the division throne for the first time in five seasons. The Packers were plagued by injuries in their receiving corps last year, but if they can keep the pass catchers healthy, they should be poised to win the division again for their first season in U.S. Bank Stadium.