The new NFL season begins with defending champions Seattle hosting the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch. Seattle’s defence beat the Patriots in February for a second title, while British coach Aden Durde remains defensive coordinator after becoming the first overseas coach to win the NFL’s biggest prize.

The Los Angeles Rams are favourites to win Super Bowl 61. The Rams and Seattle produced two thrilling regular-season meetings last year before Seattle edged the Rams in a play-off classic. Durde said the off-season work was aimed at getting battle ready.

The season starts a week later than normal, bringing it into conflict with US bylaws restricting Friday and Saturday broadcasts from the second week of September. The Rams therefore face the San Francisco 49ers in Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground, before Seattle hosts the opener on Wednesday—the first Wednesday opener since 2012. Buffalo Bills open their new home against the Detroit Lions, and Kenneth Walker returns to Seattle with the Kansas City Chiefs on 25 October.

Thanksgiving features five games, including Rams versus Green Bay Packers, while Christmas brings a triple-header. Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen could renew their rivalry when Kansas City visit Buffalo.