The NFL schedule for 2017 is expected to be released on Thursday, according to the Detroit Lions’ owner. The league will likely hold a television special on NFL Network as a part of the schedule release, but the first highlights of the year may already be known.
Several years ago, the league started a tradition of having the reigning Super Bowl champions host the Thursday Night Football kickoff game. The 2017 schedule is expected to include that same tradition, with the New England Patriots hosting the first game on the slate.