The NFL had an epiphany in 2002. Putting an extra game on Thursday night in Week 1 was something nobody could complain about. Thus, the NFL’s kickoff game was born.
The first two kickoff games were random matchups. In 2004 the NFL had another great idea, putting the defending champions on opening night. It was a brilliant way to start the season.
Mostly the games have been strong matchups. You wouldn’t call the Kansas City Chiefs-Houston Texans a bad matchup, but according to the point spread it’s the worst one we’ve seen on opening night.