The NFL season begins this week. Here’s a look at some of the big games and rule changes.

The NFL season begins Thursday night when the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Baltimore Ravens.

Here are some big storylines as the games rapidly approach.

When does the NFL season start?

The Chiefs-Ravens game kicks off the season Thursday night, and then the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers meet Friday in Sao Paulo for the first regular-season game played in Brazil. It’s the first time since 1970 that the NFL has had a Friday night game as part of its Week 1 schedule.

Most of the Week 1 games will be on Sunday, followed by the season’s first Monday night matchup between the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers.

Important early games

Sunday, Rams at Lions: The game features the quarterback matchup of Jared Goff versus Matthew Stafford. Stafford was the longtime Lions QB before getting traded to the Rams for Goff and then leading L.A. to a Super Bowl title in 2022. Goff led the Lions past the Rams in the playoffs last season. Both QBs performed well in last year’s playoff matchup and more fireworks are expected in Week 1.

Monday, Jets at 49ers: This should mark the return of Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who lasted just three official snaps last year before an Achilles injury cut his 2023 season short. The four-time MVP will face a tough test against a 49ers defense that has been among the league’s best the past few seasons.

Sept. 15, Bears at Texans: If all goes well, this should be the second NFL game for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, whom the Bears took with the No. 1 pick out of USC. Williams gets a Week 2 matchup against Texans QB C.J. Stroud, the AP’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023.

Nov. 25, Ravens at Chargers: This one is later in the schedule but features a coaching matchup between brothers John and Jim Harbaugh. Jim was hired by the Chargers in the offseason after leading Michigan to a national championship. The action on the field should be good as well — Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and L.A.’s Justin Herbert are two of the league’s top quarterbacks.

New kickoff rules

The NFL has overhauled its kickoffs, with the new format using elements of rules from the XFL and tweaking them for use in the NFL beginning this fall. The rules will be in play for one season on a trial basis and then subject to renewal in 2025.

So far, the changes appear to have had their desired effect.

The league was pleased with a return rate of 70.5% in the preseason, up significantly from last season’s 54.8% in exhibition games. There were more big returns and better average starting field position, which could increase scoring after a drop last season to the lowest level since 2017.

It’s fair to wonder how much strategy teams are withholding for the regular season. There could be some fireworks in Week 1.

The rookie quarterbacks

Williams is commanding a big chunk of the attention because he was the No. 1 pick, but multiple teams could be going with a rookie quarterback this season.

The Washington Commanders have named No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels the starter after his Heisman-winning season at LSU.

No. 12 pick Bo Nix has earned the starting nod for the Denver Broncos. Nix, who started an NCAA-QB-record 61 times at Oregon and Auburn, led the Broncos to scores on six of the seven drives he directed in the preseason and has been statistically one of the league’s best passers this month.

The New England Patriots decided to go with a veteran under center in Week 1 instead of a highly touted rookie. They announced that Jacoby Brissett will begin the season as the starter instead of No. 3 pick Drake Maye.

AP’s Rob Maaddi, Arnie Stapleton, Josh Dubow, Schuyler Dixon and Kyle Hightower contributed.