The NFL famously handles its own business, which means it can be counted on to open its season the right way. Some intriguing contests on tap for opening weekend, with the defending Super Bowl champs featuring in the very first game, the Baltimore Ravens vs Denver Broncos (Friday, Sep 6, 12.30pm AEST). For the NFL, as in many other football leagues, player behaviour in the offseason is a worry – the Broncos put a new spin on things as it saw two of its admin staff getting arrested. Kick-off weekend wraps with the Monday night contest of the Washington Redskins vs Philadelphia Eagles (Sep 10), which will have narrative hooks aplenty: the return of DC idol Robert Griffin from injury, the debut of Philly coach Chip Kelly, the mounting criticism over the use of a racial slur for a footy team’s name. Week two has another gem – the Seattle Seahawks vs San Francisco 49ers (Sep 16) is an early look at genuine Super Bowl contenders. The colleges are also under way this month, with an early one to watch the rivalry game of Michigan vs Notre Dame (Sep 7) at the Big House, the largest stadium in the US … and this one is sure to fill the 109,901 seats. On ESPN. Here’s a pump-up video to get you … pumped.