11:00 into 4th: Charcandrick West scores on a 21-yard rush. Patriots are down 42-27.
9:46 into 4th: Kareem Hunt runs it in from the 4-yard line. Chiefs lead 35-27.
0:57 into 4th: Alex Smith makes a 78-yard touchdown pass to Kareem Hunt. Chiefs take the lead back, 28-27.
14:48 into 3rd: Stephen Gostkowski makes a 31-yard field goal to bring the Patriots lead up to 27-21.
9:59 into 3rd: After a pass interference gives the Pats the ball on the 1-yard line, Mike Gillislee runs it in again. Patriots lead 24-21.
5:41 into 3rd: Alex Smith hits Tyreek Hill for 75-yard touchdown. Chiefs lead 21-17.
14:20 into 2nd: After a Malcolm Butler pass interference gives the Chiefs the ball at the end zone, Alex Smith makes a 3-yard touchdown pass to Kareem Hunt. Patriots lead 17-14.
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7:33 into 2nd: Mike Gillislee runs in another touchdown. Patriots lead 17-7.
0:04 into 2nd: Stephen Gostkowski makes 25-yard field goal to take a 10-7 lead.
8:38 into 1st: Alex Smith connects with Demetrius Harris for a 7-yard touchdown. Game tied at 7.
2:52 into 1st: Running back Mike Gillislee rushes it in from 2 yards. Patriots lead 7-0.
When Patriots fans gathered Thursday to cheer on the defending champions, they experienced a sight many had taken for granted — Tom Brady playing in the season opener.
Brady missed the first four games last year on his Deflategate suspension, but the Pats went on to beat the Falcons in dramatic, come-from-behind fashion to win Super Bowl LI.
New England's first foe this year, the Kansas City Chiefs, won their division and a first-round bye last season, but lost 18-16 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round at home. They will again put the ball in Alex Smith's hand.
Brady's weapons will be limited, with wide receiver Julian Edelman suffering a season-ending injury in the preseason. The offense was dealt another blow just hours before kickoff, with wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell going on injured reserve.
Still, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, acquired from the New Orleans Saints, will give Brady a strong option, and tight end Rob Gronkowski is starting the year healthy.
You can watch the season opener on NBC Boston. We are in full coverage. Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m.
Refresh this page for updates during the game.
