Broncos to host Panthers in Thursday night season opener

— -- CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos won't have to wait long for a rematch of Super Bowl 50.

The teams will meet Sept. 8 in a nationally televised Thursday night opener in Denver.

The game highlights the 2016 NFL schedule, which was released Thursday night. It included the slate for the 47th season of Monday Night Football. 

Denver defeated Carolina 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 in February. Linebacker Von Miller was named the game's Most Valuable Player after collecting 2.5 sacks against quarterback Cam Newton. Two of those resulted in fumbles that led to touchdowns.

The Panthers, who went 15-1 in the regular season, return most of the team that has won the NFC South the past three years. The Broncos have lost several key players this offseason, including quarterback Peyton Manning, who retired last month.