Storyline: The Patriots host the Kansas City Chiefs to kick off the 2017 NFL season. The Patriots will unveil their Super Bowl LI champions banner prior to the game. Once the pomp and circumstance is over, the Patriots will get down to business as they attempt to defend their title.

Here are three offensive keys, three defensive keys and one special teams key for the Patriots in this game.

3 Offensive Keys

Life Without Edelman: It will be interesting to see how the Patriots adjust to life without Julian Edelman. My guess is you’ll see a lot of Brandin Cooks and Phillip Dorsett in the slot as well as the running backs. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will move James White and Dion Lewis around in an effort to create match-ups.

Get Gronk Involved Early: The Patriots will look to get tight end Rob Gronkowski involved in the passing game early. Look for Gronkowski to be moved around in formations as the Patriots attempt to figure out a way to isolate him against the Chiefs linebackers and sub personnel. Gronk will be targeted a lot tonight, particularly in the red zone.

Solder & Cannon vs. Houston & Hali:  Nate Solder and Marcus Cannon are more than capable of holding up against Juston Houston and Tamba Hali but it will be a challenge. Houston is one of the best speed rushers in the league while Hali is one of the best power rushers in the league. Both are excellent speed to power rushers that give opposing tackles fits.

3 Defensive Keys

Win the Line of Scrimmage: The Patriots must dominate the line of scrimmage and limit Kansas City’s ability to establish their running game. The Chiefs are tough to defend when they can run the football and use their play-action passing game. Tonight is about putting as much of the game in Alex Smith’s hands as possible. Put him in difficult situations

Be Alert for Gadgets: Andy Reid is one of the most innovative coaches in the NFL. He and his staff always go into a game plan with several gadgets and special plays. Reid is more inclined to call these type of plays when the Chiefs are ahead. It is easier for an offense to go into their bag of tricks when they are playing in front. The Patriots have to force the Chiefs to call these plays when trailing.

Get Them Into Long Down Situations: Alex Smith struggles to push the ball down field vertically. It is imperative that the Patriots get the Chiefs into second and long and third and long situations. Put them in a position where their receivers have to make plays. It is the weakness of their offense.

1 Special Teams Key

Don’t Let Tyreek Hill Beat You in the Return Game: That’s all there is to say. Tyreek Hill is a special return man. If the Patriots are undisciplined in their kick coverage, he will make them pay.

Final Thoughts: Kansas City is talented enough and coached well enough that they should be able to hang around in this game. Despite that, the Patriots are the better team and they are at home. I don’t see anyway the Chiefs win this game. I think the Patriots will cruise and win by two touchdowns.