The National Football League (NFL) will celebrate a notable landmark this year, with the organisation set to embark on its 100th season.

New England Patriots will be out to defend the title they won so impressively last term, but a host of teams will be out to knock them off their pedestal.

Read on as we look at three big talking points ahead of what undoubtedly promises to be a thrilling campaign.

Is Brady risking his legacy?

Having won six Super Bowl rings during his long and illustrious career, Tom Brady has nothing left to prove to anyone in the NFL or the world of sport.

The 41-year-old is the oldest quarterback to win a Super Bowl, but the New England Patriots star has claimed he plans to play on for a few years yet.

Fans of football betting would have a made a healthy profit from wagering on the Patriots over the past few years, but it would be a brave move to back them to repeat their success this season.

There have been many legendary sports stars who played on too long and age could well catch up with Brady in what is one of the most physical sports around.

History in the making

The reigning Super Bowl champions historically kick-off the new season, but the NFL has broken with convention this time around.

The Patriots must watch on as the Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers on September 5 and the game should be a hugely memorable occasion.

The two sides first faced each other back in 1921 and their rivalry is widely recognised as one of the most intense in any sport.

Both teams will be eager to begin the new season with a bang and this is a sporting occasion that simply should not be missed.

Show me the money!

Many NFL players earn eye-watering sums of money and some of the game's top stars are expected to be laughing all the way to the bank before the season gets underway.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has already cashed in on his talent, signing a staggering four-year deal thought to be worth around $128 million.

Jared Goff could be next to benefit, with the Los Angeles Rams star sharing the same management firm as Wentz.

The pair were first and second in the 2016 draft and with Goff's contract set to expire in 2020 it is highly likely that he will seek financial parity with Wentz over the coming weeks.