The U.S. National Football League's defending champion New England Patriots have opened the 2005 season with a 30-20 victory late Thursday over the Oakland Raiders.
The Patriots, seeking to win an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl NFL title, won their 35th game out of 39 since the start of the 2003 season.
Quarterback Tom Brady threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns for the host Patriots. Eight different receivers hauled in his 24 completions.
Oakland quarterback Kerry Collins threw for 265 yards and three touchdowns, including a 73-yard score to wide receiver Randy Moss - an off-season acquisition from the Minnesota Vikings. Moss, considered to be among the league's best receivers, caught five passes for 130 yards in a losing cause.
The special Thursday night game in Foxborough, Massachusetts officially kicked off the NFL season. Most teams begin play Sunday.