The 2016 NFL season saw a historic shift in Super Bowl dominance
In short: The 2016 NFL season was marked by significant structural changes, from team relocations to a historic Super Bowl overtime. While the New England Patriots eventually triumphed, the season was defined by a rare statistical anomaly: for the first time since 2003, neither previous Super Bowl participant reached the playoffs.
The 97th season in NFL history, and the 51st of the Super Bowl era, began on September 8, 2016. It opened with a rematch of Super Bowl 50, as the defending champion Denver Broncos faced the Carolina Panthers in the NFL Kickoff Game. The season eventually concluded on February 5, 2017, at Houston's NRG Stadium, where the New England Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons with a score of 34–28. This matchup was notable as the first Super Bowl to ever go into overtime, a distinction that would not be repeated until 2023.
Beyond the field, the season saw major franchise movement. The St. Louis Rams relocated to the Los Angeles metropolitan area, marking the first time an NFL team moved to a different state since the Houston Oilers moved to Tennessee in 1997. Additionally, the San Diego Chargers played their final season in San Diego before returning to Los Angeles in 2017, a city that had served as their original home starting in 1960.
A shift occurred in the league's finances as the team salary cap climbed to $155.27 million, exceeding the 2015 figure of $143.28 million. This fiscal year began on March 9, 2016, following a period of intense contract negotiations and player releases designed to manage the 'Top-51' salary cap definition. The season also introduced several rule changes, including the permanent adoption of the 15-yard line extra-point rule and the outlawing of all chop blocks.
The season was also a period of transition for legendary players. Peyton Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion and five-time NFL MVP, continued his 18-year career, while other veterans like Marshawn Lynch returned from retirement to sign with Oakland.
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