Eagles Notes: 2017 opponents; Birds sign 8 to reserve contracts

With the 2016 officially over, it's time to look ahead to next year.

Remember, a system was implemented in 2002 that guarantees that all teams play each other on regular, rotating basis. So 14 games were already known, and the other two — both conference matchups — were determined by this season's standings.

The actual schedule will be announced in the spring. Here are the Eagles' 2017 opponents:

Home
Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Chicago Bears

Away
Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Carolina Panthers

The NFC East will face the AFC West in 2017, setting up a battle with Andy Reid's Chiefs. The Eagles, who lost to Reid's Chiefs, 26-16, in 2013, will face Reid for the second time since his firing in 2012. The Birds went 1-3 vs. the AFC West that year, with their only win in the division coming courtesy of Nick Foles' seven touchdown game vs. the Raiders.

Also on the 2017 docket is the NFC West. The Eagles will again travel to Seattle, where they lost, 26-15, in 2016. The 49ers will come to the Linc in 2017. It's just too bad that Chip Kelly won't be with them.