“Bumpy” was the word Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike McCarthy used to describe September football following his team’s NFL Week 1 win against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 13.
His offense never quite found top gear as it scored just one touchdown and 13 points before a defensive score by star linebacker T.J. Watt proved to be the game winner.
Clutch as the play was, McCarthy would surely like to see a smoother performance from QB Aaron Rodgers and Co. as they look to take down the defending AFC champion New England Patriots on the road for a second consecutive year.
Then-coach Mike Tomlin’s defense forced five turnovers on what was a rough ride for QB
Drake Maye and his team in Week 3 of last season at Gillette Stadium.
Rodgers took advantage with a pair of touchdown passes that fueled a 21-14 victory against the team that went on to represent the conference in the Super Bowl.
This time around, he’ll be looking to get more from the running game – led by Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle – as well as top receiver DK Metcalf, who hauled in just four of his 10 targets against the Falcons.
Patriots vs Steelers predictions, picks, odds
Odds from BetMGM as of Thursday, Sept. 17.
- Spread: Patriots (-5)
- Over/under: 41.5
- Prediction: Steelers 24, Patriots 20
Maye will be happy not to be facing the Seahawks defense that has forced him into five interceptions between the Super Bowl to end last season and the NFL kickoff game to open this one. First-year Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will have some new looks to throw at him that may pose their own challenge, however. Look for Rodgers and Metcalf to connect on some of the big plays they failed to make against the Falcons to give the Steelers a chance to steal another one at Gillette Stadium.
What TV channel is Patriots vs Steelers on today?
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: NFL+
The latest meeting between the only two franchises with six Super Bowl victories will bring the top CBS broadcast crew to Foxboro. Jim Nantz (play-by-play), T.J. Watt (color analyst) and Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter) will be on the call for this regional broadcast. Check local listings to see that the game is available in your area.
Patriots vs Steelers time today
- Time: 1 p.m.
- Location: Gillette Stadium (Foxboro, Mass.)
The game will kick off shortly after 1 p.m. at Gillette Stadium, located in Foxboro, Mass.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Steelers vs Patriots prediction: T.J. Watt, defense will flummox Drake Maye again
