Steelers and Patriots set for a classic clash as expert picks favor Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots are preparing for a highly anticipated showdown this Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, as both teams enter the match with 1-1 records. The Steelers began their season on a high note, edging out the New York Jets with a 34-32 victory. However, their momentum was short-lived as they faced a setback in Week 2, suffering a disappointing 31-17 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks.
Conversely, the Patriots experienced a contrasting path to their 1-1 standing. After dropping their season opener to the Las Vegas Raiders, they rallied to secure a 33-27 win over the Miami Dolphins in their second outing. This upcoming clash marks the 36th meeting between these two storied franchises, with the Patriots holding a slight edge in the all-time series at 19-16, including playoff encounters.
Expert Predictions Favor Pittsburgh
As the matchup draws near, experts are weighing in on who they believe will emerge victorious. A majority of analysts are leaning toward the Steelers, citing various factors in their predictions.
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Steelers 27, Patriots 24
Iyer notes, “With these teams coached by Mike Tomlin and Mike Vrabel, it’s hard to accept that these once-great defenses are now among the league’s worst. The Patriots have struggled against the pass, particularly against limited offenses, while the Steelers rank poorly against the run, undermining their costly pass rush. In this toss-up, I trust Aaron Rodgers marginally more than Drake Maye.”
Bill Bender, The Sporting News: Steelers 27, Patriots 20
Bender highlights, “The Steelers have been inconsistent through the first two weeks, and their inability to run the ball has been problematic. Aaron Rodgers should find success against a Patriots defense allowing a league-high 315 passing yards per game. Conversely, Pittsburgh’s run defense has faltered. The question is, which team can rectify its issues in what is essentially a toss-up game?”
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Steelers 31, Patriots 28
Prisco expresses concern about the Steelers’ defensive performance thus far, stating, “While Aaron Rodgers has shown promise, I’m wary of the Steelers’ defense managing to contain Drake Maye. This game is likely to be high-scoring, with Rodgers making a late-game play to secure the win.”
Consensus Among Experts
The expert picks show a clear preference for Pittsburgh, with numerous analysts backing the Steelers:
ESPN Analysts:
– Stephania Bell: Steelers
– Matt Bowen: Steelers
– Mike Clay: Steelers
– Jeremy Fowler: Steelers
– Dan Graziano: Steelers
– Kalyn Kahler: Steelers
– Pamela Maldonado: Steelers
– Eric Moody: Patriots
– Jason Reid: Steelers
– Lindsey Thiry: Steelers
– Seth Wickersham: Patriots
MMQB Predictions:
– Clare Brennan: Patriots
– Mitch Goldich: Steelers
– Gilberto Manzano: Patriots
– Conor Orr: Steelers
– John Pluym: Patriots
– Matt Verderame: Patriots
NFL.com Predictions:
– Ali Bhanpuri: Patriots 20, Steelers 19
– Tom Blair: Steelers 24, Patriots 21
– Brooke Cersosimo: Patriots 26, Steelers 24
– Gennaro Filice: Patriots 24, Steelers 22
– Dan Parr: Steelers 25, Patriots 22
In total, 16 experts have sided with the Steelers, while 9 have chosen the Patriots. As the anticipation builds for this classic rivalry matchup, both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths and address their weaknesses in what promises to be a compelling contest.
