On Thursday night, the New England Patriots host the Pittsburgh Steelers to kick off the 2015 National Football League regular season. New England is looking to defend its title, while the Steelers are hoping to rack up a asecondu consecutive AFC North championship.
Here are three things you need to know, plus a prediction:
1. Tom Brady is going to go insane
Brady has been going through the DeflatGate saga for the past eight months, and he is a lion being let out of its cage. Even with Brandon LaFell out and Julian Edelman dealing with nagging injuries this preseason, look for Brady to absolutely torch perhaps the worst defense in the NFL. Brady is going to find Rob Gronkowski early and often, leading to a New England explosion.
2. Pittsburgh has a damn fine offense as well
The Steelers are going to remain in this game because their offense is easily one of the top five in the NFL. Even with multi-purpose threat Le’Veon Bell and speedy receiver Martavis Bryant suspended, Pittsburgh still has ample weapons in Heath Miller, Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger. Also, look for free-agent running back DeAngelo Williams and second-year receiver Markus Wheaton to shine.
3. Battle of wits
Mike Tomlin and Bill Belichick are two of the best coaches in the NFL, with a combined eight trips to the Super Bowl between them. Both are going to get the most out of the talent they are working with. The question is who comes up with the better scheme. Obviously, neither team has seen the other yet this season, so there is a chance to throw in some surprises.
Prediction
The Steelers have absolutely no defense, and the Patriots are going to take advantage. New England is irate after a very tough offseason, and it is going to take it out on the Steelers.
Pick: Patriots 45, Steelers 28