New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, CBS
The Patriots win if….
They don’t allow Landry Jones to carve up the secondary.
Bill Belichick must’ve smiled from ear to ear (a rare occurrence) upon hearing the news of Ben Roethlisberger’s upcoming absence this Sunday. The Patriots were largely projected to win this game on the road anyway, so taking away Pittsburgh’s chief threat makes this game that much of an easier pick. Barring Jones turning into Superman and tossing for 350-400 yards, there’s little chance that the Patriots waste away this golden opportunity. Belichick is the game’s best – are we really buying that he’s going to have his team fall to Landry Jones?
The Steelers win if…
The offense finds a way to hardly miss a beat sans Roethlisberger.
Pittsburgh’s key revolves around the same, simple storyline that this game centers around. Ultimately, the threats that the Steelers possess on offense will continue to be potential sparks that help lead to a potential win here – that aspect of the game plan doesn’t change. Jones has shown flashes of brilliance in the past; and while he isn’t Roethlisberger, there’s a chance he receives enough protection on Sunday to have the opportunity to sling the ball across the field. If that’s the case, there’s a chance we see a surprise in this one.
Patriots rough up Landry Jones, Belichick and Co. take home win, 31-20.