Steelers vs. Patriots Preview: Pittsburgh Looks to Start 2-0 in Foxborough
One win down. Now the Pittsburgh Steelers take their new-look team on the road.
After opening the 2026 season with a 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, the Steelers travel to Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon for a Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET in Foxborough, with the game airing on CBS.
Pittsburgh didn't exactly light up the scoreboard in its season opener, but Mike McCarthy's team did enough offensively and received a huge performance from its defense to begin the season 1-0.
Now comes an intriguing early-season test against a New England team looking to rebound from a 13-10 Week 1 loss to Seattle.
Can the Steelers Build on Week 1?
The biggest takeaway from Pittsburgh's opener was simple: the Steelers found a way to win.
Aaron Rodgers completed 24 of 40 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception. The offense wasn't explosive, but Rodgers protected the football and did enough to complement a defense that ultimately decided the game.
T.J. Watt was the star of the afternoon, recording two sacks and returning an interception 35 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
That pick-six provided the separation Pittsburgh needed to finish off Atlanta.
The Steelers would undoubtedly prefer not to rely on their defense to provide points every week, though.
Sunday's trip to New England gives Rodgers and the offense another opportunity to establish an identity under McCarthy.
Steelers Short-Handed at Receiver
Pittsburgh will have to do it without one of Rodgers' weapons.
Michael Pittman Jr. has been ruled out with a foot injury after leading the Steelers with 58 receiving yards against Atlanta.
His absence puts even more attention on DK Metcalf, who caught four passes for 40 yards in Week 1.
Metcalf has the ability to completely change a game with one play, and Sunday would be an ideal time for Pittsburgh to get its biggest offseason addition more involved downfield.
Pat Freiermuth should also remain an important part of the passing game after catching five passes for 46 yards and Pittsburgh's only offensive touchdown against Atlanta.
With Pittman unavailable, Rodgers may need Metcalf, Freiermuth and the rest of Pittsburgh's receiving corps to take on larger roles.
Time to Get the Running Game Going
If there was one glaring concern from Pittsburgh's Week 1 victory, it was the running game.
Jaylen Warren managed 46 yards on 10 carries, but Pittsburgh received very little production beyond him. Rico Dowdle finished with only 15 yards on eight attempts.
The Steelers can't expect Rodgers to consistently operate in obvious passing situations, especially on the road against a New England defense capable of creating pressure.
Establishing the run would help Pittsburgh control the clock, keep Rodgers out of difficult third downs and create opportunities for play-action.
It could be one of the biggest keys to Sunday's game.
Steelers Defense Faces Drake Maye
The challenge for Pittsburgh's defense this week begins with Drake Maye.
Maye struggled in New England's season-opening loss, throwing three interceptions against Seattle, but Pittsburgh shouldn't expect those mistakes to simply repeat themselves.
Maye's combination of arm talent and mobility makes him dangerous even when a play breaks down.
The Steelers will want to keep him contained inside the pocket while Watt, Alex Highsmith and the defensive front apply pressure.
After forcing two interceptions against Atlanta, another turnover-heavy performance could swing Sunday's game in Pittsburgh's favor.
New England Missing a Major Weapon
Maye will also be working without one of his top targets.
A.J. Brown is on injured reserve with an ankle injury suffered during New England's season opener.
His absence significantly changes the Patriots' passing attack.
New England will need players such as Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins and tight end Hunter Henry to take on larger roles.
The Steelers, however, have an important absence of their own in the secondary.
Joey Porter Jr. has been ruled out for Sunday's game, leaving Pittsburgh without one of its starting cornerbacks.
How the Steelers adjust without Porter will be one of the biggest defensive storylines to watch.
Patriots Get TreVeyon Henderson Back
New England should receive a boost in its backfield with running back TreVeyon Henderson expected back after missing Week 1 with an ankle injury.
That could give the Patriots another way to challenge a Steelers defense that spent much of last Sunday trying to contain Bijan Robinson.
Pittsburgh held Atlanta to only 13 points, but Robinson accounted for 173 yards from scrimmage.
The Steelers will want to be more consistent against New England's ground game and avoid allowing Maye to work from favorable down-and-distance situations.
Matchup to Watch: T.J. Watt vs. New England's Protection
After what Watt did in Week 1, every opponent on Pittsburgh's schedule knows where No. 90 is lined up.
Knowing where he is and stopping him are two entirely different things.
Watt already has two sacks, an interception and a touchdown through one game.
New England will likely dedicate extra attention to him, but that creates opportunities elsewhere for Pittsburgh's defensive front.
If Watt and company can consistently pressure Maye without forcing the Steelers to blitz heavily, Pittsburgh could make it a long afternoon for the Patriots offense.
Three Keys to a Steelers Victory
1. Get DK Metcalf Involved
With Pittman sidelined, Pittsburgh needs its biggest receiving threat to make an impact. Taking a few calculated shots downfield could loosen up New England's defense.
2. Establish the Run
Pittsburgh needs more from its rushing attack. Warren showed some explosiveness against Atlanta, but the Steelers need consistent production on the ground.
3. Make Drake Maye Uncomfortable
Seattle forced Maye into three interceptions in Week 1. Pittsburgh shouldn't expect another three automatically, but consistent pressure could create more turnover opportunities.
Prediction
This feels like the type of early-season road game that could come down to the fourth quarter.
New England is playing its home opener and should be motivated after dropping Week 1, while Pittsburgh enters with some significant injuries at receiver and cornerback.
But the Steelers have one major advantage that can travel anywhere: their pass rush.
If Watt and the Pittsburgh defense can pressure Maye, and Rodgers once again avoids giving the opponent short fields, the Steelers should have an opportunity to leave Foxborough undefeated.
Don't expect a shootout.
Prediction: Steelers 23, Patriots 20
Game Information
- Matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots
- Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Gillette Stadium — Foxborough, Massachusetts
- TV: CBS
- Steelers Record: 1-0
- Patriots Record: 0-1
The Steelers took care of business at home in Week 1.
Now we'll find out how Mike McCarthy's team responds to its first road test of 2026.
A win in Foxborough would send Pittsburgh home at 2-0 and give the Steelers exactly the type of start they were hoping for in this new era.
Here We Go.