Overview

• Kickoff is Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium, with TV coverage on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
• Sportsbooks list Pittsburgh around -1.5 with a total near 44.5, reflecting a modest scoring projection for two 1-1 teams.
• Pittsburgh ruled out CB Joey Porter Jr., S DeShon Elliott, OLB Alex Highsmith and OL Max Scharping, while Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) is questionable with a decision expected close to gametime.
• The Patriots emphasized tackling after ranking near the bottom in missed tackles and pass defense through two weeks, a concern against Jaylen Warren, DK Metcalf and a short-pass attack built for yards after the catch.
• Key matchups include T.J. Watt versus RT Morgan Moses as the star rusher seeks his first sack, Cameron Heyward against New England’s young left side, and a Steelers line that has allowed seven sacks against an interior anchored by Christian Barmore and Milton Williams.