Patriots vs. Steelers bold predictions for Week 2 of 2026 NFL season appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots began the new season the way they ended the last one — with a painful loss to the Seattle Seahawks. While the season opener was a far more competitive game than the defeat in Super Bowl LX, the Patriots could not get the job done in the fourth quarter and suffered a 13-10 defeat.

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QB Drake Maye took quite a bit of heat for the loss because he threw 3 interceptions — including one in the final seconds that cost the Patriots an opportunity to tie the game — but offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has to share in the blame. His play call had Maye throw to Mack Hollins in the end zone while even though he was blanketed by the Seahawks.

The Steelers were not overly impressive in their opener, but they did enough to beat the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Mike McCarthy has rekindled his partnership with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers did just enough to come away with a 20-13 triumph.

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After starting the season in front of a hostile crowd in the Pacific Northwest, the Patriots return home as the defending AFC champions. There is little doubt that their fans will give them a warm welcome after winning the AFC title on the road last year.

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New England should have an advantage and the Patriots are 5.5-point favorites, but T.J. Watt and the Steelers defense is capable of making life difficult for the Patriots.

Rodgers will throw for 250 yards and 2 TDs

The former Green Bay Packers superstar has said that the 2026 season will be the last of what is sure to be a Hall of Fame career. The Steelers do not appear to have a prolific offense, but Aaron Rodgers is capable of attacking the New England defense and finding the soft spots.

Rodgers did not receive much help from Jaylen Warren and the Steelers running game against the Falcons, and the quarterback had to put the ball in the air 40 times. He completed 24 passes for 221 yards, and he threw one TD pass to tight end Pat Friermuth.

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Look for Rodgers to work a solid connection with wideout DK Metcalf. He is clearly the Steelers’ best offensive weapon and he is capable of making the contested catch against the Patriots’ aggressive secondary. Metcalf was targeted 10 times in the season opener and he caught just 4-40. Look for Metcalf to double his production in this game and to catch at least 1 TD pass.

If the Steelers are going to win this game, Rodgers must get more support from the running game than he did against the Falcons. Warren had just 10 carries for 40 years. The running back is healthy and he could handle 15-20 carries with ease. The Steelers must make a concerted effort to get some real ground production if they are going to support the 42-year-old Rodgers.

Maye will bounce back with 275 yards and 3 TDs

The Patriots would not have been risen to the top of the AFC East and represented the AFC in the Super Bowl if Maye had not become a sensational leader and a dominant quarterback last year. He may not have had success in the Super Bowl or the opener against the Seahawks, but he is one of the best in the league and he should continue to grow this year.

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Maye is an excellent athlete with the speed to run away from the pass rush and either make plays with his legs or buy time for his receivers to get open. Despite the 3 picks against the Seahawks, he has shown he can read defenses and find the soft spots.

The Patriots were counting on a key partnership between Maye and A.J. Brown this season, but the former Philadelphia receiver suffered a high ankle sprain in the opener and he will not likely play until Week 8 when the Patriots face the Miami Dolphins.

The Patriots also added Romeo Doubs in the offseason and while he struggled in the opener, he is capable of having a big game and filling a key role for head coach Mike Vrabel. Additionally, Hollins know how to get open on the key third-down plays when the Patriots need to convert to keep drives alive. Hunter Henry is another solid third down and red zone weapon.

Maye must keep his eye on T.J. Watt, the Steelers outside linebacker. He had 4 tackles, 2.0 sacks and a fourth-quarter pick-6 that gave Pittsburgh a 10-point lead and control of the game. Watt is one of the most dangerous defensive players in the NFL and can turn the game in the Steelers favor.

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Patriots rebound with victory

Rodgers and the Steelers will be able to keep it fairly close, but the Patriots have the weapons to have another memorable season. The heat is on Maye after his 3-interception performance in the opener, but he is not about to let those mistakes linger and keep him from having another winning year. He leads the Patriots to their first win of the season, as they pick up a 28-21 victory.