New England Patriots: Ranking 5 Toughest Games on 2017 Schedule

1.) @ Pittsburgh Steelers Week 15

In 2016, many believed that the Steelers were the team that could best challenge the Patriots in the AFC after the Raiders were hit with the Carr injury. On offense, the Steelers have a three-headed monster with Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell, and Antonio Brown. As three of the best players in the league at their respective positions, the Steelers can score 30 points on anyone.

Also, the Steelers’ offensive line has greatly improved in recent years, and their defense does a good job at bending but not breaking. However, injuries to key players against the Patriots resulted in two losses for the Steelers last season.

In the regular season, New England was able to beat Pittsburgh on the road with Roethlisberger out. Coming into the AFC Championship Game, the Steelers were pretty healthy, but they lost Le’Veon Bell early on in the game. Without Bell, stopping the Steelers became much easier for the Patriots’ defense.

Next: Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft

After some talk about retirement, Roethlisberger decided to come back in 2017, and that makes the Steelers one of the best teams in the AFC once again. As the best team in the AFC North, this game could have a lot of meaning for position in the AFC Playoffs. The Steelers would certainly rather avoid another trip to New England in the playoffs. A win in Week 15 could help them avoid having to do that for the second straight season.