New England Patriots: Pittsburgh Steelers emerging as main competition in AFC

On Thursday Night Football, the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to destroy the Tennessee Titans. Are they the main competition for the New England Patriots?

To kick off Week 11, the Pittsburgh Steelers made quite the statement to the rest of the AFC, including the New England Patriots. In what could be a playoff preview, the Steelers were able to defeat the Tennessee Titans with ease.

At home, the Steelers continue to be impressive, as they improved to 8-2 this season, and 3-1 at home. As one of the most difficult teams the Steelers have faced this season, they were able to beat the Titans by 23 points, and the game was in control for much of the second half.

Home field has proved to be important for the Steelers, as their offense and Ben Roethlisberger are notably better at home. With Week 11 now upon us, the Patriots are right there with the Steelers in the race for the No.1 seed in the AFC.

In Week 11, the Patriots will be traveling to Mexico for a showdown with the Oakland Raiders. Coming into the season, the Raiders looked like they would be one of the best teams in the AFC. However, they haven’t lived up to expectations this year.

Despite the game being in a different country, this has become a very important game for the Patriots. Even though the Patriots haven’t lost on the road in season and a half, playoff football on the road is a different animal.

The Patriots always value getting home field and a bye week, and this season should be no different. With a great offense that might be more talented than last season, the Steelers also have an improved defense.

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In a few weeks, these two teams will meet in Pittsburgh for a huge showdown that could determine the eventual champion of the AFC. Until then, it will be important for the Patriots to keep pace with the Steelers.