New England Patriots: What to root for in Week 15

What are the most important games, outcomes, and scenarios New England Patriots fans should keep an eye on this week?

When the New England Patriots‘ 2018 schedule was released last spring, one game immediately stood out above the rest: December 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Last season’s showdown between these two AFC heavyweights was labeled by many as an instant classic, and featured Tom Brady and the Pats escaping with a win after a Ben Roethlisberger interception in the end zone. The Steelers vowed revenge, and at the time, it seemed all but guaranteed that a rematch would follow in the AFC Championship Game, only this time in Foxborough.

Unfortunately for the Steelers, the Jacksonville Jaguars had other plans, shocking Pittsburgh on the road before falling flat themselves against the Pats the following week.

While the Jags’ surprising 2017 run was applaudable, it did rob football fans of another chance to see the AFC’s two most preeminent powers of the last decade duke it out. So it’s no wonder supporters of both teams have had this Week 15 showdown circled on their calendars since April.

Obviously the most significant game this week for Patriots fans is their own one against the Steelers. But what other matchups, storylines, and situations should fans pay attention to as we move closer to the finale of the regular season?

It all starts Thursday night in Kansas City, when two of the Patriots’ biggest threats in the conference go head-to-head for bragging rights in the AFC West…