Steelers vs Patriots Week 15: 5 impact players who could exorcise demons against the champs

The elephant in the room is finally officially on the clock. With the Steelers looking to slay the dragon that has set their butts ablaze nearly all of the past two decades, the Steelers will look to stretch their winning streak to nine and become a win away from home-field advantage in the playoffs. Here are five Steelers that could play a major factor.

• JuJu Smith-Schuster/Martavis Bryant: Last year against the Pats in the AFCC, DC Matt Patricia employed a defense that basically took Antonio Brown out of the game, leaving Cobi Hamilton, Sammie Coates and Eli Rogers to try and stretch the defense. That didn't happen. There is so much more depth this year at WR. Both JuJu and Martavis have never played New England and both offer a major upgrade.
• Sean Spence/Sean Davis: The twosome that each goes by Sean will be needed to try and neutralize Gronk. He is the most dangerous Patriot weapon. Davis needs to rebound from a sloppy game against Baltimore and Spence needs to do his best to fill Shazier's role.
• Artie Burns: It was obvious that Tom Brady and the Patriots struggled against, the second-year corner, Xavien Howard in Miami on MNF. Burns has been playing better as of late and our second-year CB shining against New England will be much needed, especially if Joe Haden remains out.
• Jordan Berry: If Berry could pin the Pats deep more than a few games, the Steelers would benefit from winning the field position aspect of the game.
• Mike Hilton: Hilton in the slot and blitzing off the corner could be a huge x-factor in pressuring and neutralizing Brady.