:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52847183/GettyImages-617561048.0.jpg)
For the Steelers, it comes down to playing the team that they haven't been able to vanquish to make it to the Super Bowl. In my opinion, they need to win a playoff game against Brady and company to cement their legacy, but would you want it any other way? If the Steelers are to get to the Super Bowl, beating the Patriots would be a cherry on top of the AFC sundae.
However, the team hasn't bested the Patriots in the postseason, and their three appearances with Ben Roethlisberger at the helm have seen them beat the Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets in the championship game. They have only played the Patriots once in the playoffs under Roethlisberger, in 2004, and it is time Ben makes amends with that defeat.
Here's how the contributors at BTSC picked the AFC Title Game.
|
BTSC Contributoror |
Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots |
|
Anthony Defeo |
PIT 40-NE 16 |
|
Steelers ride barrage of turnovers into dominant AFC title game performance. |
|
|
Brett Foreman |
PIT 34-NE 31 |
|
Steelers right the ship on offense and Le’Veon Bell is your AFCCG MVP. Defense harasses Brady into multiple turnovers and contain Blount. |
|
|
Brian Nuckols |
PIT 14-NE 13 |
|
Both Defenses put on a stout performance and a late 4th quarter flurry lead the Steelers to the Super Bowl. |
|
|
Dan Sager |
NE 35-PIT 24 |
|
The Steelers defense has been good, but Tom Brady is even better. I look for his line to give him plenty of time to dissect a young Pittsburgh secondary. Ben will have to play his best game of the season to give Pittsburgh a chance, and based on his inconsistent play all season, I just don't see it. |
|
|
Eric O’Connell |
NE 35-PIT 17 |
|
It’s close at the half but New England pulls away late. Tomlin and Belichick share a very frosty handshake. |
|
|
Fear94 |
PIT 27-NE 24 |
|
"On on a mission, I’m on a mission, I’m on a mission." - Le’Veon Bell |
|
|
58Steel |
PIT 30-NE 28 |
|
Gostkowski’s last second FG attempt is blocked by Shade Tree. Ben plays a perfect game, complimenting a Le’Veon Bell ground game with ball-control passes. Deebo holds a meeting of the AARP members with Brady (against Tom’s will). |
|
|
Flip Fisher |
PIT 28-NE 27 |
|
I do honestly believe Pitt will win. There is a part of my brain saying that I am being a homer. I know our O will be a lot better on finishing drives. Our def will get after Brady often. |
|
|
Jeff Hartman |
PIT 31-NE 28 |
|
The Steelers are due for a big win over the Patriots. Big Ben has never bested Brady in the postseason, and it is time he gets that monkey off his back. Ben and Bell propel the Steelers to Super Bowl 51. |
|
|
Mike Frazer |
PIT 34-NE 31 |
|
The Patriots had one of the weakest schedules in the league this year, playing six games against five of the six worst offenses in the league. Only four games were against offenses in the top half of the league. On the other side, they played nine games against defenses in the bottom half of the league. Those stats take a lot of the luster off their "great" season. |
|
|
Robert Hitchcock |
PIT 31-NE 24 |
|
This is more of a hopeful pick for obvious biased reasons. Rumor has it that the Patriots are going to make Ben throw the ball, and I trust the man at the helm. AB has yet another historic day, while the defense stops Brady just enough to punch their ticket to Houston. |
|
|
Zach Parnes |
PIT 42-NE 38 |
|
Battle of the superior offense, and this year that offense is the one in Black and Gold. |
|
|
Bryan Davis |
PIT 26-NE 23 |
|
I think they can do it. But going to require a monumental effort. Ben is due. Bell can't be stopped. Boswell is clutch. AB is crazy. Bud is becoming dominant. Deebo is ageless. Bryan is praying. |