NFL
Who plays NFL Thursday Night Football? Week 14 game, time, how to watch on TV, stream online
This week’s Thursday Night Football showdown between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers can be dubbed as ‘A Battle of Low Expectations.’
The upcoming game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers has the latter team favored by six points, according to the odds. The total score for this game is currently set at a modest 30.5, with some sources even reporting a drop to 29.5, indicating that this matchup may not be fascinating.
This Thursday night game with a kickoff time at 8:15 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. PT) at the Acrisure Stadium, formerly and colloquially known as Heinz Field, has been dubbed as one for the “real sickos,” as it is not expected to have high stakes.
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The Steelers are expected to win, as their defense is considered strong against a struggling New England offense. The Patriots’ recent offensive struggles and lack of clarity in New England’s quarterback depth chart and their injuries in key positions make the prospect of a high-scoring game seem unlikely.
The Steelers’ offense remains a work in progress, whether it’s Roethlisberger or Rudolph at the helm. Despite expecting a prolific yardage display against Arizona, they managed only 16 points, underscoring their struggles.
Meanwhile, New England’s offensive challenges hit a new low, becoming the first team since the 1938 Chicago Cardinals to allow 10 points or fewer in three consecutive games and lose all three. Quotes from key players echo the offensive concerns, with Patriots tight end Hunter Henry acknowledging the need to find ways to score points. Offensive lineman David Andrews simplifies the equation, stating that scoring points are fundamental to winning in football.
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The Patriots had a dismal outing against Arizona, scoring zero points. Meanwhile, despite a loss, the Steelers are seen as a more formidable force, especially with their defense stepping up. Defensively, Pittsburgh is no slouch despite a recent subpar showing against Arizona. Even in defeat, the Steelers allowed a mere 4.5 yards per play. Notably, they boast a perfect record of 7-0 straight up and against the spread, coming off a loss dating back to last year, including a flawless 4-0 this season. Coach Mike Tomlin’s track record suggests a resilient bounce-back, particularly in low-scoring games.
The absence of Kenny Pickett for the Steelers and the Patriots’ offensive woes contribute to the expectation of a low-scoring affair. The Patriots’ defense is recognized for its solidity, particularly in shutting down the run game, making the prospect of both teams struggling to score points even more plausible.