cstjohn17

Maybe it because in the past whenever the 'experts' predicated a loss the Patriots always rose up. I think this team plays like champions and wins by 10-14.

The Steelers are a good team and this will serve as a statement game. I also expect a big letdown against the jets and Miami, luckily they are so bad it won't even matter.

Armen Da Pats Fan

Because you're smart!

New England 31, Pittsburgh 10

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ADPF

desi-patsfan

After two close games and people starting to predict against us, it all sets up for an offensive explosion for the Pats.



Having said that watch us win with a Gost FG kick in OT.

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BelichickFan

I hope you're right - I'm laying off the "big win" predictions until next week. Short week, Steelers have a tough defense, good enough offense; I know they've been mediocre, or worse, on the road but they aren't the type of team I expect an easy win against.

Pats Fan in Indy

Does anyone else realize that we own the Steelers?

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Vince Wilfork... nuff said.

RhodyPatriot

Agree completely about the Steelers game. Do think they'll be very motivated for the Jets for a half and they'll be flat as a pancake for Miami.

BradyFTW!

Probably because 7 of the last 8 times they've played, the Pats have won, and it hasn't always even been particularly close.

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cstjohn17

I don't think they will ever say it but I think they will try like heck to get a big lead against both Miami and NY Jets so the players can get a little rest. Against the Giants if they are 15-0 they go balls out and the use the bye week to recover.

Metaphors

Because this is the last opportunity to really fine-tune the troops before the playoffs. After Sunday, there will essentially be 5 weeks of practices until the next meaningful game. I expect more of a focus on execution and less on exotic gameplans.

I think the 16-0, revenge against the Jets, killing the winless Fins, etc. are all more important to the media than to the Pats. You obviously want to win every battle, but only within the context of maximizing your chances for winning the war.

chris_in_sunnyvale

Conventional wisdom says that this Pats team is tired and can get pushed around by this particular Steelers team. Conventional wisdom says that Roethlisberger is having a good year and will be able to throw on the Pats, considering Willie Parker will keep the D honest. Conventional wisdom says that teams are starting to "figure out" the Pats, based on 3 of the last 4 games being close and that the Steelers will be the team to make the leap from close loss to close win.

Honestly, it all makes sense. That's when the Pats decide to toss conventional wisdom on its head and win going away, kind of like they did up in Buffalo against a team that was 3-2 at home and lost those two games by last-second FGs.

Regards,
Chris

P.S. My weekly guess the score entry predicts the Pats do win a close one and have trouble on D. I do buy into the short week issue and that this team is tired to some degree, a huge equalizer vs. a team like Pittsburgh. The Pats D didn't look sharp against Cleveland on short rest. I'm hoping I'm very wrong...and I usually am as my predictions have been awful.