The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers meet Sunday, September 20, at Gillette Stadium in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season. Pittsburgh enters at 1-0 after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 20-13, while New England opened the campaign with a 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
The matchup features two teams that produced strong defensive moments in Week 1 but arrive with different results. Pittsburgh forced two interceptions and held Atlanta to 13 points, while New England struggled offensively and Drake Maye threw three interceptions in the loss to Seattle.
The game also marks the second consecutive season in which these franchises meet at Gillette Stadium in September. Pittsburgh won the 2025 matchup 21-14 after New England committed five turnovers.
Game context
New England will play its first home game of the season after losing to Seattle in the Super Bowl LX rematch. The Patriots had an opportunity to open the year with a victory but lost 13-10 after Drake Maye threw three interceptions.
Pittsburgh, meanwhile, opened the Mike McCarthy era with a victory over Atlanta. Aaron Rodgers completed 18 of 30 passes for 221 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions, while the Steelers defense held the Falcons to 13 points.
The matchup also features two quarterbacks with extensive experience in very different circumstances. Maye is entering his second season as New England's starting quarterback, while Rodgers continues as Pittsburgh's starter after beginning his Steelers tenure in 2025.
New England Patriots situation
Drake Maye completed 23 of 33 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown against Seattle but threw three interceptions. He also rushed seven times for 47 yards, showing his ability to create production outside the pocket.
Rhamondre Stevenson led New England's rushing attack with 51 yards on 18 carries. Maye added 47 rushing yards, while the Patriots struggled to create consistent explosive plays through the passing game.
The absence of A.J. Brown is another important change for New England. The wide receiver suffered an ankle injury against Seattle and has been placed on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least four games.
Mack Hollins led the Patriots in receiving in Week 1 with 51 yards, while Eli Raridon caught the team's only receiving touchdown. Hunter Henry and DeMario Douglas are also among the players expected to take on larger roles against Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers situation
Pittsburgh opened the season with a 20-13 win over Atlanta. Aaron Rodgers completed 18 of 30 passes for 221 yards and one touchdown without an interception in his first game of the season.
Jaylen Warren led the Steelers rushing attack with 46 yards on 11 carries. Kenneth Gainwell added 36 rushing yards, while Pittsburgh generated additional production through its passing game.
DK Metcalf was one of Rodgers' main targets and finished with four receptions for 56 yards. Michael Pittman Jr. added three catches for 58 yards but will miss the Patriots game because of a foot injury.
The Pittsburgh defense made a significant impact in the opener. T.J. Watt recorded two sacks and returned an interception for a defensive touchdown, while Payton Wilson led the team with 12 tackles.
Players and factors to watch
Drake Maye will face a Pittsburgh defense that recorded four sacks and two interceptions in Week 1. Pass protection will be particularly important after Maye was sacked three times and threw three interceptions against Seattle.
Rhamondre Stevenson will also be important for New England. The Patriots will need to establish their rushing attack to reduce pressure on Maye and create more manageable third-down situations.
For Pittsburgh, Aaron Rodgers enters after a turnover-free passing performance. Michael Pittman Jr.'s absence means the Steelers will have to redistribute targets, with DK Metcalf and Roman Wilson among the players who could see increased involvement.
T.J. Watt will also be one of the game's main defensive storylines. He recorded two sacks and a defensive touchdown against Atlanta and will look to pressure Maye behind a Patriots offensive line that must improve its protection.
Injuries to know
New England has two confirmed absences. Tackle Dametrious Crownover is out with a knee injury, while cornerback Carlton Davis III is out with a neck injury.
Ben Brown is listed as questionable with a knee injury, while Dre'Mont Jones is questionable with a foot injury. TreVeyon Henderson and Robert Spillane do not have an official game-status designation after fully participating in Friday's practice.
Pittsburgh will be without Michael Pittman Jr., who was ruled out with a foot injury after missing Thursday and Friday's practices. Pittman had three receptions for 58 yards in the victory over Atlanta.
Joey Porter Jr. is also out for a non-injury-related reason, while Troy Fautanu is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. Fautanu fully participated in Friday's practice.
Head-to-head history
The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers have met 36 times before this Week 2 matchup. New England holds a 19-17 advantage in the overall series, including regular-season and postseason games.
Pittsburgh leads the regular-season series 16-15. At Gillette Stadium, New England is 6-2 against Pittsburgh in games played at the venue.
The most recent meeting took place on September 21, 2025, in Foxborough. Pittsburgh won 21-14 after forcing five New England turnovers, including four fumbles and one interception.
The franchises also have an important playoff history. They have met five times in the postseason, with New England winning four of those games, including three AFC Championship Game meetings.
Final preview
The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers enter Week 2 from different starting points. Pittsburgh opened the season with a 20-13 victory and a defense that generated sacks and turnovers, while New England lost 13-10 to Seattle after three Drake Maye interceptions affected the game.
A.J. Brown's absence is an important change for New England, while Pittsburgh will also be without Michael Pittman Jr. Target distribution and pass protection for both quarterbacks will be central factors in the matchup.
The game also renews the Aaron Rodgers-Patriots matchup after Pittsburgh's victory at the same stadium last season. For New England, it will be the first home game of 2026 and another opportunity to adjust its offense after the opening week.
Game details
- Matchup: New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers
- Season: 2026 NFL season
- Week: 2
- Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Home team: New England Patriots
- Away team: Pittsburgh Steelers
- Stadium: Gillette Stadium
- Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Kickoff: 10:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. CT / 1:00 p.m. ET
- U.S. TV: CBS
- U.S. streaming: Paramount+ (local market), NFL+ (local market), NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube and YouTube TV (out of market)