Bold predictions for Steelers' Week 3 vs. Patriots

Here are several bold predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 3 matchup against the New England Patriots.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 3 contest vs. the New England Patriots has finally arrived — which means a fresh batch of bold predictions for the Black and Gold road matchup.

Aaron Rodgers gets sacked 4+ times

Sep 14, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

While many were hopeful Pittsburgh's young, inexperienced offensive line could take a big leap forward in 2025, the Steelers haven't exactly kept Rodgers' jersey clean — allowing seven sacks, tied for the fourth-most through two weeks. To make matters worse, New England leads all NFL teams in total sacks with nine — arguably a worst-case scenario for Pittsburgh's pass protection this week.

Steelers run defense gets back on track

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 16: Derrick Harmon #99 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after sacking Teddy Bridgewater #16 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (not pictured) during the first quarter of the NFL Preseason 2025 at Acrisure Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

After two straight contests of allowing a 100-yard rusher to start the season, Pittsburgh's highly touted defense finally comes through against the Patriots — holding New England's rushing attack under the century mark in Week 3. The Patriots have struggled to move the ball on the ground through two weeks, and the potential debut of Steelers first-round DL Derrick Harmon could be the spark Pittsburgh's defense needs.

Jaylen Warren goes over 100 yards

Sep 14, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

While the offensive line hasn't done Warren any favors in the run game, the dynamic Steelers running back has made the most of every opportunity — producing 194 yards from scrimmage on just 31 touches. Expect his excellent start to the season to continue in Week 3, as Warren surpasses 100 total yards vs. the Patriots defense.

Broderick Jones gets benched

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 01: Jonathan Greenard #52 of the Houston Texans sacks Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers while Broderick Jones #77 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the third quarter at NRG Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

It's difficult to imagine Pittsburgh allowing Jones' shortcomings to continue to impact Rodgers week after week. Jones has given up four sacks in two games, putting him on pace to allow 34 sacks this season — 24 more than his abysmal 2024 performance. It's hard to imagine the Steelers' offensive line getting worse if Jones is benched, and it may even serve as one last-ditch motivator for the former first-rounder.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Bold predictions for Steelers' Week 3 clash with Patriots

Category: Football