Charlief Batch advocates for the Pittsburgh Steelers to kick off the 2026 season against the New England Patriots, the defending AFC champions. He believes starting the season on the road in New England offers a true test of the team's readiness, emphasizing that it would communicate their intent to compete at a high level in the AFC. The Steelers are slated to face division rivals, NFC South, and AFC South teams, but Batch feels matching up against the Patriots first would set a competitive tone.

By the Numbers
  • The Patriots finished last season with a record of 14-3 and reached the Super Bowl.
  • The Steelers have only won twice in New England since 2000, with their last victory being a 21-14 win in Week 3 last year.
Yes, But

Starting against the Patriots could pose challenges, especially with speculation around Aaron Rodgers joining the Steelers. If Rodgers is brought in, he may require time to acclimate, and facing a strong Patriots defense might hinder his performance early in the season.

State of Play
  • The NFL schedule release is imminent, and teams will find out the order of their opponents and bye weeks.
  • The Steelers are preparing to face several competitive teams, including the Patriots, Broncos, and Eagles.
What's Next

With the schedule set to be released soon, speculation will continue around the Steelers' opening matchup. Should they face the Patriots, the outcome could significantly impact team morale and expectations for the season.

Bottom Line

Opening the 2026 season against the Patriots could serve as a pivotal moment for the Steelers, offering a key opportunity to establish their competitive edge in the AFC. A win could instill confidence, while a loss might expose areas of concern that need to be addressed throughout the season.