The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are set to face off in Week 1 of the NFL's regular season. It is a game that will be very competitive. Both teams are quality football teams and there is a lot of hype surrounding the game especially due to the fact that New England star quarterback Tom Brady will be playing.
Brady's return will cause this game to go from being the first game of the season with tons of viewers to even more viewers tuning in to see what he's able to do. He has been one of the NFL's top quarterbacks for quite some time and "Deflategate" was a drawn out process that finally ended last week.
Looking ahead at Thursday's game, it is going to be very entertaining with quite a few things to keep an eye on.
What five bold predictions should fans be on the lookout for throughout the regular season kickoff game?
1. Tom Brady Throws for 300+ Yards, 3+ Touchdowns
One thing that fans should be expecting from the Patriots is that their star quarterback will be out to prove a point in the season opener after an incredibly long offseason. He had to deal with the NFL trying to suspend him and finally being let off the hook by a judge. Brady will be out to prove that he is still one of the league's elite quarterbacks and make a point to Roger Goodell and the NFL.
2. Antonio Brown Catches At Least Two Touchdowns
Antonio Brown is one of the NFL's top wide receivers and is heading into what appears to be a massive season for him full of high expectations. Pittsburgh is without question capable of contending to represent the AFC in Super Bowl 50 and their offense is going to be extremely impressive. Brown will come through with a monstrous performance against a depleted New England secondary and will catch at least two touchdown passes on the evening.
3. Chandler Jones Will Record Two or More Sacks
New England needs their pass rush to step up throughout the 2015 season if they want to get back to the Super Bowl this season. Chandler Jones is their primary pass rusher and he will start off the season with at least two sacks for the Patriots. Ben Roethlisberger is very difficult to bring down, but Jones will figure out a way to dominate the game for the Patriots' defense.
4. De'Angelo Williams Will Step Up and Have a Big Game
Le'Veon Bell is one of the best running backs in the league, but will miss the first two games of the season due to a suspension. De'Angelo Williams will have to step up and start in his place, which will start off very well with a big game against New England. Pittsburgh should expect to see Williams pick up at least 80 yards and a touchdown on the ground and be the difference maker that their offense needs.
5. New England Pulls Off a Tough Victory to Open the Season
While Pittsburgh is going to put up a very tough fight, the Patriots are going to come away with a tough victory to open the season. Having Tom Brady back for the season opener is going to turn the tides in New England's favor and they simply have a better all-around football team. It should be a very entertaining game to open up the season, but the Patriots should come through with a very tough victory.
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