The game unfolded with early fireworks, as the Steelers opened scoring in the first quarter with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Kenneth Gainwell, capping off an 8-play, 54-yard drive. In the second quarter, Aaron Rodgers—who joined Pittsburgh in the offseason—connected with DK Metcalf for a 12-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0. Rodgers, known for his fiery competitiveness, was visibly animated after missing a pass on third down, underscoring the game’s intensity (Patriots vs. Steelers live updates).
The Patriots responded midway through the second quarter, as rookie quarterback Drake Maye found tight end Hunter Henry for a 5-yard touchdown, narrowing the deficit. By halftime, the Steelers held a 14-7 advantage. Statistically, both teams were evenly matched in total yards—Pittsburgh with 123 and New England with 127—while the turnover battle slightly favored the Steelers, who capitalized on a Patriots miscue.
The matchup featured several intriguing storylines. Pittsburgh had recently added former Patriots defenders Jabrill Peppers and Ja’Whaun Bentley, both eager to make an impact against their old team (Where to watch Steelers vs. Patriots: TV channel, live stream, prediction, pick, odds, spread). On the ground, Jaylen Warren continued to impress for the Steelers, coming off an 18-touch, 134-yard performance the previous week. However, Pittsburgh’s run defense remained a concern, as they had allowed consecutive 100-yard rushers for the first time since Mike Tomlin became head coach in 2007.
Historically, Foxborough has been a difficult venue for Pittsburgh. Since 1996, the Steelers have gone just 2-7 at New England, with their last win dating back to 2008. The Patriots have dominated the postseason meetings between these teams, winning four of five encounters from 1996 to 2016, including a 36-17 triumph in the 2016 AFC Championship.
From a betting perspective, oddsmakers favored the Steelers by 1.5 points, with the over/under set at 44.5 (Steelers vs. Patriots (Sep 21, 2025) Live Score). Analytics gave Pittsburgh a 66.3% win probability as the second quarter progressed. The matchup was broadcast nationally on CBS and streamed via Paramount+, drawing significant attention from fans and bettors alike.
Looking forward, the Steelers’ ability to contain the run and capitalize on Aaron Rodgers’ veteran leadership will be crucial as they navigate a competitive AFC North. For the Patriots, Drake Maye’s development and the defense’s resilience under Mike Vrabel will determine whether New England can re-establish itself as a playoff contender in the post-Belichick era. As this rivalry continues to evolve, the statistical trends and new faces promise intriguing storylines for future meetings.