Last Updated on September 19, 2025 10:07 am by Erwin Noguera
Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season brings us a highly anticipated matchup with all the makings of a classic AFC game: the New England Patriots (1-1) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) at Gillette Stadium.
Although this is not a divisional rivalry, every time these two historic teams face each other, the atmosphere is different, charged with expectation. This year, the matchup also represents a clash of generations: a rookie quarterback who is beginning to show his potential against a legend who is still finding his rhythm after an inconsistent start.
New England arrives with a renewed spirit. After a 2024 season marked by inconsistency, the team seems to have found in Drake Maye a key piece to build its future. The young quarterback has shown calmness in the pocket and efficiency in his reads, completing nearly 71% of his passes in his first two starts.
Pittsburgh, meanwhile, faces the challenge with mixed doubts and hopes. The arrival of Aaron Rodgers excited the black and gold fans, but in these first few weeks, the veteran quarterback has shown both highs and lows.
Against Seattle, he missed opportunities with two interceptions, a reminder that the offensive line does not always protect him and that the chemistry with his receivers is still a work in progress.
At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all the predictions for the NFL, the final bets for this Matchday, and the odds for each match.
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Odds and Info
When? | Sunday, September 21, at 3:00 PM ET, 2:00 PM CST, 1:00 PM MT, and noon PT |
Where? | Gillette Stadium. |
What are the Odds for the Patriots? | +104 |
What are the Odds for the Steelers? | -130 |
What is the Over/Under? | 40.5 |
Where Can I Watch it? | NFL Network |
Why Bet on the Patriots?
The Patriots’ case is interesting because the franchise decided to turn the page after the post-Brady era with a patient rebuild. Drake Maye is not only completing passes, but also reading opposing defenses with a maturity unusual for a rookie.
His ability to extend plays, buy time, and distribute the ball to multiple receivers makes the offense versatile and difficult to predict.
One of the biggest benefits for Maye is having a fully healthy Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson is not only a power running back capable of gaining yards between the tackles, but also a reliable receiver coming out of the backfield. That dual threat forces opposing linebackers to stay alert, which opens up space on intermediate routes for young, dynamic receivers.
Defense is another key point. In the game against Miami, we saw what could be the Patriots’ best side: five sacks and constant pressure on the quarterback. However, it was also clear that this group can be vulnerable when defending long passes and zone coverage.
Why Bet on the Steelers?
On the other side of the gridiron, the Steelers arrive with an obligation to show consistency. The defense, historically the pride of the franchise, has allowed an alarming average of 31.5 points per game in the first two weeks.
That figure is not only concerning because it is unusual, but also because it reveals flaws in both quarterback pressure and deep coverage. For a team that always prides itself on its defensive toughness, that start raises legitimate questions.
The offense, however, offers reasons for hope. Aaron Rodgers is not in his prime, but he still has the arm and vision to find tight windows. The key is for him to minimize turnovers. His performance against Seattle, with two interceptions, is a warning: the Pittsburgh offense cannot afford to give away possessions in what is likely to be a close game.
The group of receivers is solid and varied. Pittsburgh has put together a multi-target passing system in which different players are actively involved.
In addition, running back Jaylen Warren has been a key outlet, contributing not only on the ground but also as a receiver out of the backfield. His versatility adds an extra layer of complexity to the offense, especially against defenses that tend to overload the box to pressure Rodgers.
Final Betting Analysis: New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Everything suggests a high-level tactical game with moments of intense tension. Rodgers arrives under pressure to prove that he can still lead a competitive offense, while Maye seeks to consolidate the narrative that the Patriots have found their quarterback for the future.
These two teams have faced each other a total of 35 times, with the Patriots leading the series with 19 wins, while the Steelers have 16 victories.
The most recent game, on December 7, 2023, ended in a 21-18 victory for the Patriots.
At Gambyl Exchange, we can see a Moneyline that favors the Pittsburgh Steelers at -130, while the New England Patriots start at +104.
For this game, our winner pick is the Steelers.
Look for a win on the Pittsburgh Steelers. For example, if you put $100 on the Steelers at -130, you’ll see a $76.92 win with a total payout of $176.92.