Despite being plus 5 in turnover ratio, the Steelers needed overtime to get past the Bengals and a rusty Joe Burrow. And the only reason the Steelers even managed to win that game was because the Bengals lost their deep snapper in the second half, which caused stud kicker Evan McPherson to get an extra point blocked and miss an easy field goal.

The Steelers did lose T.J. Watt in that game. Watt is the NFL's reigning defensive player of the year, a difference-maker.

The Patriots are a work-in-progress, too. But at 0-1, I see them bouncing back to beat the Steelers. I trust Bill Belichick in this spot. He easily can put together a game plan against Mitch Trubisky, a bad Steelers offensive line and banged-up workhorse running back Najee Harris, who is dealing with a foot injury.

The Steelers were forced to roll out on nearly every pass play because their offensive line can't pass block. Trubisky missed a number of throws like he's done in past performances. The Patriots had three sacks in their loss to the Dolphins. New England held Miami to 13 points on offense as one Dolphins touchdown came on defense.

Pittsburgh has failed to cover eight of the last 10 times following a point spread cover.