Arkansas defensive end Trey Flowers plays during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana-Lafayette in Fayetteville, Ark., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013. Arkansas defeated Louisiana-Lafayette 34-14. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)

Arkansas defensive end Trey Flowers (86) during warmups before the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron (10) looks for a receiver as he is pressured by Arkansas defensive end Trey Flowers (86) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark., Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/April L. Brown)

Le'Veon Bell, RB - Bill Belichick's reaction to a question about Bell this week was telling – "Oh my god." The versatile back really is that good, capable of making big plays on the ground and through the air. The Steelers will need both playing without Ben Roethlisberger.

Le'Veon Bell, RB - Bill Belichick's reaction to a question about Bell this week was telling – "Oh my god." The versatile back really is that good, capable of making big plays on the ground and through the air. The Steelers will need both playing without Ben Roethlisberger.

Tom Brady, QB - New England's legendry passer adds to his story each time he takes the field. He's been fantastic in two games since returning and over the years has had his way with the Steelers defense, which just happens to be very bad this season.

Tom Brady, QB - New England's legendry passer adds to his story each time he takes the field. He's been fantastic in two games since returning and over the years has had his way with the Steelers defense, which just happens to be very bad this season.

Antonio Brown, WR - Pittsburgh's playmaking dancer may just be the best in the game today. Even without his starting quarterback the Patriots need to ensure a Brown out at Heinz Field, defending Brown catching deep balls and also catching short passes turning those into big plays. It's a big challenge for a pass defense that remains a concern.

Antonio Brown, WR - Pittsburgh's playmaking dancer may just be the best in the game today. Even without his starting quarterback the Patriots need to ensure a Brown out at Heinz Field, defending Brown catching deep balls and also catching short passes turning those into big plays. It's a big challenge for a pass defense that remains a concern.

Stephen Gostkowski, K - The Patriots All-Pro kicker is clearly in a slump. There is no way around it. Things won't get any easier for #SG3 this Sunday afternoon at Heinz Field with its worn-down natural surface and open-ended riverside location. Gostkowski has to be on point to turn the tides of criticism, even if the game may not come down to one of his kicks.

Stephen Gostkowski, K - The Patriots All-Pro kicker is clearly in a slump. There is no way around it. Things won't get any easier for #SG3 this Sunday afternoon at Heinz Field with its worn-down natural surface and open-ended riverside location. Gostkowski has to be on point to turn the tides of criticism, even if the game may not come down to one of his kicks.

Rob Gronkowski, TE - Coming off a career-high in yards receiving, Gronkowski is fully healthy and ready to take on a Pittsburgh team he's absolutely killed over the years. Gronkowski has seven touchdowns in four career games against the Steelers, including a pair of three-score performances. He should add to that on Sunday.

Rob Gronkowski, TE - Coming off a career-high in yards receiving, Gronkowski is fully healthy and ready to take on a Pittsburgh team he's absolutely killed over the years. Gronkowski has seven touchdowns in four career games against the Steelers, including a pair of three-score performances. He should add to that on Sunday.

Javon Hargrave, DT - The rookie defensive tackle is having a solid season but will need to do much more than that if he's to help the Steelers defense prove it is up to the challenge of Tom Brady and Co. Interior pressure is the best way to stagnate the Patriots offense and Hargrave will need to channel his inner Pat Sims if the home squad is going to make life tough for its high-powered visitor.

Javon Hargrave, DT - The rookie defensive tackle is having a solid season but will need to do much more than that if he's to help the Steelers defense prove it is up to the challenge of Tom Brady and Co. Interior pressure is the best way to stagnate the Patriots offense and Hargrave will need to channel his inner Pat Sims if the home squad is going to make life tough for its high-powered visitor.

Dont'a Hightower, LB - The reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week is coming off a huge game leading into this matchup with Le'Veon Bell and Co. Hightower is the leader and lead playmaker in the middle as the Patriots plan to keep the Steelers in check.

Dont'a Hightower, LB - The reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week is coming off a huge game leading into this matchup with Le'Veon Bell and Co. Hightower is the leader and lead playmaker in the middle as the Patriots plan to keep the Steelers in check.

Landry Jones, QB - Pittsburgh's inexperienced fourth-year backup will be the key to the Steelers chances. New England is going to put up a lot of points, but will Landry be able to do enough for Pittsburgh to do that same?

Landry Jones, QB - Pittsburgh's inexperienced fourth-year backup will be the key to the Steelers chances. New England is going to put up a lot of points, but will Landry be able to do enough for Pittsburgh to do that same?

Devin McCourty, S - The key to the Patriots pass defense will once again be avoiding big plays allowed, especially to Pittsburgh All-Pro playmaker Antonio Brown. McCourty is not only the traffic cop in the New England back end but also physically the final line of defense for a team that's been very good keeping everything in front this fall.

Devin McCourty, S - The key to the Patriots pass defense will once again be avoiding big plays allowed, especially to Pittsburgh All-Pro playmaker Antonio Brown. McCourty is not only the traffic cop in the New England back end but also physically the final line of defense for a team that's been very good keeping everything in front this fall.