The NFL Kickoff Game Features the Pittsburgh Steelers Versus the New England Patriots
Welcome back NFL. The New England Patriots, after winning Super Bowl XLIX, host the 2015 NFL Kickoff Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was originally not going to play due to a four-game suspension. Brady was originally suspended for his involvement in the Deflategate scandal, but a court threw out the suspension and ordered the league to let Brady play. The Patriots are currently favored by 7.0 points.
Fantasy team owners will be watching these intriguing storylines coming into tonight’s matchup. With tonight’s start, Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger will set an impressive team record against New England. It will be Roethlisberger’s 159th start with Pittsburgh, surpassing Terry Bradshaw‘s record of 158. Team Marin initially picked Big Ben as his fantasy quarterback before waiving him. Team Velez then picked up Roethlisberger. What does Team Marin know that the rest of the league is unaware of. Will the controversial move pay off during tonight’s NFL Kickoff Game?
Missing in Action
Steelers’ running back Le’Veon Bell and wide receiver Martavis Bryant will not play as both are each serving two-game suspensions. A few words of advice for Team Corn and Team Brandi, make sure you are not starting either Steeler in your fantasy football lineups. With the Steelers missing two key offensive pieces, wide receiver Antonio Brown could see more targets coming his way. Team Weiss is banking on AB being more productive than last season and on Thursday night.
The Ring is the Thing
Brady and the New England Patriots will try to put the controversy of Deflategate behind them and focus on winning. But the Steelers are no pushovers and don’t fear the champs. Fantasy league competitor Team Velez will be monitoring the game from the West coast, especially since he drafted tight end Rob Gronkowski and Gronk is in his starting lineup. The Pro-Bowl tight end starts the 2015 season 100% healthy. Weather-wise, there is a 100% chance of rain at Gillette Stadium in New England. So the field could be messy. Good luck owners.