This is it Patriots fans. This IS THE GAME.

Home field advantage in the playoffs is basically on the line here as 10-3 New England visit 11-2 Pittsburgh, winners of eight straight.

The Pats are 10-3 under Belichick versus the Steelers so even on the road coming of a terrible loss in Miami they still have to be considered the odds on favorites to win. Such is life when your Alpha Dogs like the Patriots.

Gronk is back!

The Pats failed to convert one Third Down last week against the Dolphins without Gronk. Coincidence. Not likely. Will that happen in Pittsburgh. Also not likely. Look for a fired up Gronk to have a big day.

The Bell tolls for thee!

LeVeon Bell is already over 1100 yards for the season with 7 TDS. Anyone with a fantasy team knows Bell is the engine in the Steel City locomotive. Look for the Pats to stack the line and key on Bell.

Big Ben

If it feels like the Pats have always have had TB12 under center well it goes double for Big Ben and the Steelers. Seems like he’s been QB1 in Pittsburgh since the 80s. It’s not pretty, in fact it’s often down right fugly but after considering retirement at the end of last year Ben has bounced back with a great year. Look for the Pats to key on stopping the Big Ben attack.

Special Teams are Special Times

This game just might get won on Special Teams. A turnover or missed field goal could be the difference. The boys in Vegas have this at -3 for the bad guys so you do the math.

Prediction –

This is going to be an old school slobber knocker.

Pats 17 Steelers 10