Over the first eight games of the season, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was having the worst statistical year of his career. With wide receiver Danny Amendola and tight end Rob Gronkowski both healthy at the same time for the first time this year, Brady broke out for a huge game and New England beat the Steelers, 55-31.
Steelers vs. Patriots 2013 final score: Tom Brady has best game of season as New England wins easily, 55-31
Pittsburgh kept it close for most of the game but eventually New England started doing what everyone expected it to do and won easily.
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
It’s the most points that Pittsburgh has allowed in franchise history.
Brady threw for 432 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. It is the third-highest yardage total of his career and a far cry from the 228 yards per game and nine touchdowns that he had this year coming into Sunday. Rookie Aaron Dobson caught two of the touchdowns.
The Patriots improve to 7-2 to remain in the lead for a playoff bye week, while the Steelers fall to 2-6. That is their worst start since opening 2-6 in the 2003 season, the year before they drafted quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Fantasy Studs and Duds
Brady is an obvious stud, as well as Dobson, who had 130 yards in addition to his multiple scores. Gronkowski had 143 yards and a touchdown, Amendola had 122 yards and a touchdown, while running back Stevan Ridley added 115 yards and two touchdowns of his own. Julian Edelman was held to only one catch for 11 yards.
Roethlisberger had a great day for fantasy play with 400 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. Receiver Jerricho Cotchery totaled 96 yards and three touchdowns, while Antonio Brown had 71 yards and a touchdown. Running back Le'Veon Bell recorded 139 total yards but no touchdowns and tight end Heath Miller had just 43 yards.
Injury Report
Patriots safety Steve Gregory left with a thumb injury and was listed as questionable to return. Linebacker Rob Ninkovich suffered a foot injury and his return was also listed as questionable. Backup receiver Austin Collie also left with a knee injury.
The Steelers have suffered a rash of injuries along the offensive line this year, and tackle Marcus Gilbert left with a leg injury.
Did They Cover?
The Patriots were 6-point favorites, per OddsShark.com, so they covered easily.
Up Next
Steelers vs Bills, Sunday, Nov. 10, 1 p.m. ET
Patriots are on a bye in Week 10.
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