In a hard-fought contest, the New England Patriots topped the Pittsburgh Steelers 26-17 in Week 2 of the 2026 season. This victory keeps the Patriots firmly in the playoff conversation, while the Steelers will need to regroup as they face increasing pressure in their upcoming matches. Leading the charge for New England was quarterback Drake Maye, who threw for 259 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to lead the offense effectively. A.J. Brown also contributed significantly in the passing game, racking up 73 receiving yards to help secure the win. On the ground, Rico Dowdle led the Steelers with 61 rushing yards, but it wasn't enough to change the tide. Defensively, the Patriots made key stops, with Carlton Davis III leading the team with five total tackles. Pittsburgh's Patrick Queen was a standout on the defensive side as well, recording two sacks and an interception, but the Patriots' offense was able to exploit crucial moments. The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Maye connected on a critical touchdown pass that pushed the lead to two scores, ultimately sealing the game for New England.