NEW YORK — Among the Patriots' rewards for winning the Super Bowl is hosting the season opener.
This opposition this year is another team with championship pedigree: the Pittsburgh Steelers.
New England and Pittsburgh will begin the NFL season on Thursday night, Sept. 10 with a game matching quarterbacks with six Super Bowl rings and nine Super Bowl appearances: Tom Brady vs. Ben Roethlisberger.
Since Brady became New England's starting quarterback in 2001, he is 6-3 against the Steelers — he missed the 2008 game while injured — including 2-0 in the playoffs.
Other prime-time matchups on opening weekend will have the New York Giants at Dallas on Sunday, Sept.