The future of the Patriots and Steelers: For much of the 21st century, the Patriots and Steelers dominated the AFC. The two teams each won multiple Super Bowls, faced each other in three conference championship games during that time, and enjoyed extended periods of stability at the quarterback position.
In 2023, the circumstances are very different. The Patriots are 2-10 and haven’t won a playoff game since Super Bowl LIII.
The Steelers are in a much better position in the current season — currently a fifth seed in the AFC playoff picture with a 7-5 record — but are 0-4 in the playoffs since reaching the 2016 AFC Championship Game (which ended with a loss to the Patriots).