New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady holds up the game ball after an NFL divisional playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens in Foxborough, Mass., on Jan. 10, 2015. Credit: AP / Elise Amendola
STEELERS AT PATRIOTS
TV: 8:30 p.m. Ch. 4
Radio: WCBS (880), WFAN (660, 101.9, joined in progress)
Odds: Patriots 7, O/U: 52
The Patriots' 2015 season begins the same way 2014 ended: With super news. Tom Brady's four-game suspension was thrown out by a federal judge, and instead of watching Thursday night's game at home with Gisele and the Brady Bundchen, the four-time Super Bowl champ will start his 14th straight regular-season opener.
The point spread inflated, from 21/2 points to 7. Don't be scared away by the line. The Steelers are without RB Le'Veon Bell, serving his own suspension, as is WR Martavis Bryant.
Bill Belichick will try and run up the score every chance he gets, a la 2007 when Brady threw 50 touchdown passes and the offense scored 589 points en route to a 16-0 regular season. The Pats are going to be kings against the spread (ATS) this season. Just call them the Patri-ATS.
The pick: Patriots
TOM ROCK: Patriots
KIMBERLEY A. MARTIN: Patriots
BOB GLAUBER: Patriots
