NFL schedule for Thursday: Steelers vs. Patriots game time, TV, odds

It's about that time. The defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots have the first game on the 2015 NFL schedule as they host the QB Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Patriots QB Tom Brady will be playing after all the DeflateGate business. Pittsburgh will be missing star RB Le'Veon Bell but I'm still expecting a good game.

Use this as your open thread for tonight's game.

The odds on the game are the Patriots as a 7-point favorite right now. The last time New England was coming off a big scandal - SpyGate - they ran the table in the regular season only to lose in the Super Bowl. Will Bill Belichick and New England be able to have another big run? Tonight is the first team.

As for my prediction on the game, I'm picking the Patriots. With Pittsburgh's suspensions I think the Patriots will be too much for them. Plus, this game is in Gillette Stadium, which I am sure will be insane.

The game will be shown nationally on NBC and you can stream it online. We have two excellent blogs you should follow for any updates: Behind The Steel Curtain | Pats Pulpit

Date/Time: Thursday, September 10th, 7:30 p.m. (Arrowhead Time)

Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

TV: NBC

Online Streaming: NFL Game Pass, NFL.com Game Center, and NBC Sports Talk.

Announcers: Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth