(Pittsburgh) The NFL has accustomed us to unmissable duels between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots.

That won’t necessarily be the case with Thursday’s matchup, although it will certainly be worth a look.

This time, neither team will have a star quarterback on the field or be playing for home-field advantage in the playoffs.

The Patriots (2-10) are simply trying to build something, having lost their last five games. The Steelers (7-5) are showing better performance and could help themselves in their race for teams drafted in the American Association, after losing last Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals (3-10), good last in their section.

It is already certain that Bill Belichick will have his worst season at the helm of the Patriots since his first with the team in 2000.

The Patriots became the first team since the Chicago Cardinals in 1938 to lose three straight games while allowing 10 points or fewer in each game.

Second-season quarterback Bailey Zappe failed to provide a spark for the team, although he should get the start in Pittsburgh.

“Belichick made it pretty clear, but I’m going to let him announce it to everyone,” Zappe said. It’s private for now. It is up to him to decide when he will make the announcement. I try to prepare every week like I’m the starting quarterback. It doesn’t change anything for me. »

Zappe completed 13 of 25 passes for 141 yards Sunday in a 6-0 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Patriots never got beyond the Chargers’ 29-yard line in the game.

For the Steelers, Mitch Trubisky will be the starting quarterback. Kenny Pickett had surgery on his right ankle and will be out indefinitely.

Several Steelers players, including running back Jaylen Warren and wide receiver Diontae Johnson, said the team may have underestimated the Cardinals, given their record of just two wins.

The mistake cannot be repeated if the Steelers want to be considered a playoff threat.

“I know we can’t take anyone lightly in this league,” Trubisky said.