What happened: Carl Cheffers has been assigned as the referee for today's matchup between the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers. Cheffers, wearing No. 51, has been an NFL official since 2000 and a referee since 2008.
Why it matters: The assignment brings a veteran crew to the AFC clash. Officiating tendencies could influence the game's rhythm, especially after Cheffers' group oversaw a heavily penalized contest when they worked Giants-Cowboys in Week 1.
By the numbers: During their opening-week assignment, Cheffers' crew called 19 accepted penalties for a total of 204 yards. The Patriots enter the contest as, with the game's 5 points.
What to watch: Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on CBS, with rain and 58-degree temperatures expected in the forecast.