This month, Last Word on Pro Football will be analyzing the schedules of every team in the NFL and ranking each game in order of difficulty (with one being the most difficult). This series will be split up into the eight most difficult games (ranked 1-8) and the eight easiest games (ranked 9-16) for each team. In this article, the Pittsburgh Steelers most difficult games are the focus.
Pittsburgh Steelers Most Difficult Games in 2017
8. Week 11 Vs. Tennessee Titans
The Titans are not a team to sleep on in 2017. A Week 11 match-up means a team that has a chance to gel together and may be hitting their stride for a prime-time showdown in Pittsburgh. The Steelers will be coming off of four days rest from a road trip in Indianapolis, which helps even the playing fields. If any defensive coordinator knows the Steelers it is Dick LeBeau, and with an offense that is improving with Marcus Mariota, the Week 11 game should be a great test for the Steelers.
7. Week Seven Vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Any match-up with the Bengals is going to be a tough one. However, the Steelers have won seven of the last eight meetings and four straight against the Bengals. The Bengals envy the Steelers more than rival them. Being sandwiched between two road games during the middle of the season may add some flair, and it will always be a battle, but it is not the same game that it can be perceived to be.
6. Week 16 At Houston Texans
A late season road trip to Houston could bring all kinds of trouble. It is unclear as of today what their quarterback situation will look like. However, they will have those 15 weeks to hopefully figure it out and may have seen some progression from Deshaun Watson by that time. Their defense is always fierce, and on the road makes it a tough play to put up points as well.
5. Week 13 At. Cincinnati Bengals
The Steelers have won five of their last six away games to the Bengals. Still, the Bengals should have a loaded group of skill players, and will always have their strong defense. It is always a tough task facing a competent division foe on the road.
4. Week 14 Vs. Baltimore Ravens
As competent as the Bengals are, the Ravens are always a tougher rival to the Steelers. The Steelers lead the All-Time series 25-21 but had to win on a last second touchdown on Christmas Night to snap a four game losing streak to the Ravens. No matter what the records are, the two games against the Ravens are always the most tense on the schedule. Hopefully, it being a home prime-time game helps the Steelers.
3. Week 12 Vs. Green Bay Packers
As fun as the Ravens-Steelers rivalry is, a home game against the Packers should be one of the ultimate tests of the season. Tom Brady may be the “greatest” quarterback playing, but Aaron Rodgers is the most talented. The Packers offense is going to be booming no matter what, and the game is already looking to be a back and forth shoot out leaving you on the edge of your seat.
2. Week Four At Baltimore Ravens
It is an early game this year, but the Steelers always know when they have to go to Baltimore to play the Ravens. The Steelers have only won one of the last five games in Baltimore, and just three of their last ten. No matter who is playing, and how good each team looks, the trip to Baltimore is almost guaranteed to finish in a three-point game.
1. Week 15 Vs. New England Patriots
While the Ravens are who they compare themselves to in the division, the Patriots are the measuring stick of the entire league. The Steelers also tend to struggle against the Patriots. The Steelers are 2-10 against the Patriots since Tom Brady was drafted. Over that time Brady has 29 touchdowns to two interceptions. It is unreal what Brady does this team. That makes them the toughest game of the season.
Be sure to check out the Pittsburgh Steelers easiest games in 2017 as well.
Main Photo:
