The Steelers may have had their best draft since the 60s and 70s. The team will look to build on their 9-8 season in 2022. After the Pittsburgh Steelers schedule release, there’s plenty of excitement near the three rivers. The goal this year has to be a playoff win, but is that a realistic outcome with Kenny Pickett at the helm?
Pittsburgh Steelers Record Prediction: Every Game on the Schedule
Week 1: Vs 49ers
Strange opening week, but a doable game for Pittsburgh. Who is the 49ers quarterback? Is it Brock Purdy off of UCL surgery? Is it former top three pick Trey Lance? Or their other former top three pick, infamous ghost finder Sam Darnold? The Steelers defense is going to give one of them fits week one, and they squandered their top draft pick on a kicker. Difficult, but a win to start the season.
Steelers win, 1-0 Record
Week 2: Vs Browns
Is there anything better than AFC North football on a Monday night? Deshaun Watson never really put it together in 2022 and the team has only made minor adjustments in the offseason. Last year Pittsburgh split with everyone in the division, so look for more of the same in 2023. First matchup against the Browns will be a win.
Steelers Win, 2-0 Record
Week 3: At Raiders
The Raiders went from Derek Carr to Jimmy Garappolo, which feels like asking a teacher for extra credit and going from a 85 to an 85.2. Their defense is a mess, their offense is fine and if Pittsburgh takes the leap that fans expect, this is an easy win.
Steelers Win, 3-0 Record
Week 4: At Texans
Lord have mercy on C.J. Stroud. A rookie quarterback, with a bad offensive line playing one of the best pass rushing teams in America. T.J. Watt might have four sacks and Najee Harris could rush for 150 yards.
Steelers Win, 4-0 Record
Week 5: Vs Ravens
Lamar Jackson has a fat new contract, shiny new weapons and an offensive coordinator with a scheme that was formed this century. This early in the season, the Ravens could be dangerous if the injury bug stays away from them.
Steelers Lose, 4-1 Record
Week 7: At Rams
After the early bye week, Pittsburgh gets another early gift. Through the first six games, three or four could be considered the easiest on their schedule. L.A. is one sneeze away from a total rebuild.
Steelers Win, 5-1 Record
Week 8: Vs Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars have taken the next step. This is the step fans are hoping Kenny Pickett takes, but Lawrence has already done it. This team is dangerous, and is getting more and more dangerous by the season.
Steelers Lose, 5-2 Record
Week 9: Vs Tennessee
The Titans are about to go into a tailspin. If they start slow, Will Levis could see the field sooner rather than later. The same issues for the Texans will plague the Titans against the Steelers. Minkah Fitzpatrick gets a pick six, take that to the bank.
Steelers Win, 6-2 Record
Week 10: Vs Packers
Jordan Love is a complete wild card. The last time the Packers had a quarterback change, Aaron Rodgers was slept on for a couple seasons. The odds of Love being on the same level as Rodgers are small, but not zero. Love and the Packers surprise Pittsburgh after a fast start to the season.
Steelers Lose, 6-3 Record
Week 11: At Browns
By this point in the season Watson and the Cleveland offense should put it together. If Pittsburgh doesn’t rattle Watson, it could be a long night.
Steelers Lose, 6-4 Record
Week 12: At Bengals
After a quick start to the season, the Steelers could very well hit a slump. This part of the Pittsburgh Steelers schedule includes some of their more difficult matchups, away from home. Joe Burrow wins this one.
Steelers Lose, 6-5 Record
Week 13: Vs Cardinals
Is Kyler Murray playing? Either way, a quarterback coming off an ACL tear isn’t going to be mobile enough to get away from the pass rush. They were also a middle of the road defense at best in 2022. Bounce back game for Pittsburgh.
Steelers Win, 7-5 Record
Week 14: Vs Patriots
The Patriots have given the Steelers fits the last 20 years. That was with some quarterback named Tom Brady? Word on the street is he was good. Mac Jones, not so much. Steelers by 30.
Steelers Win, 8-5 Record
Week 15: At Colts
Pittsburgh has struggled with mobile quarterbacks. There is no more mobile quarterback than Anthony Richardson. He topped the rookie quarterback rankings, and he will put up some points in Pittsburgh. But it won’t be enough with their terrible defense. Steelers in a close one.
Steelers Win, 9-5 Record
Week 16: Vs Bengals
This late in the season, playoffs will be on the line. The last time they played, it was a nail biter in November. This time, it will be a nail biter in December and a Christmas gift to Pittsburgh fans.
Steelers Win, 10-5 Record
Week 17: At Seahawks
“The Seahawks are spiritually the west coast Steelers” Corey Bittner, FFRPG podcast. Each team is always competitive, and this game will have serious implications for playoff standings in each conference. It comes down to a coin flip, but the Steelers should come out on top.
Steelers Win, 11-5 Record
Week 18: At Ravens
You know what’s better than AFC North football on a Monday night? AFC North football to decide division winner, playoff seeding, and home field advantages. The Steelers win a tough nosed game in the snow.
Steelers Win, 12-5 Record
