The Pittsburgh Steelers made the playoffs last season, but came up short in their Super Bowl bid. They are determined to get back to the playoffs and win another Super Bowl. We got our first look at Pittsburgh's road to the playoffs when the schedule was released yesterday. The Steelers play in the tough AFC North, but many are expecting another playoff berth. Here's a game-by-game prediction of the Steelers' schedule this year:
Week 1: at Cleveland Browns
Prediction: WIN (1-0)
Really? It's the Browns.
Week 2: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Prediction: WIN (2-0)
Minnesota's defense is one of the best in the league, but their offense showed last year they're one of the worst units in the league. They won't be able to score enough to keep up with the Steelers.
Week 3: at Chicago Bears
Prediction: WIN (3-0)
Another team in rebuilding mode, the Bears simply don't have the talent anywhere on the field to match up with Pittsburgh.
Week 4: at Baltimore Ravens
Prediction: WIN (4-0)
These games are always incredibly close and hard fought. I expect this to be another toss up, but the Steelers will be on a roll with their easy early season schedule. That momentum will lead to a narrow victory over Baltimore.
Week 5: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Prediction: WIN (5-0)
Speaking of their easy early season schedule, this will be another fairly easy victory over a Jacksonville team with a lot of new pieces.
Week 6: at Kansas City Chiefs
Prediction: WIN (6-0)
Yes, the Chiefs are a really good team. However, their offense doesn't have the firepower to keep up with Pittsburgh's high-powered unit.
Week 7: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Prediction: WIN (7-0)
As the case with the Ravens, the Steelers have developed an intense rivalry with the Bengals, who have been one of the top teams in the division for the last few years. However, with Cincinnati expected to take a step back this year, I give the Steelers the edge at home.
Week 8: at Detroit Lions
Prediction: LOSS (7-1)
Detroit is hoping to compete for a playoff spot for another year, though I think they'll take a step back. However, this is a home game for them on Sunday night. I think they play well enough to hand Pittsburgh their first loss of the season
Week 9: BYE
Week 10: at Indianapolis Colts
Prediction: WIN (8-1)
The Colts still appear to be Andrew Luck playing with a bunch of second-tier players. That will lead to a comfortable road win for the Steelers off a bye week.
Week 11: vs. Tennessee Titans
Prediction: WIN (9-1)
Tennessee is a quality team that expects to make the playoffs in the AFC this year. However, since this game is in Pittsburgh on a Thursday night, the Steelers get the nod.
Week 12: vs. Green Bay Packers
Prediction: WIN (10-1)
On paper, this is another toss up. However, the Steelers will have extra time to prepare coming off a Thursday night game - and it's hard to imagine them losing a big home game on Sunday night.
Week 13: at Cincinnati Bengals
Prediction: LOSS (10-2)
Week 14: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Prediction: LOSS (10-3)
As good as both the Bengals and Ravens are, I expect the Steelers to split the season series with both of them. They may very well win one or both of these games, but since I have Pittsburgh winning each of the first two matchups, I have them losing these two.
Week 15: vs. New England Patriots
Prediction: LOSS (10-4)
Talk about a heavyweight fight. This one could go down to the final possession, and Tom Brady and the Patriots just don't lose those kind of games. The AFC has run through them for two decades for a reason.
Week 16: at Houston Texans
Prediction: WIN (11-4)
Finally, Pittsburgh gets back in the win column. Houston is another quality team Pittsburgh will have to face at the end of the season, but as long as they have a major quarterback question, they won't beat an elite team like the Steelers.
Week 17: vs. Cleveland Browns
Prediction: WIN (12-4)
See above. It's the BROWNS.
Follow our Pittsburgh Steelers news page for all the latest Steelers news!
Back to the Pittsburgh Steelers Newsfeed