Steelers Game by Game Predictions

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Adam Lovelace. Follow him on Twitter @98_lovelace

A lovely present for Steelers mom’s heading into Mother’s Day weekend was the release of the NFL schedule. So now, it’s time to play everyone’s favorite game: “How many games are the Steelers going to win this year?” Some are predicting 11 wins, and Mark Kaboly had boldly foreshadowed the first losing season in the Mike Tomlin era.

Here is how I think the Steelers season will play out.

When it comes to the first game of the season, what turns out to be a home game for Pittsburgh for the first time in what feels like forever, it’s hard to predict anything else but a loss. The 49ers arguably should have been a Super Bowl team last year if not for having 0 passing ability against the Eagles. This year, even a half decent quarterback (Sam Darnold being the presumed starter) is better than nothing. The Steelers run defense last year was abysmal, and until proven otherwise I can’t assume any better this year. Pitted against the best run game in the league, I have to predict an 0-1 start. 

For game 2, the Browns  in Pittsburgh, I predict a win, which is now 1-1 for the Steelers. Deshaun Watson is well past his prime, and presuming rookie Broderick Jones and just hold his own against Myles Garrett, I see the Steelers sliding a narrow victory past Cleveland. Call it Pittsburgh bias, but the Browns will Browns, no matter what.

To Las Vegas, I see 2-1. While the Raiders typically have the Steelers number, there is just too much turmoil going on in Las Vegas. The departure of Darren Waller and Derek Carr means their offense is going to be lacking, even with stud receiver Davante Adams. While he is going to make his plays, the Raiders defense is going to allow Pittsburgh to control the game.

Now we head to Houston. The Texans game moves the Steelers to 3-1. If Pittsburgh loses to a team with a rookie QB, rookie head coach, and a defense that most people can’t name a single starter, cancel the season. 

The Ravens will notch the second loss for the 2023 campaign for the black and gold. Lamar Jackson will be healthy three games of the season, and dangerous. It won’t be a blow out, but I see a narrow loss.

To the Rams, it feels like a toss up, but I see loss three. The Steelers historically play poorly on the west coast, and I can’t see the Rams not bouncing back from their poor performance last year. 

Next, the Steelers move to the Jags, another team that has historically given the Steelers problems. Yet, when I close my eyes, I see a TJ Watt feast against Trevor Lawrence – and another win, putting them at 4-3. 

When the Titans come to Pittsburgh I see the Steelers moving to 5-3. Derrick Henry has never given them issues, and he is on the last legs of his career. There is also concern on who is going to be their QB. I see a victory. 

Green Bay with Jordan Love feels like another somewhat easy win for Pittsburgh. With all the Packers having lost they won’t be the team of old, moving the Steelers to 6-3.

Predicting a division split in the second game with the Browns might seem like a cop out but that’s how it happens. 

When the Steelers play the bengals for the first time is where I see the first thrashing the Steelers take. This is going to be a time where the calls to fire Tomlin return and we call into question Kenny Picketts ability as a starter. Tough loss, but 6-5. 

I see a victory for the Steelers against the Cardinals. Kyler doesn’t seem to want to be in Arizona and they will have a first year head coach. 7-5. 

Against the Pats, who knows. I want to say a win because they aren’t well equipped on offense and Mac Jones simply doesn’t scare me. Also, this team shouldn’t have beaten Pittsburgh last year, so I mark a bit of revenge here. Pittsburgh is now 8-5, thirteen games in.

Indy is another win simply because it’s a rookie QB and rookie head coach. Anthony Richardson is going to be a special QB in this league, but he is going to struggle like all rookies do. Steelers steal a win, but need to be ready for Indy in years to come. Wow, 9-5 - not so bad.

Again another division split, I think the Steelers take a revenge game against Cincy and take a narrow win. 10-5. We’re rolling!

Playing Seattle (Devin Bush revenge game lol) I see another win. I want to follow history and say Geno Smith will come back to earth – and the Steelers move to 11-5. 

To close the season I see the Steelers sealing a game from the Ravens, needing a win to make the playoffs (like always) and finishing the year 12-5. 

The AFC is going to be tough, and that’s why I think a 12 win season, is still going to be a nail biter in terms of making the playoffs. Realistically, almost half the AFC could probably win 12 games. 

I write this knowing that Pittsburgh’s success is going to ride on the performance of their rookies, the advancement of their 2nd year QB, and other 2nd year guys. And Matt Canada. 

12-5 might be ambitious, but it feels right looking at everything on paper. Unfortunately, they don’t play the game on paper.