Optimism was through the roof in Pittsburgh following the Steelers’ 19-18 victory over the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday. But that optimism has been somewhat dampened after Thursday night’s 24-19 loss to the Browns in snowy Cleveland, a loss that left the Steelers with an 8-3 record entering their semi-bye week.
That loss has raised some questions about the Steelers’ legitimacy. Is Pittsburgh a true contender to get out of the AFC, or will this team join the list of recent Steelers teams that have quietly bowed out? The final six games of the season will help answer that question.
Here’s what we know unequivocally about the Steelers. This is Pittsburgh’s best defense in at least five years, a unit that can help take the Steelers where they want to go. The offense, led by Russell Wilson, is also better than in recent years. But that side of the ball still has considerable room for improvement in all areas, especially in the red zone, where the Steelers currently rank 30th in the NFL.
The special teams have been a strength all year, led by Chris Boswell, who has made 93.9% of his field goals and each of his 21 point attempts so far.
At this point, the Steelers finishing with 11 or 12 wins is very realistic. If that happens, Pittsburgh will clinch a playoff spot and be in position to win the AFC North depending on what the Ravens (7-4) do going forward. An 11-6 or 12-5 record would also likely give the Steelers the third seed and a home game in the wild-card round.
Now that we’ve set the table, here’s a recap of each of Pittsburgh’s six remaining games, along with a prediction on how each game will play out.
All ET game times
Week 13: against the Bengals (Sunday at 1 p.m.)
Cincinnati’s season will be on the line on Sunday, but it has seemingly been that way all year for the Bengals, who are 4-7. Cincinnati’s offense has been prolific, led by quarterback Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, but its defense has been anemic, especially on third down and in the red zone. Look for the Steelers to try to shorten the game with running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren while keeping Burrow and company on the sideline. Defensively, the Steelers should be able to pressure Burrow, who has been sacked at least three times in seven games.
- Score: Steelers 27, Bengals 24
- Record: 9-3
Week 14: vs. Browns (Sunday at 1:00 p.m.)
I don’t see lightning strike twice. The Browns showed on Thursday that they can beat the Steelers, but Pittsburgh should be able to handle business this time. Defensively, Pittsburgh will likely focus more on containing Jerry Jeudy, who made several catches during Thursday night’s win.
The Steelers will also try to apply more pressure on Jameis Winston, who was not sacked in his first career game against Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ offense found its rhythm in the fourth quarter Thursday night, scoring touchdowns on consecutive drives. That bodes well for the rematch.
- Score: Steelers 31, Browns 13
- Record: 10-3
Week 15: at Eagles (Sunday at 4:25 p.m.)
We’ll keep this short and sweet. Pittsburgh hasn’t won in Philadelphia since 1965, and I see that continuing beyond this game. The Steelers were blown out, 35-13, the last time they played in Philadelphia in 2022. Jalen Hurts threw four touchdowns in that game that included three to AJ Brown. Pittsburgh’s offensive line allowed six sacks and was a big reason the Steelers went 1 for 12 that day on third down. This game should be more competitive, but nonetheless a loss for the black and gold.
- Score: Águilas 27, Acereros 20
- Record: 10-4
Week 16: at Ravens (Saturday at 4:30 p.m.)
A rare Saturday game that is part of a brutal three-game stretch that includes three games in an 11-day span. A similar run was what killed the 2020 Steelers, who started 11-0 before faltering to a 12-4 finish. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, their 2024 team is currently much healthier than the 2020 team that didn’t have the depth to handle such a condensed schedule.
The Steelers will obviously help themselves if they are able to beat Cleveland and Cincinnati before this brutal three-game stretch. Regardless, the Steelers need to win at least one of these three games. Assuming they lose in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh will need to split their games with Baltimore and Kansas City on Christmas Day.
Pittsburgh is 4-1 against Lamar Jackson, who despite his immense talent has struggled against the Steelers. But that has to end at some point, right? I predict that it will be so on this day. The Ravens stood in their own way last Sunday in Pittsburgh, missing two field goals and committing two turnovers that led to six points for the Steelers. Baltimore can certainly beat Pittsburgh this time if it can clean up those things.
- Score: Ravens 24, Steelers 17
- Record: 10-5
Week 17: vs. Chiefs (Wednesday at 1 p.m.)
As mentioned above, this game will be played on Christmas Day. Pittsburgh prevailed in its only other home game on Christmas Day, a thrilling victory over Baltimore in 2016 that was decided by Antonio Brown’s “Immaculate Spread” in the final seconds of the game.
Kansas City currently boasts a 9-1 record. The Steelers are 0-3 against Patrick Mahomes, including a blowout loss to the Chiefs in the 2021 wild card round that was also Ben Roethlisberger’s final game.
Wilson, however, swept Mahomes and Co. last year as a member of the Broncos. That certainly counts for something, along with the fact that the Steelers’ defense is much better than what Mahomes faced in past matchups with Pittsburgh. This is a game where Pittsburgh’s major offseason acquisitions (especially safety DeShon Elliott and linebacker Patrick Queen) could make their presence felt in a big way.
Score: Steelers 20, Chiefs 19
Record: 11-5
Week 18: vs. Bengals (Sunday at 1:00 p.m.)
This game will largely depend on where the Steelers are in terms of playoff positioning. If the division title is on the line, the Steelers will treat this as they would any other game. They probably won’t, if everything is already decided when it comes to the playoffs. What happens in Baltimore in Week 16 will have a big impact on what happens in this game.
Either way, the Steelers seemingly always play well at home in their season finale. The weather can also play a role, since the cold of January can affect the aerial game of both teams. Bad weather would favor the Steelers, who have one of the best running back duos in the league with Harris and Warren.
- Score: Steelers 19, Bengals 16
- Record: 12-5
