Predicting Steelers wins and losses in each game in 2019
By Tommy Jaggi
The Pittsburgh Steelers fell just short of the playoffs in 2018. Here is my prediction for each game the Steelers play this season.
The Steelers had a disappointing season in 2019 (at least by our standards of what we have come to expect from them). They fell short of the the NFL playoffs by just one win, and fans couldn’t help but reflect on the countless opportunities they failed to close out games last year.
The new league year marks a new season and a fresh start. Here is my breakdown of each game the Steelers play this year as I predict their wins and losses in 2019:
Week 1: @Patriots
Prediction: Loss
Record: 0-1
Sorry Steelers Nation, but the scheduling committee put Pittsburgh in a very difficult situation to start the 2019 season. The Steelers had a very slow start with a 6 turnover game against the Browns to open 2018. I have the Patriots taking this one at home.
Week 2: Seahawks
Prediction: Win
Record: 1-1
If this game were to be played on the west coast in Seattle, I probably would have predicted a loss here. The Seahawks are a solid team, but I think Pittsburgh bounces back with a win week 2.
Week 3: @49ers
Prediction: Loss
Record 1-2
The Steelers are no strangers to slow starts. While I believe Pittsburgh is the better team, they have something going against them: they have been awful against average opponents on the road in the Mike Tomlin era.
Week 4: Bengals
Prediction: Win
Record: 2-2
The Steelers are playing a prime time home game coming off a loss to the 49ers. I expect them to run away with this one in Pittsburgh against what is likely to be their easiest division rivals this season.
Week 5: Ravens
Prediction: Win
Record: 3-2
Playing the Ravens always seems to be a challenge, and Pittsburgh got manhandled at home against the Ravens last September. However, I think the Steelers get their second straight victory in their second straight home game.
Week 6: @Chargers
Prediction: Loss
Record: 3-3
This isn’t how we want to see the Steelers start their first 6 games, but playing a very solid team on the west coast isn’t a recipe for success. The best chance for Pittsburgh to beat the Chargers came last season at home. I think they drop this game to a good opponent.
Week 7: Bye week
Week 8: Dolphins
Prediction: Win
Record: 4-3
A prime time game at home against the Dolphins? Yeah, I’m going to chalk this one up as a win (although stranger things have happened).
Week 9: Colts
Prediction: Win
Record: 5-3
The Colts were one of the best teams in the second half of the year last season, but the Steelers are a competent team in their own right. I think they take care of business against Andrew Luck and the Colts at home.
Week 10: Rams
Prediction: Loss
Record: 5-4
I hate predicting 4 losses in their first 9 games, but the Steelers are playing an uncommon opponent, and Sean McVay has already proven to be one of the most innovative young minds in the NFL. I think Pittsburgh loses here.
Week 11: @Browns
Prediction: Loss
Record: 5-5
I don’t want to buy into the Cleveland Browns hype, but there is certainly a lot of talent to go around on that roster. The Steelers showed up flat against the Browns to start the season last year. I can see them doing the same against a much improved Browns team in 2019.
Week 12: @Bengals
Prediction: Win
Record: 6-5
The second-half schedule starts to look much easier for the Steelers. I think they sweep Cincinnati this season and claim a victory on the road against the division rivals.
Week 13: Browns
Prediction: Win
Record: 7-5
The Steelers are just two weeks removed from a road loss against the Browns, and I expect Big Ben and company to take care of business on their own turf this time around – improving their record to 7-5.
Week 14: @Cardinals
Prediction: Loss
Record: 7-6
I know what you are thinking, but I don’t think this Cardinals team will be the same one that was the worst group in the NFL last season. A new head coach and quarterback can make a world of difference, and the Steelers are headed to the west coast. I think they lose this game.
Week 15: Bills
Prediction: Win
Record: 8-6
The Steelers are due for a blowout win, and I think this could be one of them. Though the temperatures will be cold in December in Pittsburgh, the Bills aren’t about to walk in and upset the Steelers when they need it most. They take this one at home.
Week 16: @Jets
Prediction: Win
Record: 9-6
I can see this game being a bit of a struggle, and the Jets could have a good defense in 2019. However, I ultimately think that Pittsburgh emerges victorious in a must-win game against the New York Jets.
Week 17: @Ravens
Prediction: Win
Record: 10-6
The Steelers final game of the season comes on the road against the Ravens. The Steelers weren’t clutch down the stretch last season, but I don’t think they repeat the mistakes of the past this year. They take this one against Baltimore and secure a playoff berth.
Next. The schools Steelers fans should thank the most for their success. dark
It’s extremely difficult to know how the Steelers will fare compared to the rest of the league this year until we see them in action. Pittsburgh lost a number of close games down the stretch last season, but I think they will be slightly better at closing out games in 2019. I think a 10-6 record this year is very realistic.