Predicting each Steelers game in the second half of the season
By Tommy Jaggi
The Pittsburgh Steelers have evened their record at 4-4 after a two-point win over the Colts. Here are my predictions for their last eight games of the season.
Before the 2019 season started, I predicted the Steelers would be a 10-6 football team. I went through each game on the schedule and gave my predictions of how each matchup would turn out.
However, a lot has changed since then. Ben Roethlisberger and Stephon Tuitt went down for the season, and Pittsburgh started the year off 0-3. Now halfway through the 2019 season, I’ve decided to share my revised predictions for the remainder of the year.
While the outcomes of some of these games are unchanged, not everything is going to work out the same for the Steelers without Big Ben. Here are my predictions for each Steelers game in the second half of the season:
Week 10: Rams
Prediction: Loss
Record: 4-5
The Steelers squeaked out a win over the Indianapolis Colts last week, but their offensive struggles remain. Playing an equally competent Rams team capable of putting up big points, it will be hard for Mason Rudolph and the offense to keep pace. As good as the Steelers have looked defensively, I think they may lose a close contest to the Rams at home.
Week 11: @Browns
Prediction: Win
Record: 5-5
The Browns aren’t the team everyone was expecting them to be this season. Baker Mayfield has hit a serious sophomore slump (7 touchdowns and 11 interceptions so far), and Pittsburgh’s defense should be able to tee off against a weak offensive line. I have the Steelers taking this one on the road against their division rival.
Week 12: @Bengals
Prediction: Win
Record: 6-5
Pittsburgh slaughtered the Bengals the first time around. Cincinnati is a win-less team without much to play for, and the Steelers are much more talented. This is a road game, so nothing is set in stone, but Mike Tomlin’s team should be able to run away with this one.
Week 13: Browns
Prediction: Win
Record: 7-5
The Steelers have had some close calls against the Browns in recent years. When Ben Roethlisberger went down, many likely would have predicted the Browns to take care of business in both matchups against the Steelers. However, Pittsburgh’s defense has exceeded all expectations. The Browns could undoubtedly steal a win with the way the Steelers offense has been playing, but I have Pittsburgh winning both games against Cleveland this year.
Week 14: @Cardinals
Prediction: Loss
Record: 7-6
This Cardinals team has been better than what some people think. Though they are dead last in their division, the NFC West is arguably the best division in football right now. The Steelers don’t often fare well playing on the west coast against uncommon opponents. I think they could lose this one.
Week 15: Bills
Prediction: Win
Record: 8-6
Nobody thought the Buffalo Bills would be as good as what they are this season. Currently a 6-2 team, the Steelers will have their hands full against them. However, I think Pittsburgh matches up well with Buffalo. They have the ability to shut down the run and force Josh Allen to beat them through the air. It doesn’t hurt that this game is in Pittsburgh.
Week 16: @Jets
Prediction: Win
Record: 9-6
We have seen the Steelers struggle against good teams in the past, and the Jets can be surprising at times. Their only win this year came against the Dallas Cowboys. Still, the Steelers are just a better football team, and they should show that in week 16 against New York.
Week 17: @Ravens
Prediction: Loss
Record: 9-7
As much as I would like to see the Steelers come back with a vengeance against their toughest division rivals after an overtime loss in their first matchup, Baltimore is a very good team this year. Pittsburgh was fortunate enough to keep Lamar Jackson under wraps last time they played, but if the Ravens take an early lead, Pittsburgh will have to rely on an iffy passing attack to fight their way back. Baltimore could be playing for home-field advantage in the playoffs, so they are unlikely to be resting their starters.
Next. Pittsburgh Steelers Minkah Fitzpatrick is transitioning into an All-Pro safety. dark
Even with the fiasco that was the first half of the season, I have the Steelers finishing just one game worse than my original prediction that came when Roethlisberger was healthy. 9-7 is a more than a respectable record for a team without their starting quarterback. If they can do this, Pittsburgh could give themselves a shot at a wildcard spot this season.