The Steelers are in one of the toughest divisions in football, and here is a record prediction for their games against the AFC North.
The AFC North has developed into one of the tougher divisions in recent years. With the Ravens remaining consistent, the Bengals in the Super Bowl, and the Browns seemingly in an arms race, the Steelers have seemingly become the ugly runt of the division.
These games are always notoriously tough though, so don’t expect the Steelers to just roll over when they play a divisional team. Here is a record prediction for the team against AFC North teams.
Steelers vs. Bengals
Games played: Week 1, Week 11
The reigning AFC Champions, the Bengals, did a good job of retooling their team this offseason. They targeted their two biggest needs early and often. Starting with their offensive line, the team was aggressive in free agency and added three significant names there. In the draft, they added to their secondary to address their needs there. They should once again be a top team in the AFC this season.
That said, I think the Steelers can win at least once. Of the two matchups though, Week 1 seems like a daunting task. Unless the Bengals come in seriously underestimating this team, I see almost no path to Pittsburgh coming out on top. There will be a lot of new pieces to this team and they wouldn’t have been able to gel properly. I would say Week 1 is a safe bet to be a loss.
Week 11 is far more interesting. By that time, the Steelers should have their final roster set and some of their kinks worked out. It is also a primetime game against a divisional foe. Realistically, Kenny Pickett should be the guy at that point and will have likely had a few weeks of experience to get him up to speed.
While I think Week 11 will be a great game, I’m still going to give the nod to the Bengals. They will be well-rested after coming off their bye week. As well, their passing game doesn’t match up well with the Steelers. Ja’marr Chase showed off his big-play ability last year, and this secondary still doesn’t have a great option to defend him with. All in all, I think the Bengals will hand the Steelers two losses, albeit I think the second game should be a good one.
Steelers vs. Ravens
Games played: Week 14, Week 17
In what should be a highly anticipated end-of-the-season pairings, the Steelers and Ravens have to wait until Week 14 to first play each other, but they see each other twice within a month’s time. These rivalry games have become some of the toughest for each of the two teams, both sides can expect a physical and defensive-based matchup whenever these games are played.
While the Ravens will be hoping to field a healthier team this season, starting with quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Steelers have famously done a good job of limiting Jackson when they have played each other. Unfortunately, that usually comes at a cost, as the running backs in Baltimore feed off the attention to Jackson. With Najee Harris also set to be a focal point of the offense, don’t be surprised to see running heavy games in both matchups.
The first meeting I have going in favor of the Steelers. Pittsburgh doesn’t have any notable games right before or after this matchup, meaning that they should be focused and ready to strike. The Ravens, meanwhile, will have just faced a talented Broncos team and will be preparing to face the Browns a week after. I think the schedule favors the Steelers and they win the first matchup.
Week 17 I have going to the Ravens. In what will very likely have significant playoff ramifications this late in the season, I think Baltimore pulls this one out. Neither game will be a walk in the park, but the Ravens, on paper, are the better team. They win when it really matters, keeping their playoff hopes alive and effectively ending the Steelers.
Steelers vs. Browns
Games played: Week 3, Week 18
Could this finally be the year that the Browns get the advantage over the Steelers in the division? While it may seem likely, I’m not buying it yet. Even with the addition of Deshaun Watson, I don’t think Cleveland becomes the dominant force that many are expecting them to become. Even if Watson avoids a suspension, it has been a while since he has played quarterback in the NFL.
I don’t think the Steelers will continue their reign of dominance over Cleveland either. The tables are finally turning, and while Pittsburgh shouldn’t become a dumpster fire, they don’t hold a significant edge over the Browns right now. A once lopsided affair has now become far more even on paper.
No matter who is quarterbacking the Browns in week three, I have the Browns winning. I think Pittsburgh starts the season in a relative rut which will prompt Pickett to see the field sooner than later. A likely tough matchup with the Bengals and Patriots the first two weeks will lead them to the Browns on a short week three. That favors the Browns to get the early win over Pittsburgh.
Week 18 is a different story. As mentioned above, I believe the Ravens will essentially knock out the Steelers when they beat them in week 17. Despite playing for essentially nothing in the final game of the season, I think they do their best to beat Cleveland and in turn, end their playoff hopes. Altogether, the teams split their divisional games with each other.
All in all, I have the Steelers pulling a relatively disappointing 2-4 record against their divisional opponents. While I do think this team has a chance to be good in the future, this season will likely serve as a transitional one. They need to prepare for their rookie quarterback to take over and be ready for some disappointing games because of that. Add in the tough division and any divisional game will likely be a tough one.