3 things we should see from the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023

#3: Steelers make the playoffs

This one should need no explanation.

Obviously, the Steelers have the ability to make the playoffs, and we can say that solely by how this season turned out for them. If the Jets had beaten the Dolphins in Week 18, Pittsburgh would have been facing Buffalo in the Wild Card round instead. And remember, next season will be one that should see a more experienced/better-established offense.

Something else that makes Pittsburgh’s chances look good is the 2023-24 schedule and how manageable it is. In short, it fails to even appear as menacing as the one the Steelers just endured.

For context, this season’s schedule had the Steelers facing the Bills and Eagles—two teams that are arguably tougher than anyone on next season’s (though the Niners come close).

Also, despite each slate seeing the Steelers meet seven opponents that finished this regular season with winning records, the 2022-23 one saw them face playoff teams on eight occasions while the 2023-24 one only has them facing playoff teams on seven.

Lastly, this season had Pittsburgh battle just one opponent with a regular-season record worse than 6-11 (Indianapolis, 4-12-1). As for next season, Pittsburgh is set to face four.

Sure, those figures are virtually guaranteed to change at least somewhat between now and the end of the next regular season. But nonetheless, if today’s circumstances are any indication of how the league could look just a year from now, a Steelers playoff appearance should be in the bag.

The 2023-24 Pittsburgh Steelers will be far from legendary, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t be heading in the right direction. If they are able to check all of the boxes that I have listed here, the dreams of Steeler Nation just might come true sooner than initially expected.