The Pittsburgh Steelers finished their 2022 season with some hope as they try to build off that into next year.
Even though there were many bad moments throughout the 2022 season for the Steelers, it ended on a positive note. The club was able to finish above a losing record, but they could not make the playoffs. That seemingly constant trend of missing the playoffs has been a tough pill for the black and gold to swallow over recent years.
Looking ahead might not be the wisest decision for a football team to do, but there is always something to look forward to. The Steelers have released their 2023 opponents before their schedule gets released later this offseason. Based on the current situation with many of their upcoming opponents next season, it looks like an easier schedule is in store this time around.
Steelers have a chance to finish second in the AFC North division
There could be a ton of turnover in the AFC North division, and that could bring a lot of change in the final standings this season. The Cincinnati Bengals are going to be a tough team to beat as long as Joe Burrow is their quarterback, so splitting the two games here will be tough. The future of Lamar Jackson is going to be a massive situation to watch unfold this offseason.
Will Baltimore pay up for Jackson, or will they let him go to another team? That is a big question and could take the Ravens out of the running for contention. No matter if Jackson is there or not, that team is going to play tough and stay competitive no matter what. Winning one or both of the games against the Ravens seems plausible. Cleveland is an enigma that will likely stay at their current stay unless Deshaun Watson can turn back time. Splitting the series seems like a real possibility, and there could be a chance to win both games if everything goes according to plan.
Steelers take on an NFC West division that could be improved from 2022
Having a way too early record prediction is going to be tough, especially with this division. The NFC West had some surprises all around as some teams overperformed and others were shocking disappointments. Seeing what these clubs do in free agency and the draft to try and better their group will be something to monitor.
Arizona Cardinals come to town and take on Pittsburgh
Arizona is still trying to find their next Head Coach, which could be someone the Steelers know very well. Brian Flores is being interviewed for the head job in the desert, and that could be his final landing spot. This team is in shambles right now and will have a lot of work to do this offseason to be contentious in 2023.
The tough gold miners of San Francisco try their luck in the Steel City
Those that are currently trying to stop the 49ers in the playoffs are struggling. This is the most well-rounded club in the NFL right now. Imagining San Francisco’s defensive line destroying the Steelers offensive line should send shivers down your spine. This one could get ugly, even if the 49ers must fly across the country to do it.
The Steelers head to the rainy city of Seattle to take on some birds
Geno Smith was able to pull a rabbit out of his hat to get the Seahawks into the playoffs this past year. He put up an admirable performance as the team battled around him. Can they do that again? Probably not, and it seems like it’s more likely than not that Seattle will take a step back next season.
A final trip to the city of Angels wraps up the NFC West division schedule
No one was more disappointing this season than the LA Rams as they had a severe hangover from their Super Bowl win just a year ago. The Rams suffered from significant injuries throughout the season and many of their star players’ futures are in question. Depending on which players return, this group could be in the mode of rebuilding for a significant time.
Pittsburgh gets ready to take on the poor AFC South division in 2023
Things are changing for the AFC South division after the Titans had dominated for a while. Jacksonville is on the rise, but this group is truly open to competition for the upcoming year. A lot of signs are pointing to this group as being one of the worst in the NFL, just like they were this past season.
Steelers host the rising Jacksonville Jaguars, who are a young and improving club
One of the biggest roadblocks ahead for the Steelers could be the Jacksonville Jaguars. They are a young and upcoming team, which has given the black and gold fits since they joined the league a couple of decades ago. This contest could be a tossup, but it seems like history could go against the home club in this one.
Tennessee will jump onto the road to Pittsburgh to try and rebound from this past year
Another shocking revelation this past year was the crumbling of the Tennessee Titans. They suffered injuries and Mike Vrabel was able to provide solid coaching to keep them in the division hunt, but that was not enough. Pittsburgh should be able to handle this team as they have too many questions to address this offseason.
Houston will host the black and gold as their rebuild remains in full effect
Houston holds the number two pick in this upcoming draft in the spring. That is something you need to consider when the Steelers hit the road to take on the Texans this upcoming season. They will likely face a young quarterback that will try his best to work with a young and inexperienced roster this season.
Another year that Mike Tomlin will try to hold his unbeaten streak against the Colts intact
It is an amazing accomplishment how the black and gold have been able to dominate the Indianapolis Colts under Mike Tomlin. No matter if the Colts have been good or not, Tomlin has found a way for his team to win. Expect that to happen again as the Colts seem to be in full rebuild mode.
Steelers remaining opponents of 2023 could all be on the decline
Three opponents remain on the docket for Pittsburgh during their upcoming 2023 campaign. None of them fit into any of the divisions above and pose a threat to the black and gold upcoming record. All three could have a lot of changes this offseason and could seem easier on paper if they do not handle player change well.
The black and gold will host New England with hopes of dishing out payback from last season
The Patriots will be returning to town this upcoming season to try and double down their win totals over the last couple of seasons. Pittsburgh has historically struggled against the Patriots over the last several decades, but that could change here. The Steelers seem to have changed their course since these two last met in 2022.
Green Bay could be a totally different team if Aaron Rodgers decides to retire this offseason
Will Aaron Rodgers retire or go somewhere else this offseason? That decision still needs to be made so either the Steelers will face a team pushing for contention or a rebuilding club. Either way, this game is winnable as the black and gold will not be playing a powerhouse division winner like they did the last time these two faced off.
Las Vegas will hope to destroy the Steelers sin city dreams as they play host
Santa showed up early for the Steelers on Christmas Eve and they were able to come back and beat the Las Vegas Raiders at home. It was a bittersweet game for many different reasons, but Pittsburgh will be jumping into Vegas this time around. Again, no one knows what the makeup of this Raiders team will look like next year, but it could be tough if Tom Brady joins them, or it could be a rebuilding club.
Steelers record prediction: 10-7
As of now, a lot of these teams on the upcoming 2023 schedule seem to be easier than last season. The Steelers should be able to show continued signs of improvement going forward, which will put them over the top of these games. Three wins in the division, coupled with a 7-4 record against the rest of the campaign should get the black and gold into the playoffs.
The Steelers could have a relatively easy schedule heading into 2023, but that is before the offseason has begun. Each one of these clubs could have many different players and coaches on their club that could make things easier or tougher for the black and gold.