With the NFL officially releasing the 2026 schedule, the Pittsburgh Steelers now know exactly when they will face each of their opponents this season. Overall, the strength of schedule is not overwhelming, as it ranks around the middle of the league compared to other teams. That said, projections can shift quickly. Some teams may exceed expectations, while others could deal with major injuries and see their seasons unravel.
Making record predictions this early in the process should always be taken with a grain of salt.
The Steelers also do not officially have Aaron Rodgers back at this point, and the team will likely need to work through some growing pains with a new coaching staff in place. Fans can expect the offense to become more functional, but the defense and special teams may remain wildcards.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 record prediction
Week 1: Atlanta Falcons @ Pittsburgh Steelers: 1PM
Heading into Week 1, the Steelers will likely enter the game as favorites. Atlanta is still in a rebuilding phase, though early-season matchups can often be unpredictable. Pittsburgh has the stronger roster on paper and should be able to find a way to secure a win. Look for the defense to keep Michael Penix under pressure, while the offense does just enough to grind out a hard-fought victory.
Steelers record: 1-0
Week 2: Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots: 1PM
Facing the defending AFC champions early could work in the Steelers’ favor, much like last season when they defeated the Patriots on the road. In that matchup, Pittsburgh benefited from several turnovers caused by New England’s mistakes. While a similar outcome is possible, it is not something to rely on.
The Patriots may take a slight step back this year, but they should still be a strong team.
Steelers record: 1-1
Week 3: Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers: 1PM
With Joe Burrow expected to return at full health, the Bengals should be a difficult matchup for the Steelers this season. As long as Cincinnati’s star quarterback stays on the field, their offense has the potential to return to an elite level. This game could also serve as an early test for new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham as he looks to prove himself against a high-powered offense.
Steelers record: 1-2
Week 4: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns: 8:15PM (TNF)
Playing two AFC North matchups within a five-day span will be a difficult challenge for any team.
The Steelers should be a stronger roster than Cleveland this season, but that does not guarantee an easy win. On a short week, especially following a loss to the Bengals, expect Pittsburgh to battle through a close game. It will not come easily, but they should find a way to secure a narrow victory.
Steelers record: 2-2
Week 5: Indianapolis Colts @ Pittsburgh Steelers: 1PM
After a demanding five-day stretch of AFC North matchups, Pittsburgh will benefit from a mini bye following a Thursday night game. That extra time off should allow the team to recover and prepare for the Colts. Daniel Jones showed some promise early last season before struggling against the Steelers. It would not be surprising if Indianapolis ends up among the weaker teams in the league.
Steelers record: 3-2
Week 6: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 1PM
Playing in Florida’s humid conditions could leave some players on the Steelers’ sideline worn down. The Buccaneers remain a solid team despite a challenging 2025 season, and they are capable of bouncing back to contend for their division. With the heat and humidity in play, this matchup could present a difficult test for Pittsburgh as they try to come away with a win.
Steelers record: 3-3
Week 7: Pittsburgh Steelers @ New Orleans Saints (Paris): 9:30AM
Traveling overseas to face New Orleans in Paris could introduce unique challenges for both teams. The long trip to France adds another layer of unpredictability, making the outcome difficult to project. Rodgers has proven he can handle international games, and that experience should help.
The Steelers will likely embrace the opportunity, but this is unlikely to be as controlled or comfortable as last season’s performance abroad.
Steelers record: 4-3
Week 8: Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers: 1PM
At some point during the season, it is reasonable to expect that Rodgers could deal with an injury. If that happens, the Steelers will have to turn to Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, or Drew Allar. In that scenario, the hope would be that either Allar or Howard can step in and show real promise as a starter. Without Rodgers under center, it is possible that the Browns could play spoiler.
Steelers record: 4-4
Week 9: Bye Week
Heading into the bye week with an even record would not be an ideal outcome for the Steelers. After their break, they are set to face the toughest six-game stretch on their schedule. Entering that span without a strong record could lead to major issues if the team is not careful. If this prediction holds true, there is a legitimate chance the Steelers could experience their first losing season in decades.
Steelers record: 4-4
Week 10: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals: 8:20PM (SNF)
Mike Tomlin had a strong record following bye weeks, and the hope is that Mike McCarthy can carry on that success with a veteran roster.
If Rodgers is still out of the lineup at this point, this matchup could become more challenging. On the other hand, Joe Burrow’s durability has been inconsistent, and he could also be unavailable. In what could turn into a physical, hard-fought battle, Pittsburgh finds a way to come away with the win.
Steelers record: 5-4
Week 11: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Philadelphia Eagles: 4:25PM
The last time the Steelers earned a road victory against the Eagles came in 1965, more than six decades ago, and that difficult streak does not appear likely to end this season. Despite some internal questions surrounding Philadelphia this offseason, they are still expected to contend for a Super Bowl. If Rodgers remains out of the lineup, it would be a major challenge for a young QB.
Steelers record: 5-5
Week 12: Denver Broncos @ Pittsburgh Steelers: 3PM
This is a brutal stretch of the schedule, and a short week against the Denver Broncos only adds to the challenge. If Rodgers remains out of the lineup for an extended period, the Steelers will be tested against one of the more respected teams in the AFC. Denver presents a difficult matchup, but given the quick turnaround, it would not be surprising to see Pittsburgh keep the game close.
Steelers record: 5-6
Week 13: Houston Texans @ Pittsburgh Steelers: 8:20PM (SNF)
Mike Tomlin will return to Pittsburgh as part of the NBC broadcast team, adding an interesting storyline to this matchup.
This could also be the point where Rodgers makes his return to the lineup. Houston features a strong defense that improved even further this offseason, which could make scoring difficult. Do not be surprised if this turns into a low-scoring game that slips away from the Steelers late, potentially echoing their recent Wildcard playoff loss with Tomlin present.
Steelers record: 5-7
Week 14: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Jacksonville Jaguars: 8:15PM (MNF)
After a challenging stretch in which they went 1-3 following the bye week, the Steelers should have an opportunity to get back on track with a trip to Jacksonville. The Jaguars had a questionable offseason and could take a step back this year. Unless Trevor Lawrence reaches his full potential, Jacksonville may struggle throughout the season. Pittsburgh gets a big win under the lights.
Steelers record: 6-7
Week 15: Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers: 1PM
A lot of this outcome will depend on how healthy each team is entering the matchup. More often than not, these games come down to the final moments. Pittsburgh may have the more experienced coach, but Baltimore holds the advantage at quarterback. This will likely be another physical, hard-fought battle between the two rivals, but with the Steelers at home, they get the slight edge.
Steelers record: 7-7
Week 16: Carolina Panthers @ Pittsburgh Steelers: TBD
It is somewhat unusual that the time for this game was not announced during the schedule release, which suggests the NFL may have something planned. The Steelers should be clear favorites in this matchup, especially after Carolina drew attention for disrespecting the Terrible Towel in their release video. That has a way of motivating Pittsburgh, and it would not be surprising to see them respond.
The Steelers should be in a strong position to secure a convincing win.
Steelers record: 8-7
Week 17: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tennessee Titans: 1PM
After falling to a 5 and 7 record, the Steelers respond by putting together a four game winning streak, capped by a strong performance against the Titans. While Tennessee made some solid changes this offseason, the team is still firmly in the middle of a rebuild. Unless Cam Ward takes a significant step forward in his second season, Pittsburgh should be favored to win this matchup.
Steelers record: 9-7
Week 18: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens: TBD
Just as the NFL would hope, the division could come down to a winner take all, playoff like showdown in Baltimore.
In that scenario, the matchup would likely be featured on Sunday Night Football, similar to what happened during the 2025 season. The Steelers benefited from a missed field goal by the Ravens to secure the AFC North crown last year, and it is unlikely they will be as fortunate two seasons in a row.
Steelers final 2026 record: 9-8
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