So much went right for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, even if it didn't always feel like that was the case. They greatly benefited from their heated rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens, being victims of bad luck.
However, don't expect things to go so poorly for the Bengals and Ravens this time around, Steelers Nation.
Both Cincinnati and Baltimore have made meaningful personnel upgrades. Moreover, and perhaps more notably, both of their superstar quarterbacks, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, are fully healthy coming off injury-marred campaigns. The new circumstances complicate matters for Pittsburgh, as FanSided's Wynston Wilcox highlighted.
Wilcox tabbed the Steelers as one of five teams that made the playoffs last season who won't make the cut this upcoming campaign. He believes the "only way" the club plays past Week 18 is by defending their AFC North title, but is wary of Cincy and Baltimore.
"The Cincinnati Bengals will be better in 2026 and the Baltimore Ravens should be better as well," Wilcox wrote. "That will make it really difficult for Pittsburgh to win the division again."
Pittsburgh Steelers' playoff hopes (or lack thereof) could hinge on Bengals, Ravens
Pittsburgh going from reigning division champions to third place in the standings is plausible, if not likely, according to oddsmakers. Wilcox appears to share that sentiment, too, and frankly, it's hard to argue — mostly due to factors outside their control.
A Jackson-led Ravens squad is always going to boast one of the most dynamic, explosive, and efficient offenses in the NFL. Nevertheless, their revamped front seven and ball-hawking secondary give defensive-minded first-year head coach Jesse Minter an intriguing cast to work with. They're a legitimate Super Bowl LXI contender, as evidenced by a league-high expected win total (11.5).
Then, there are the Bengals. Burrow has already gone on the record to say this is "the most talented roster" he's been a part of. They completely overhauled their defense in the best way possible, headlined by the addition of two-time All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
For what it's worth, though, the Steelers have made some promising moves of their own this offseason. They replenished their wide receiver corps with veteran Michael Pittman Jr. and second-round rookie Germie Bernard, plus signed standout running back Rico Dowdle. A new voice will also lead them for the first time in nearly two decades; Pittsburgh native Mike McCarthy replaces longtime sideline general Mike Tomlin.
McCarthy has put together an interesting staff that may be able to maximize the Steelers and keep them competitive, including defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
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