As the Pittsburgh Steelers enjoy their bye week with a 3-1 record with hope on the horizon, don't get too excited. Those who root for this franchise know it's too early in the season to get your hopes up. In reality, this roster is set for a similar destiny that many teams under Mike Tomlin's leadership have experienced.
They started fast, which they needed to accomplish, but there is a bumpy road ahead.
If the Steelers want to address the pressing issue of playoff success, they must find ways to overcome adversity and win games against tough competition. Their season after the bye week starts to ramp up in terms of playoff-caliber competition they'll face. It will be up to their team, led by Tomlin, to find ways to succeed with an experienced roster to keep winning.
Pittsburgh Steelers post-bye week season prediction will only satisfy Mike Tomlin's plan
Week 6: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns
Tomlin's teams are notorious for falling for trap games, and that's exactly what they'll face in their first two games back from the bye week. The prediction has them winning a slugfest where both defenses put some points on the board. That being said, Tomlin holds a strong record after bye weeks, and he will face a rookie quarterback, which should give them the edge.
Week 7: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals
As mentioned, Pittsburgh must find two wins after the bye week, or things could get tougher during the final games of the season.
Cincinnati is without Joe Burrow, and the Steelers must take advantage against quarterback Jake Browning. The Bengals still have weapons on offense to score, but Pittsburgh has the better roster, and that should secure them a win.
READ MORE: These Steelers are blowing past expectations and nobody saw it coming
Week 8: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers finally gets his revenge game against the Green Bay Packers. Don't be shocked if Rodgers plays above what's expected against certain teams. He would love to force the Packers into a loss, but his efforts will not be enough. Green Bay has been held as Super Bowl favorites by many predictions, and they should start figuring out the early-season woes by this point.
Week 9: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Indianapolis Colts
Finishing this game with a 6-2 record, based on the predictions leading up to it, would be a promising setup for the Steelers. This won't be an easy battle like some might've thought heading into the season. The Colts are playing fantastic football while Pittsburgh sits in their bye week. That said, it’s difficult to imagine Indianapolis maintaining its success moving forward.
Week 10: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Los Angeles Chargers
A tough playoff-like atmosphere on the road will be a massive challenge for Pittsburgh to overcome. They defeated the Chargers last season, but they also didn't face them at full power. Los Angeles is enjoying a strong start to their campaign, plus Tomlin struggles on the West Coast.
Also, don't be shocked if Rodgers gets hurt at some point this season around this time.
Week 11: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals
The Steelers must defeat their "easier" opponents within the AFC North division, and these predictions suggest they will continue to do so. The Bengals are plagued by injuries and have revealed many weaknesses so far this season. Don't be shocked if Pittsburgh allows this contest to remain close, but they should find a way to victory one way or another.
Week 12: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Chicago Bears
It's a coin flip game for the Steelers, but they showed in Ireland that they can out-coach offensive-minded football teams. Chicago should start turning a corner at this point in the season, but Rodgers will do his best to keep his long-time rival in the losing category. Pittsburgh will do its best to get Rodgers one last win over the Bears, which the veteran will truly love.
Week 13: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills
If these predictions prove accurate, the Steelers will enter this game with hype and an 8-3 record. Many would hope for a playoff-like atmosphere, but Rodgers is likely to suffer an injury at some point, and that’s what happens here. Even if their starting quarterback doesn't get injured, this is where Tomlin's toxic effect could likely rear its ugly head on his football team.
Weel 14: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens
Although the Ravens are currently struggling with injuries, they will regain players at some point.
Mason Rudolph battles valiantly on the road in Baltimore, but it's not enough. Rodgers can't come back soon enough, and their fans will be worried it's a repeat of last season. After several unsuccessful attempts, the Ravens are beginning to figure out how to beat the Steelers.
Week 15: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Miami Dolphins
Every headline will focus on the Jalen Ramsey and Minkah Fitzpatrick trade, but it will be the game where Will Howard steps into the game. This might be a bold prediction, but expect the rookie to possibly get a chance to start a game if Rudolph waivers and Rodgers is out with an injury. Miami will be a total lost cause at this point, and it'll be close, but Pittsburgh needs to win this game.
Week 16: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Detroit Lions
Another playoff-caliber test for Tomlin's team, and they come up short once again. It's just too much for their team to overcome without Rodgers in the fold. The defense performs strongly, but the offense struggles. It's getting late in the season, and many are starting to recognize that Tomlin cannot win meaningful games like the Steelers used to.
Week 17: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns
Rodgers rushes himself back from injury to try and get his team back on track late in the season. He should be able to defeat the Browns once again in these predictions. Pittsburgh has the better team, and it appears Cleveland is on track to be out of contention by this point in the calendar. It's going to be a rock fight, but the Steelers find enough success on offense to emerge victorious.
Week 18: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens
An ugly game at home rounds out the season prediction for the Steelers. It's possible, with how the season is progressing, that Baltimore could be out of the playoff race, especially if their injury woes persist. They have talent, and it's going to be interesting to see if Tomlin can beat the Ravens this season. If he loses to them twice this year, it could be a disastrous trend to follow.
Steelers final 2025 record prediction following the bye week: 10-7
Expect more of the same from the Steelers after their bye week. They will have injury problems to overcome, especially in the middle to tail end of their season. Tomlin will keep his non-losing season streak alive and well. Their health heading into the playoffs will be vital in terms of them having a shot at winning their first playoff game since January of 2017.
A smart bettor would bet against them having postseason success.