2 things to love, 2 things to hate about Steelers 2023 schedule

What I love: Steelers schedule is very manageable early

It's impossible to avoid difficult games altogether, and quite honestly, it wouldn't do the Pittsburgh Steelers any good to play a cupcake schedule only to get humiliated if they sneak into the playoffs. What I do love about their 2023 schedule, however, is that they should be in for a much better start than the one they had last season.

Early in 2022, we figured that the Steelers could have some growing pains. Mitch Trubisky was the quarterback, and Mike Tomlin eventually threw Pickett to the wolves at half-time of Week 4 against the Jets. After a three-game losing streak, Pittsburgh had daunting early-season matchups against the Bills and Eagles both before their Week 9 bye.

This put them in a 2-6 hole that was nearly impossible to crawl out of. Even with a 7-2 finish down the stretch, the Steelers fell just short of a playoff berth with their 9-8 record. If they want a chance to crack the tournament, they can't afford a dismal start like this.

Fortunately, the early-season schedule looks very manageable, as the Steelers will have games against teams like the Browns, Raiders, Texans, Rams, and Titans in the first half of the year. With a hot start, they could put themselves in good position for a playoff run.