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

What I hate: Steelers have an early Week 6 bye

One of my least favorite things about the Pittsburgh Steelers schedule is their early Week 6 bye. In a 17-game NFL season, having a bye week this early should be outlawed. Though the bye couldn't seem to come fast enough for a struggling Steelers team in 2022, I wish the bye was much later this year.

I like that Mike Tomlin's team has a manageable slate early, but the problem could come down to how healthy and fresh their players are if they indeed are able to make the playoffs. Because of their early bye, the Steelers will have to play 12 straight games without a break.

Assuming they make the playoffs as a Wild Card team and not division-winners, they wouldn't see a break to recover their strength and rest until the Super Bowl (if they were to somehow make it that far).

If the injury bug strikes in the second half of the season, the Steelers could be limping into the playoff hunt. Because there is no break to rest up and recover over this brutal stretch, they are going to have luck on their side when it comes to their players' health this year.