Whether you are a fan of the NFL schedule release or not, there's no doubt you want to know which team the Pittsburgh Steelers will be facing in Week 1. There's something about the season-opening matchup that gets us all amped up for another NFL season.
Last year, we looked forward to a daunting matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 -- a game in which the Steelers were ultimately blown out by their superior opponent. In 2022, this Week 1 matchup came against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. Pittsburgh emerged victorious in overtime in this contest.
This year, there are a handful of options for Pittsburgh's season-opener that could have fans energized and anxious for a new season. Here are the three most exciting potential matchups for the Steelers in Week 1 just ahead of the 2024 NFL schedule release.
Steelers vs. Cowboys
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys have the two best records in the league since the NFL merger, and both teams have won numerous Super Bowls since then. Though these teams aren't even in the same conference and play each other just once every four years, football fans of any team will tune in to watch this historic matchup.
The Cowboys and Steelers have both been rock-solid regular season teams who have failed to make waves in the playoffs in recent years. This would be a fun way to kick off Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season.
Steelers @ Eagles
The battle for bragging rights in Pennsylvania continues in 2024, and the Eagles got the last laugh. In 2022, Philadelphia destroyed Pittsburgh just before the Steelers' bye week in a 35-13 outing.
The Eagles still have a potential Super Bowl roster on paper, and there's no doubt they would be favored in this contest, but this would be an exciting way to open the season and test Pittsburgh's new-look offense for the first time. With individual matchups like T.J. Watt against Lane Johnson, Joeu Porter Jr. against A.J. Brown, and George Pickens potentially against rookie first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell, who could say no?
Steelers vs. Jets
Regardless of what you think of Aaron Rodgers, every football fan has been waiting for the longest time for him to play more than a few snaps for the New York Jets. Coming off an Achilles injury before he has time to get hot might be the best time to catch the legendary quarterback off guard.
The Jets have added enough talent to their roster to be a real contender if Rodgers returns to form. This could also mark the era, and it's possible that this could be the Steelers' last-ever game against one of the best quarterbacks to play the game. I'm all for this Week 1 matchup.