Steelers 2023 record prediction right after the flurry of free agency additions

NFC West provides some opportunities to add to the win column

One problem that Mike Tomlin has struggled to overcome is the putrid west coast trips. For one reason or another, Tomlin has not been able to find much success in terms of winning when the Steelers find themselves on the west coast battling teams. They will have matchups take place in Seattle and Los Angeles this upcoming season. Neither of those two games will be cakewalks because of it, despite the Rams shrinking into a dumpster fire last year.

Record against NFC West: 2-2

Finding a way to beat the Seahawks on the road is going to be a tough task to accomplish, even if Geno Smith reverts to backup level form. The matchup against the LA Rams seems more favorable between the two road games, but history does not help the Steelers in this instance. A split between these two teams seems like a fair assumption, but the Rams could be better than some might expect if they can get healthy on offense.

Both home games present their own challenges against the NFC West as the Cardinals and 49ers come to town. Arizona has some good pieces, but this is going to be a monumental year for Kyler Murray's future in the NFL. That seems like a winnable game for Pittsburgh as they play host. San Francisco is coming off an NFC Championship game loss. It is not out of the possibility that the Steelers could win, but the 49ers defense is too hard to overlook.