Free agency is starting to settle down across the NFL with plenty of moves likely to be focused on the draft from now on. That is not to say that there will be little action to happen in the free agency pool, but the waters will be much more still than just a couple of weeks ago. The Steelers have done a lot to improve their team over the past several weeks, and they will likely keep their eyes peeled on multiple fronts.
Omar Khan announced recently that the club will keep their options open on the free agency front. He claimed to still be active and looking to improve the club by signing some more players to the team in the future. The draft still needs to happen, but there are some things to like about this roster heading into the 2023 campaign.
Steelers will finish strong in AFC North standings
The Steelers were not great in the AFC North division games last season, and that will likely stay the same this year. Lamar Jackson's future could really shake up the entire division moving forward, but it will be no easy division to conquest this year. Pittsburgh finished with an even record in the competition last year against their tough division and that is likely how it will go this year as well.
Record against AFC North: 3-3
No matter what quality of team the black and gold face in the AFC North, they will not roll over and die. It will always be a battle and the Cincinnati Bengals will be good as long as Joe Burrow is at the helm. Pittsburgh seemingly will line up as the second best team in the division if Jackson leaves Baltimore, but that does not mean they will walk through the division games either.
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.
Going up against the terrible AFC South should be beneficial to the Steelers
One of the worst divisions in football next season will likely be the AFC South. The Steelers should be able to take care of business against these four clubs for the most part. Tennessee used to be a playoff contender, but they seem to be in a rebuild right now.
Houston has been rebuilding for years now, and it seems like they could start righting the ship if they draft the right quarterback in April. They still have a way to go before being crowned the next dynasty. The Colts are a complete disaster right now, but they could have some new found hope if they can somehow figure out the quarterback position before the season starts. Jacksonville seems to be the favorite to win their division in 2023.
Record against AFC South:3-1
Overall, Pittsburgh should be able to handle business against the Titans, Colts, and Texans. The Jaguars normally give the black and gold fits for one reason or another. One loss seems more likely than not, but the Steelers should be able to find at least three wins against the AFC South. There is a real possibility that Pittsburgh could go undefeated against these clubs, but accounting for a loss leaves a margin for error. That now leaves a record total of 8-6 overall as the season pushes further.
Remaining opponents should not pose a giant problem to overcome
Two out of the remaining three contests will be at Acrisure stadium. That will help stop some of the concerns that the opposition will pose to the black and gold on game day. Both contests against the Packers and Patriots will be a home atmosphere for the Steelers. A weekend to the sin city to take on the Las Vegas Raiders will also happen at some point this season.
Record against the rest: 2-1
Here is another chunk of games that could be an undefeated stretch for Pittsburgh as neither club will be great this season. If Aaron Rodgers is traded out of Green Bay, the Packers are going to struggle in 2023. That is also assuming that Jordan Love does not take a step forward like many of their faithful have been waiting for. The black and gold should be able to take care of the cheese heads at home.
Going against the Patriots will lead to another highly contested game like last year. The outcome of that game will depend on how Kenny Pickett develops from year one to year two. The Raiders are no powerhouse team as they are making major changes this offseason. They have some good pieces on both sides of the ball, but their roster can be taken advantage of in some instances.
Steelers final record prediction for 2023: 10-7
There are plenty of opportunities where this outcome could be a lot worse or a lot better. As with any year, the different circumstances that occur throughout the season will create different outcomes for the Steelers and their opponents. Assuming that there are no crazy injuries in the direction of Pittsburgh, one should assume that they should be in contention for a playoff spot this season.
For the most part, the Steelers schedule is relatively easy when you look at it on paper. They have more home games than they do on the road. Even when they are on the road, they do not have to travel as far as others in the NFL. An easy schedule plus the potential of Pickett advancing in his progress as a player could lead to great things ahead.
Concluding the schedule with a 10-7 record should be able to catapult the black and gold back into the playoffs. Injuries would change a lot of things, and so will the remainder of the offseason. This roster is not fully constructed so there is a chance that it just improves from here. The draft is going to be a pivotal part of making Pittsburgh a better team, but overall, the season ahead should be a successful one.