Steelers Game-by-game and final record predictions heading into Week 1

Week 1 of the NFL regular season is here. The Pittsburgh Steelers will open their schedule on the road to take on the Atlanta Falcons. It is always an exciting time of year for football fans, as the world seems to be returning to normalcy. It provides hope for all, mixed with a gut full of nerves as they root for their favorite teams.

The jury is still topsy turvy by many who have predicted what the Steeler's final record this season will look like. Some have them tanking, while others have them producing around the same record they have had the past couple of years. With their tough schedule, they will face challenges throughout. Nothing will be easy, but Pittsburgh has a chance to be a competitive team.

Steelers schedule: Game-by-game predictions for 2024

Week 1: Steelers @ Falcons

Prediction: Loss, 26-21
Record: 0-1

Russell Wilson finished strong in his final preseason game with the Steelers, but there could be some rust that he needs to shake off. Many are discounting the Falcon's chances in this game. They now have Kirk Cousins to help balance their strong rushing attack. This one will come down to the wire, but Atlanta pulls off a late-game touchdown to hand Pittsburgh their first loss.

Week 2: Steelers @ Broncos

Prediction: Win, 22-17
Record: 1-1

It's a tough environment for the Steelers, but at least it won't be chilly in Denver. This is the Wilson redemption game and that should lead to extra motivation. Bo Nix is the outlier here as the rookie could affect the outcome of the game if he starts his season on a hot streak. Expect Wilson to play a smart and safe game, and for the defense to create issues for Nix.

Week 3: Steelers vs. Chargers

Prediction: Win, 24-23
Record: 2-1

Jim Harbaugh is back in the NFL, but there are plenty of holes on his roster. Justin Herbert could create problems on his own, but their deficiencies should create a winning performance for Pittsburgh. Add in the fact that this game is at home, and things are leaning in the Steeler's direction. Unless Herbert drags the Chargers to victory, this should be a win for the black and gold.

Week 4: Steelers @ Colts

Prediction: Win, 19-13
Record: 3-1

Three wins in a row here as the Steelers bounce back and beat the Colts this time around. Normally Mike Tomlin has Indianapolis' number, but he got beat by them last season. Anthony Richardson has explosive traits, but he remains inexperienced. Pittsburgh should be able to go on the road and beat the Colts with the offense doing just enough to squeak out a victory.

Week 5: Steelers vs. Cowboys

Prediction: Loss, 29-17
Record: 3-2

This is why the Steelers need to start their schedule off strong because it doesn't get any easier. Dallas has a bunch of issues with contract question marks, but they will be a talented team. They should be able to push for their division title once again. Circle this game on the schedule as a potentially ugly outcome for the Steelers.

Week 6: Steelers @ Raiders

Prediction: Win, 28-16
Record: 4-2

One of the worst teams predicted out of this season is none other than the Las Vegas Raiders. They don't have too much talent on offense in general, especially at the quarterback position. Their defense has holes after you look past the front seven. The Steelers should be able to go on the road and beat the Raiders somewhat similar to last season, but they pull away late.

Week 7: Steelers vs. Jets

Prediction: Loss, 30-26
Record: 4-3

Predicting a shootout here between two old-school franchise quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers and Wilson. This could be the big test for the Steeler's defense, but Rodgers should be able to lead the uber-talented Jets down the field. Pittsburgh's offense will put up a valiant effort, but it won't be enough to secure a victory at home.

Week 8: Steelers vs. Giants

Prediction: Win, 25-20
Record: 5-3

Much like the Raider's explanation, the Giants have plenty of issues on their roster. They should be one of the worst teams in the NFL. Despite their poor team, this seems like a perfect trap game for the Steelers. Not predicting Pittsburgh to lose this game, but it will be much closer than experts believe will happen. Expect the offense to get stagnant late and the defense to hang onto this victory.

Week 9: BYE

Week 10: Steelers @ Commanders

Prediction: Win, 29-21
Record: 6-3

Washington should be able to show some promise throughout the year with new rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Even though Daniels should be able to keep them in games, they will probably lose a lot. Expect the Steelers to go on the road and take over Washington's stadium. Wilson and company provide a quality performance on offense while Daniels causes some headaches to the defense.

Week 11: Steelers vs. Ravens

Prediction: Win, 20-17
Record: 7-3

Here is where the brutal stretch for the Steelers begins on their schedule. It won't be easy, so that is why they need to win as many games before their bye week as possible. For one reason or another, the Steelers have had the Ravens number these past handful of years. Since this is a home game, expect the black and gold to get out of the stadium with a massive win.

Week 12: Steelers @ Browns

Prediction: Win, 21-13
Record: 8-3

A four-game win streak here with another big victory over another AFC North opponent. Getting a divisional win on the road only makes things sweeter. The Browns have a strong roster but the big question mark surrounding their starting quarterback remains. That is a big question mark to look past. Both defenses play strong, but Pittsburgh has an extra turnover that helps the offense cash in.

Week 13: Steelers @ Bengals

Prediction: Loss, 31-23
Record: 8-4

A tough loss here that brings the Steelers fanbase back to reality. Cincinnati should be able to have a strong season as long as Joe Burrow stays healthy. This one could make the defense look bad as Burrow and company have done it before. The final score will look closer than it was. The Steelers get embarrassed on the road.

Week 14: Steelers vs. Browns

Prediction: Win, 29-24
Record: 9-4

This is a brutal stretch of schedule for the Steelers, but they find a way to win another AFC North game at home. Both teams will likely be battered by the time this game rolls around, so it could come down to which defense makes a play. Wilson remains composed and reliable in the mental game and keeps dunking this offense forward.

Week 15: Steelers @ Eagles

Prediction: Loss, 26-16
Record: 9-5

Coming off a tough month, the Steelers could be struggling with players available to play. The Eagles are expected to be one of the best teams in the NFC, barring injury. It might be a bad day at the office for the visiting team in this one. Unless Philadelphia is battered with injuries, expect the Steelers to lose in almost every facet of this contest.

Week 16: Steelers @ Ravens

Prediction: Loss, 21-20
Record: 9-6

Back-to-back losses here as Pittsburgh will struggle to keep their streak against Baltimore alive late in this tough schedule. They will make it a valiant effort, but the Ravens do enough to win a tough and physical battle at home. The Steelers are in a good spot to make the playoffs still, but they will have a tough battle ahead.

Week 17: Steelers vs. Chiefs

Prediction: Loss, 35-24
Record: 9-7

Not such a merry Christmas after all in Pittsburgh as the Chiefs are expected to win another Super Bowl heading into the season. There seems like little to no chance that the Steelers find a way to win this game unless Patrick Mahomes is out with an injury. Wilson leads the team down the field for a late-game touchdown, but that's just to pad the stats.

Week 18: Steelers vs. Bengals

Prediction Win, 27-21
Record: 10-7

Many predict that Cincinnati will challenge for the AFC North crown this season. If they have a playoff spot locked in, then this could be an easy game for the Steelers. They need a win here to capture a playoff spot, and they could be going up against a bunch of backups. Pittsburgh wins this one rather comfortably, even though the end score might make it seem closer than it was.