Steelers make some noise in AFC North team-by-team 2023 season prediction

The Steelers enter this season with a lot of hope coming off a dominating preseason. Kenny Pickett is the X-factor here as the offense will only be able to grow if he takes a step forward in year two in the NFL. Their defense should also be able to help them win a lot of games if T.J. Watt can remain healthy for most of the season.

Not a great start to the schedule for Pittsburgh as they are predicted here at (3-2) at their early bye week. There are a couple of big matchups early on that could possess some matchup issues, the first in week one against the 49ers which the Steelers are predicted to lose. Once the bye week passes, things start to look up for the black and gold.

They win four of their next five after that and carry a record of (7-3) after their week 11 win over the Cleveland Browns. They have some tough games sprinkled into the early portion of their schedule, but they should be able to handle business for the most part. The rest of the schedule for the Steelers has a lot of winnable games for them.

If all their question marks become positive outcomes, then it is possible that the Steelers win the AFC North division and more games than the projected 11 here. Pickett needs to be the guy and someone the team can rely on going forward. If they can do that and have their defense cause turnovers, then Pittsburgh will be in the playoffs and potentially make some noise.