Steelers schedule 2023: Game-by-game predictions for upcoming season
By Tommy Jaggi
Week 2: Steelers vs Browns, September 18th, 8:15 p.m. ET (ABC)
Going into the season, I don't think a lot of fans would have predicted that the Steelers would have lost to the Browns by two scores with Jacoby Brissett as Cleveland's quarterback and later beat the Browns by two scores when Deshaun Watson came back. However, that's the way it went for Pittsburgh in 2022.
This no doubt had a lot to do with Mitch Trubisky at quarterback and the fact that T.J. Watt was on IR with a pectoral injury. This time around, the Steelers should have a bigger advantage. Of course, Watson will also have much more time to build chemistry with his new team. Still, the Steelers always seem to play Clevland pretty well on their home turf.
While stopping Nick Chubb and a talented rushing offense could still prove to be an issue, Pittsburgh's additions in the front seven this offseason should help. Additionally, the Browns may not have the manpower on defense to contain Pittsburgh's rushing game after they beefed up their offensive line in a big way this year. Most are still projecting the Browns to be a better team than the Steelers in 2023 because of their quarterback, but I have Pittsburgh claiming a home victory in this contest against their division rival.
Prediction: Win (1-1)
Week 3: Steelers @ Raiders, September 24th, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
The Steelers vs Raiders game proved to be quite the thrilling finish on Christmas Eve last year, as Kenny Pickett marched his team down the field in the bitter cold for the game-winning drive. Las Vegas had a lot of roster turnover this year, and it will be Jimmy Garoppolo at the helm in 2023 with Derek Carr now on the Saints.
Rookie pass rusher, Tyree Wilson, and TE Michael Mayer could get involved in this contest, but their additions don't outweigh what Omar Khan and the Steelers were able to do this offseason. These two teams will get another shot to square off against each other under the lights of Sunday Night Football.
Though the Steelers have a shaky history when playing the Raiders on the road, I think that the talent discrepancy ultimately wins out here. I have Pittsburgh claiming a road win.