Steelers schedule 2023: Game-by-game predictions for upcoming season
By Tommy Jaggi
Week 4: Steelers @ Texans, October 1st, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
Outside of a few promising years when Deshaun Watson was leading the charge, the Texans have pretty much been a bottom-dwelling franchise. They are hoping that turns around with the addition of quarterback C.J. Stroud. The Ohio State product was the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and I think he has the best blend of traits in this year's QB class in terms of size, accuracy, and pocket presence.
Landing on a team that lacks talent, Stroud could prove to struggle early, and T.J. Watt will be licking his chops with the chance to get after the rookie in the backfield. The Steelers are simply a more talented team than the Texans at this point in time. I expect Pittsburgh to leave Houston with a win before the afternoon is over.
Prediction: Win (3-1)
Week 5: Steelers vs Ravens, October 8th, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
The Pittsburgh Steelers split with the Ravens in 2022, but Baltimore was close to making it a clean sweep. The first time around, it was a battle of unspectacular backups as Tyler Huntley and Mitch Trubisky squared off. A three-interception game from Trubisky ultimately resulted in a 14-16 Ravens win. Their second matchup came in Week 17.
Though the Steelers had Kenny Pickett back, Lamar Jackson was again unable to suit up, and Pittsburgh ultimately went on to win a 16-13 contest. Obviously, a lot will be riding on the status of Baltimore's quarterback this time around. The Ravens have an outstanding record of 45-16 when Lamar is at the helm.
Meanwhile, the Steelers have wiped the slate clean at the linebacker position and signed a pair of aggressive players and former team captains in Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts to help fill running lanes. The Ravens may have taken a step back in the AFC North. We have Pittsburgh taking this one on their own turf during the early slate on Week 5.