Steelers schedule 2023: Game-by-game predictions for upcoming season
By Tommy Jaggi
Week 9: Steelers vs Titans, November 2nd, 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
Though the Titans have had more overall success (and playoff success) than Pittsburgh in recent years, the Steelers have actually owned Tennessee in their head-to-head matchups. Since 2009, Mike Tomlin is 7-2 when matched up against the Titans.
In a more recent and meaningful sample, Pittsburgh is 4-0 in their last four games -- including wins over Tennessee in 2020 and 2021. Obviously, this doesn't mean that this run will continue, but it does seem like the Steelers match up well against teams that struggle to move the ball through the air.
Containing the running game will always be priority number one in a matchup like this, but Terly Austin's defense can do so, the Steelers will stand a great shot at emerging victorious. The Titans are coming off a 7-10 season, while the Steelers finished the year on a high note and showed some promise offensively down the stretch. Tennessee's defense allowed just 21.1 points per game last season, so I do think this game will be close, but I think the Steelers edge this one out in the edge on their way to another victory over the Titans.
Let's make that five straight against this AFC South opponent. This will be Pittsburgh's third primetime game of the season and their first of two Thursday Night Football matchups.
Prediction: Win (6-2)
Week 10: Steelers vs Packers, November 12th, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
Don't think that just because Aaron Rodgers is no longer on the Green Bay Packers that this is going to be a cakewalk for Pittsburgh. Though Jordan Love has significantly less NFL experience than Kenny Pickett (just one start since 2021), the former first-round pick was selected high because of his traits and he's out to prove that the stage isn't too big for him.
While he only threw 21 passes last season, Love managed an impressive 9.3 yards per attempt and had a 112.2 passer rating in Rodgers' absence. While Green Bay's offense still has a lot of work to do, the Steelers are going to be squaring up against a talented defense. Pickett may have trouble moving the ball through the air against cornerbacks like Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas.
No matter where this game is played, this uncommon opponent just always seems to be a tough contest for the Steelers. I think Pittsburgh will do enough to keep this game close, but the strong two-headed monster of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon will wear down Pittsburgh's defense. I have the Packers winning a close contest in Week 10.