Steelers schedule 2023: Game-by-game predictions for upcoming season

Week 17: Steelers @ Seahawks, December 31st, 4:05 p.m. ET (FOX)

The Seattle Seahawks were one of the big surprise teams from the 2022 season. I don't think anyone saw them playing as well as they did. Somehow, they improved going from Russell Wilson to Geno Smith and they were able to load up on draft capital in the process.

After a 2022 draft class that gave them a big boost with a pair of promising offensive tackles as well as a freaky cornerback in Tariq Woolen, Seattle loaded up by selecting CB Devon Witherspoon and WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba early in the draft this year. The Seahawks will have a strong chance to compete for a playoff spot in the NFC this year, and they won't be able to afford Pittsburgh stealing a win.

This is a west-coast game for Mike Tomlin and company. They need to come out swinging after the jet lag, but I have the Seahawks taking care of business in a stadium that's just not easy to play in.

Prediction: Loss (9-7)

Week 18: Steelers @ Ravens (Date and Time TBD)

It's remarkable that neither the Steelers nor Ravens has scored more than 16 points in a game against each other over their past three contests. At the same time, this is what we have come to expect from these heated divisional opponents.

When Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh go toe-to-toe, you can typically expect there to be a slugfest. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh split with Baltimore last year when they didn't even have to face Lamar Jackson. Not only will Jackson be back, but he's coming with the help this time around, as new weapons Odell Beckham Jr. and rookie WR Zay Flowers will be at his disposal.

This promises to be another tightly contested battle, but I have the Ravens edging out the Steelers in a low-scoring game. Pittsburgh loses this one on the road to top off their late-season losing streak.

Prediction: Loss (9-8)