Steelers final record predictions: Still Curtain panel optimistic during the bye

Many experts said that the Steelers would have to start their schedule strong if they wanted a shot at making the playoffs. Even though Pittsburgh had a few slip-ups during their first eight weeks of competition, they sit at the top of the AFC North standings going into their bye week. They accomplished what they set out to do at this point in their schedule.

One of the big reasons why many felt they needed to start hot is their schedule after they return from the bye week. Games following their time off will not be kind to the Steelers. They have a couple of short weeks to make their time in between games difficult. They will also play their division opponents and different playoff-contending teams to round out their final nine weeks of play.

The black and gold have positioned themselves nicely at this current moment in time, but that does not mean things will be a cakewalk from here. Predictions have changed for the Steelers since the beginning of the season. They are not flying under the radar like they were just a few weeks ago. Expect a tough conclusion to the regular season for Pittsburgh with many close games.

Still Curtain Expert panel predictions are positive for Steelers

"The Steelers managed to give themselves quite a cushion with a 6-2 start, but their schedule after the bye is daunting. They infamously have all six divisional matchups as well as tough games against the Commanders, Chiefs, and Eagles. I think they win just one of those non-division games and manage a 4-2 record in the division. That is enough to get them to 11-6 and likely the 5-seed in the AFC playoffs." - Shayne Kubas (Steelers final record: 11-6)

"The Steelers' 6-2 start to the season is as good as anyone could have anticipated -- especially considering this success came at the hands of two different starting quarterbacks. While Pittsburgh's schedule does get tougher after the bye, teams like the Browns and Bengals don't look as daunting as they once did. Meanwhile, the Steelers will be getting back pivotal pieces like Zach Frazier and Nick Herbig. I don't expect Mike Tomlin's team to have as impressive of a record in the second half of the season, but it will be enough to cash their ticket into the playoffs." - Tommy Jaggi (Steelers final record: 11-6)

"The Steelers enter the bye week atop the AFC North Division. How long that reign lasts is anyone’s guess. The last nine games of the 2024 season will be defining moments for the Steelers. Unfortunately, the definition may prove to be anything but straightforward. The Steelers will have a losing record the rest of the way thanks to inconsistent play form the offense and uncharacteristic lapses on the defensive side of the house." - Eric C Hassel (Steelers final record: 9-8)

"This team has the capability to win every remaining game, but we all know that won't happen. I believe Pittsburgh will finish the season with losses to Kansas City, Philadelphia, and split with the Bengals and Ravens. This team and offense should be able sweep the Browns and beat the Commanders to get to 11 wins on the year and a 4-2 final division record." - Brandon Kring (Steelers final record: 11-6)

Final record prediction has Steelers winning plenty of games

Steelers final record: 11-6

Kicking off their schedule when they return will be up against the Commanders, Ravens, and Browns. Two of those three matchups will take place on the road for Pittsburgh. The Steelers need to find ways to get ahead of their division early when they return to action. If they can at least win two of those three games, especially against the Ravens and Browns, then they could secure the division early.

The next three weeks of competition get much tougher with two of the three being held away from Pittsburgh. They will go up against the Bengals, Browns, and Eagles. Two divisional games and one against a tough playoff contender with the Eagles. It will be tough, but the Steelers would be best if they at least found a way to beat the Browns for a second time in only two weeks.

The final three weeks of the schedule might be the toughest yet for the Steelers as they take on the Chiefs on Christmas, but they follow that by facing the Ravens and Bengals. It is hard to envision the black and gold beating Kansas City, but stranger miracles have happened. They should be able to compete with Baltimore and the Bengals during the last couple of weeks. Those two games could decide the division.

There are no easy games for Pittsburgh following their bye week. They did what they needed to do in the first half, which was to win most of the games they were supposed to. They now need to turn around and show they are a quality team. The Steelers are going to face plenty of challenges during their final nine games, but they should be able to finish with a quality record and a playoff spot.