Steelers post-bye week game-by-game predictions are a welcome sight

Having a bye week is like a breath of fresh air for Pittsburgh. It gives the city pause from the stresses of a Steelers season. Each week seems to bring new challenges to the hearts of fans who cheer on the black and gold. The bye week allows them to sit back and watch other NFL teams play their weekly matchups. Enjoy that relaxation now, Pittsburgh. The second half of the schedule isn't easy.

Unless things change throughout the Steeler's schedule, the second half of the campaign will be the toughest in football. They have all of their divisional games to worry about and face plenty of playoff-contending teams. It will not be an easy road to the playoffs from here on out. Expect many heart-stopping moments from the Steelers as they try and get into Super Bowl contending status.

Week 10: Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Commanders, 1:00 P.M. EST

Score prediction: Steelers 27-24

Jayden Daniels has been the best rookie quarterback in the NFL to this point in the season. He has been dealing with an injury, but he will be ready to go up against the Steelers. He has a strong arm and uses his legs when needed. Pittsburgh normally does well following a bye week under Mike Tomlin, plus he does well against rookie quarterbacks. It'll be a tough game, but the Steelers find a way to win.

Week 11: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers, 1:00 P.M. EST

Score prediction: Ravens 21-17

This game against the Ravens starts a brutal stretch for Pittsburgh. They have been terrific against Baltimore in recent history, but the Ravens are starting to put everything together at the moment. It could go either way, but the dam has to break at some point and the Ravens find a way to win a tight matchup. No panic yet, but a tough loss early in this record prediction piece.

READ MORE: Steelers mid-season awards: Handing out superlatives

Week 12: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns, 8:15 P.M. EST

Score prediction: Steelers 23-20

Going from a tough loss against an AFC North opponent to a short week to face the Browns on the road is no easy task. Cleveland showed a spark with Jameis Winston at quarterback, and he should keep them in games. Pittsburgh must find a way to win two out of their three games after returning from their bye week. It would put them in a great situation with tougher opponents down the stretch.

Week 13: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 P.M. EST

Score prediction: Bengals 31-24

Speaking of divisional games, they hit the road again to take on the Bengals in Cincinnati. The black and gold have struggled against Joe Burrow and the Bengals. As long as Burrow can stay healthy, he should be able to provide problems for the Steeler's defense. Factor in the road environment, and the Bengals could have a lot of things working in their favor. Safe to assume this one could be a loss.

Week 14: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers, 1:00 P.M. EST

Score prediction: Steelers 33-23

Facing the Browns in two weeks could either be fantastic or detrimental news for the Steelers. This prediction article works wonders. Pittsburgh can pad their lead in the AFC North division by beating the Browns for the second time this season. It was close in their first matchup, but with this one not on a short week, the black and gold get a nice win at home.

Week 15: Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles, 4:25 P.M. EST

Score prediction: Eagles 27-22

Playing in Philadelphia has never produced great results for the Steelers, especially in recent memory. The Eagles have had the number of Pittsburgh for a while now. Some of those games resulted in some massive beatdowns. It might be a close game at certain points but expect the Eagles to take control. A tough setback on the road after some big divisional games.

Week 16: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens, 4:30 P.M. EST

Score prediction: Steelers 19-16

We have reached the point in the calendar year where playoff contenders can shoot their expectations to new heights. They lost against the Ravens at home, so they need to find a way to return the favor. Pittsburgh's defense finds a way to stiffen up and hold Lamar Jackson down to numbers that keep him from winning. It is a tough defensive struggle, but the Steelers escape with a game-winning field goal.

Week 17: Kansas City Chiefs vs Pittsburgh Steelers, 1:00 P.M. EST

Score prediction: Steelers 23-20 (OT)

Despite the black and gold losing games they're not supposed to, it seems like every season produces a win that comes out of nowhere. Christmas has not been kind to the Chiefs in the past, and this game will be held in Pittsburgh. Things could certainly change between now and this contest, but Kansas City looks out of sync right now. The Steelers find a way to win.

Week 18: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers, TBD

Score prediction: Bengals 26-23

If the black and gold have this record prediction go to plan, then they could potentially rest some starters in this game. Justin Fields could be making the final start of the season at quarterback if this goes to plan. They should be able to keep this tight as Cincinnati has a lot of injuries already and could have more at this point in the season. Pittsburgh loses, but their backups put up a quality effort.

Steelers final record prediction: 11-6

Nothing is going to be given to the Steelers during their final nine games of the season. They will be going up against plenty of quality teams, even when some have poor records. Pittsburgh will have to overcome plenty of obstacles if they want to win the division and make some noise in the playoffs. The health of their team will always be the most impactful for the club going forward.