The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 schedule has been unveiled, and the question on every fan's mind is: How many games will they win? Beat writer Mark Kaboly, in his weekly appearance on 93.7 The Fan's PM Team, predicts an 11-6 record for the Steelers, their best since the 2020 season. This would secure a playoff spot, but will it be enough for an AFC North title repeat? Kaboly's predictions offer some intriguing insights, but they also highlight potential pitfalls for the Steelers.
One of the most notable aspects of the schedule is the early season clash with the Cleveland Browns. Kaboly predicts a sweep for the Steelers, which could set the tone for the rest of the season. However, the two games against the Cincinnati Bengals are less certain. He predicts a split, with the Steelers winning at home in Week 3 but losing in Week 10 on Sunday Night Football. This leaves the two matchups against the Baltimore Ravens, which could be the deciding factor in the AFC North title race.
Kaboly predicts a sweep for the Ravens, which would be a significant blow to Steelers fans' hopes of a repeat title. However, with a 3-1 record in division games, the Steelers would still have a strong case for the playoffs. New head coach Mike McCarthy will need to find a way to make some noise in the playoffs, even if the AFC North title slips away.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for a late-season division title race, which could be decided by the final game of the regular season. This raises a deeper question: How important is it for the Steelers to win the AFC North title, or is a playoff spot more valuable? From my perspective, the Steelers should aim for a strong finish, but they should also be realistic about their chances. A 11-6 record is respectable, but it may not be enough to secure the division title.
One thing that immediately stands out is the early season clash with the Browns, which could set the tone for the rest of the season. This raises a question: How will the Steelers respond to the pressure of being favored in the early games? What many people don't realize is that the Steelers have a history of struggling against the Browns, and this could be a potential pitfall for the team. If you take a step back and think about it, the Steelers will need to find a way to overcome this early season challenge if they want to have a successful season.
In my opinion, the Steelers have a strong schedule, but they also have the talent and coaching to succeed. However, they will need to find a way to overcome some early season challenges and stay consistent throughout the season. The AFC North title may be out of reach, but a strong finish and a playoff spot are still within reach. The Steelers will need to find a way to make some noise in the playoffs, and that starts with a strong finish to the regular season.
