Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers rode a promising 7-4 start heading into week 13’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. Things turned south when Pittsburgh lost to Arizona, which then turned into dropping games to the Patriots and Colts, respectively. It took a three-game win streak for a wild-card berth—the Steelers were trounced by the Buffalo Bills, 31-17.

Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith is now the Steelers’ new offensive coordinator. He was hired as he had a top-ten rushing offense with Atlanta while developing Bijan Robinson into a good running back and solidifying Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith into a lethal tight-end duo.

General Manager Omar Khan centered the offseason around “weeding out the problem guys.” Khan traded Kenny Pickett and Diontae Johnson because they were involved in drama affecting team chemistry. Mitchell Trubisky was released, and Kyle Allen joined the squad via free agency to take Trubisky’s place. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were brought in to add experience to a revamped quarterback room, while former Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen signed with Pittsburgh to strengthen the defense.

Pittsburgh chose Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu 20th overall, in addition to West Virginia’s Zach Frazier, to provide insurance to the offensive line. Michigan wideout Roman Wilson provides quality run blocking.

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Notable matches include the Colts Week 4, Cowboys the following week, a Week 7 primetime meeting with Aaron Rodger’s Jets, week 15’s trip to Philly for the Battle of Pennsylvania, a Christmas Day game against defending Super Bowl 58 champions Kansas City Chiefs and two annual matchups with their division rivals.

Wilson is QB1 this season, and coach Mike Tomlin expects his team to be competitive. That task is daunting, as the Steelers play in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. All in all, Pittsburgh has a defense that can keep them in games—the likes of TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cameron Heyward, and Alex Highsmith are defensive x-factors that are pivotal for leadership. 

George Pickens needs to improve his route running to give Wilson a reliable receiver to throw to and take the load off Najee Harris.

PITTSBURGH STEALERS SCHEDULE & TICKET DEALS

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 8, at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. (Fox)
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 15, at Denver Broncos, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 22, vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 29, at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 6, vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 13, at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:05 p.m. (CBS)
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 20, vs. New York Jets, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Week 8: Monday, Oct. 28, vs. New York Giants, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)
Week 9: Bye Week
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 10, at Washington Commanders, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 17, vs. Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Week 12: Thursday, Nov. 21, at Cleveland Browns, 8:15 p.m. (CBS)
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 1, at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 8, vs. Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 15, at Philadelphia Eagles, 4:25 p.m. (Fox)
Week 16: Saturday, Dec. 21, at Baltimore Ravens, 4:30 p.m. (Fox)
Week 17: Wednesday, Dec. 25, vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 1 p.m. (Netflix)
Week 18: Date/Time TBD, vs. Cincinnati Bengals (TBD)

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