Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 game-by-game schedule predictions: An “easier” start meets a brutal stretch that will define the season
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2026 schedule has been released. Here are game-by-game predictions.
The Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL schedule is here, and n0w its time to analyze the first season of what will be a new era of Steelers football. What better way to do that than by starting with game-by-game predictions? Let’s hop in.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 schedule facts
- Steelers will be playing in their first-ever Paris game.
- Steelers will be playing their first ever black Friday game.
- Steelers will close the 2026 season against the Ravens again.
Week 1: Steelers vs. Falcons (W)
The Steelers have done historically well against the Falcons and certainly against Kevin Stefanski at home. Give me the Steelers in only their third home opener in Week 1 since 2014.
Week 2: Steelers at Patriots (W)
I’m not sure anyone knows what the Patriots will look like this upcoming season with the current cloud hanging over their heads. I also believe there will be some natural regression to the mean after an overachieving 2025 campaign. Steelers start 2-0.
Week 3: Steelers vs. Bengals (W)
The Bengals have been notoriously slow starters during the Joe Burrow era and Pittsburgh’s older roster will still be fresh. I like Pittsburgh here.
Week 4: Steelers at Browns (TNF) (L)
I could really see this game going either way, and I know it’s the Browns, but if they are going to catch the Steelers, it will be in the Dawg Pound. Pittsburgh takes its first L of the year here.
Week 5: Colts at Steelers (W)
Michael Pittman Jr. has his first shot at “revenge” against the team that drafted him and while the Colts are hoping for a healthy Daniel Jones to start the season, I’m not so sure they will relive their red-hot 2025 start.
Week 6: Steelers at Buccaneers (L)
It will still be plenty hot and humid when the Steelers arrive in Tampa come October, and that, coupled with their explosive offense attack, may be too much for the Steelers to handle. Bucs get the win here.
Week 7: Steelers-Saints (Paris) (W)
The Steelers will be playing their second overseas game in as many years, and be apart of the inaugural game in Paris. The Saints are on their way up, but I expect Pittsburgh to take care of business.
Week 8: Steelers vs. Browns (W)
I know the Browns have a new HC and have “nailed” yet another draft, but let’s be honest here folks, the Browns are the Browns. The quarterback situation is a mess and it’s in Pittsburgh. Steelers win.
Week 9: Bye
Week 10: Steelers at Bengals (SNF) (L)
The Bengals at home have been a thorn in the sides of the Steelers for much of the Joe Burrow era, but you never know if he’s going to be healthy. That defense is still suspect so I expect a high-scoring game, but one that goes the Bengals’ way.
Week 11: Steelers at Eagles (L)
Playing the Eagles is never easy, but certainly not on the road and late in the season, I see the Steelers struggling to get the best of the Birds after a big Week 10 game.
Week 12: Steelers vs. Broncos (Black Friday) (L)
The lone holiday game on the Steelers’ schedule this year, it will be interesting to see how the roster is holding up by this point, alongside Bo Nix in Denver. The Broncos were in the AFC Championship last year. I see them taking this one
Week 13: Steelers vs. Texans (SNF) (L)
The Steelers’ season ended with a drumming against the Texans, and I have to be honest, I’m not sure much will change this go-round. Texans win
Week 14: Steelers at Jaguars (MNF) (W)
I know Monday Night Football was a game that Mike Tomlin dominated, but I think McCarthy can carry it over to the Steelers’ season this year. That extra day will be huge after back-to-back standalone games.
Week 15: Steelers vs. Ravens (L)
The Ravens had one of the weirder offseasons this year with the Maxx Crosby situation and other scenarios, but I imagine Lamar Jackson bounces back, and gives the Steelers trouble in the first of their two matchups.
Week 16: Steelers vs. Panthers (W)
The Panthers were a playoff team in 2025, and I think their arrow is pointing up, but I like the Steelers to take care of business after their midseason skid
Week 17: Steelers at Titans (W)
The Steelers will be heading to Nashville for the New Year, and I believe they will be heading home with a win. The Titans are still rebuilding, and Pittsburgh will need this one.
Week 18: Steelers at Ravens (W)
After ending the 2025 season with what would go down as an instant classic as the last battle between Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh, the Steelers will end the season against the Ravens yet again, and I believe it will be another great game that the Steelers end up winning in close fashion.
Final record prediction: 10-7
Yes, yet another year of 10-7 for the Steelers here in my opinion, though if healthy, I do like their chances in the playoffs more than years past.