The Pittsburgh Steelers are a franchise in transition, thanks to the retirement of longtime starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

As of early March, it looks like Mason Rudolph will be Pittsburgh's starting quarterback in 2022, though that could certainly change at some point this offseason (either via trade or free agency).

For that reason, it's likely that we only see the Steelers in one or two primetime games in 2022. And we may not see them at all on Sunday Night Football.

There are a few games, however, that could make good Sunday Night Football options for NBC.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals

This is already a big rivalry, but it should be even more intense with the Bengals coming off a Super Bowl appearance. Combine that with the sudden popularity of Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow and this should be a great matchup. Cincinnati hasn't hosted many Sunday Night Football games, so I think NBC would go with the matchup of these two teams in Ohio.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens

Another intense AFC North rivalry that's always an option to be a primetime NFL game. Either location would work for this game — it just depends on what else is on the schedule. This feels like a classic Sunday Night matchup where it doesn't matter who is at quarterback, it's going to be intense regardless.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots

This matchup doesn't have quite the luster that it did during the Tom Brady/Ben Roethlisberger days, but it's still an intriguing matchup — especially with the emergence of Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. Plus it's still Bill Belichick on the opposing sideline.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This one only makes it to primetime if Tom Brady unretires and returns to Tampa Bay. Otherwise, this one will be relegated to a regional broadcast on CBS or FOX. But if Brady is back, then his last visit to the Steel City could be a candidate for at least a Thursday Night Broadcast.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are suddenly one of the hottest teams in the NFL. That has a lot to do with quarterback Josh Allen. I think we'll see plenty of the Bills in primetime in 2022. This game might be better suited for Monday night on ESPN, but it's an interesting matchup nonetheless.

Featured image via Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports