National media outlets are already making the same mistake as last year when projecting the Steelers' outlook for 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers, for all their flaws (especially in the postseason) are a model of stability in the NFL. Most teams would die for yearly relevance, playoff appearances, and 10-7 records, even if that's not the standard that the Steelers are held to. So despite being in a stage of question, betting on them to […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers, for all their flaws (especially in the postseason) are a model of stability in the NFL.
Most teams would die for yearly relevance, playoff appearances, and 10-7 records, even if that's not the standard that the Steelers are held to.
So despite being in a stage of question, betting on them to not have a winning season or miss the playoffs doesn't seem smart. But that's exactly what PFF just did…
PFF gives Steelers low chance of making the Playoffs in 2025
The Steelers took advantage of a relatively easy schedule in the first half of the 2024 season but struggled down the stretch, losing their final five games against tougher competition. Their top priority this offseason should be finding a long-term solution at quarterback, though none of the potential options appear particularly promising for the future.
Defensive issues also plagued Pittsburgh, particularly in the secondary. Of the nine defensive backs who played more than 100 snaps, only one earned a PFF overall grade above 70.0.
To make matters more difficult, the Steelers play in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions, competing with the Ravens, Bengals and Browns for a postseason spot.
Zoltán Buday, PFF
There is both truth and criticism to be had of the analysis. While the Steelers did struggle and lose five in a row, three of them came in a 10 day span against the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs.
And during their "easy stretch," they beat the Ravens, the Washington Commanders, and the Cincinnati Bengals to name a few.
But what really broke the team was Buday's point on the defense.
Throw out the PFF grades if you wish, but it didn't take analyst to watch the end of the season and see obvious miscommunication issues all over the back seven of the defense, leading to gaping holes in the secondary.
But betting on them to miss the playoffs or giving them a "low" set of odds to do so, doesn't seem smart given we have seen the team make it to the postseason back-to-back seasons while starting five different QBs.
