The Pittsburgh Steelers now know the entirety of their 2023 NFL schedule after the official release earlier today. 

So before they make their travel accommodations, and plan their bye week getaway, they will poke and prod the opponents they are set to face making careful calculations as far as 4-6 months in advance, 

We're going to do something fairly similar today, analyzing the biggest and best games of the 2023 season, foreshadowing our favorite matchups, most anticipated opponents, and contests that could make or break the Steelers' season. So let's stop all the chatter and dive in. 

Most Exciting Game: Week 1: Vs San Francisco 49ers (Sun. Sept. 10th, 1:00 P.M est)

While it may seem like low-hanging fruit to name week one the most exciting game of the season, this matchup is different. For one it's both the home and season opener. Then it's a rarity because it's an NFC opponent and not just any but the San Francisco 49ers, who, if not for an injured Brock Purdy, they may have been in last year's Super Bowl. 

It will definitely be an early season test for the team as a whole, as they will be battle-tested against one of the leagues most prolific rushing offenses and a consistently tough defense. 

Biggest Trap Game: Week 13: Vs Arizona Cardinals (Sun. Dec. 3rd, 1:00 P.M est)

Ahh man, I can just see it now. The dog days of the season, nearly two months after the bye week and sandwiched in between a divisional game against the Bengals in Week 12 and a primetime game against the Patriots in week 14, this game against Arizona has trap written all over it. 

The Cardinals will likely be one of, if not the worst team in the league net year, with a quarterback in Kyler Murray rehabbing his late-season ACL tear, a new regime, and a roster deficient on both sides of the ball. 

Pair that with a 1:00 P.M. local kickoff and a home atmosphere and you can see how a game that should be an easy win, could turn into a devastating loss if the team isn't focused. 

Game with the Highest Stakes: Week 18: @ Baltimore Ravens (TBD) 

You would have to go through a ton of history to find the last time the Steelers and Ravens played and the stakes weren't high, but a week 18 matchup in Baltimore against a bitter rival like the Ravens takes the cake. 

Even in down years, these two franchises play each tough. But coming out of an offseason where Lamar Jackson has signed a five year extension with the Ravens, and a Steelers team looking to take the next step, this game has all the makings of the next classic game in the historic rivalry.