I can’t speak from you, the reader, but as for me and my household the Christmas season officially starts on November 1st. Music, decorations, and, of course, wish lists all begin once the Halloween decorations and costumes are packed away for another year.

This got me thinking about if I had a “wish list” of sorts for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they are preparing for the gauntlet that is the team’s second half schedule. Just like a teenager who is writing their list of things they’d like, some are big while others are smaller. With that said, my list is in no particular order, but I’d love to see these things happen as the team now shoves off for the latter half of their 2024 regular season schedule.

Let’s get to the list…

4-2 Division Record

The Steelers have yet to play a divisional game this season, so I would love to see those six contests shake out at 4-2, or better. Who are the losses to, you ask? I predicted the Steelers splitting with both the Ravens and Browns, while sweeping the Bengals. If they are capable of a 4-2 division record, it could set them up for big things in the second half.

3-1 Home Record

The Steelers entered the bye with a 3-1 home record. Can they duplicate that success? Their home games in the second half are:

• vs. BAL
• vs. CLE
• vs. CIN
• vs. KC

Not an easy stretch, but it is possible.

Beat Philadelphia in Philadelphia

The last time the Steelers beat the Eagles in Philadelphia was October 24, 1965. I’m sick of this piece of history, and would love for the Steelers to finally beat the Eagles in the city of brotherly love.

No Flexed Games

There are already rumors of the Steelers and Ravens Week 11 game being flexed to Sunday Night Football, but, if I’m being honest, I hate night games. Sunday, Monday or Thursday, it doesn’t matter. I can’t stand them all. I realize for many it guarantees them seeing the game, but I pray no more Steelers games get pushed to prime time.

Beat Patrick Mahomes 

The Steelers have never beaten the Chiefs with Mahomes at quarterback, and what a Christmas present it would be for the Steelers to do what some view as unthinkable and beat Andy Reid and company in Pittsburgh.

Health to the Stars

We know the importance of players like T.J. Watt, but the other stars on the Steelers roster will need to have a level of health. That would include Cam Heyward, Russell Wilson, Minkah Fitzpatrick, George Pickens and plenty others. The Steelers have been bitten by the injury bug in the first half of the season, let’s hope that reverses course in the second half.

Average 27 points per game

The Steelers average 23.4 points per game heading into Week 9, and it isn’t crazy to see them potentially getting to, or above, 27 points per game. What a sight that would be to see after seasons of 17 and 18 points per game the last two years.

Keep opponents off 18 points per game

If the offense can continue to get traction on putting points on the board, can the defense keep the opposition off the board? The Steelers currently are giving up just over 14 points per game. Looking at the offenses they’ll face in the second half of the schedule, you assume they’ll give up more points, but can they keep their average around 18 points?

AFC North Division Title

If the Steelers can do the above, finish 4-2 in the AFC North and a 3-1 home record, it should equate in a division title. Let’s bring the AFC North crown back to Pittsburgh.

Playoff Win

If I know the fan base the way I think I do, a division title wouldn’t be enough to satisfy the fan base. Instead, the fan base wants to see the team win when it matters the most, and that means winning a playoff game. That’s not asking too much, is it?

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Washington Commanders in Week 10 on the road.