I am all about predictions, which is why I always enjoy predicting each game on the Steelers schedule. As part of the SCN Training Camp Confidential, here is my game-by-game prediction of the Steelers schedule.

Week 1- at Atlanta Falcons 1:00 ET on FOX

The Steelers have a tendency to come out the gate slow under Mike Tomlin, but could Arthur Smith’s revenge game still turn into a success. Most Steelers fans are pegging this as a win, but let us not forget how motivated Kirk Cousins will be after the team spent a first-round pick on Michael Penix, Jr.

Prediction: Falcons win 24-17 (0-1)

Week 2- at Broncos 4:25 ET on CBS

Denver is not an easy place to play, considering the high altitude. However, Russell Wilson is going to do whatever it takes to get revenge on his former team. Nothing would satisfy Russell Wilson more than beating Sean Payton.

Prediction: Steelers win 23-19 (1-1)

Week 3- vs. Chargers 1:00 ET on CBS

I think the Chargers will be better than people expect this season, but playing a 1:00 game for team on the West Coast is brutal. On top of that, it will take time for the new weaponry in the offense to develop chemistry with Justin Herbert, which gives teams playing them early in the season an advantage.

Prediction: Steelers win 24-16 (2-1)

Week 4- at Colts 1:00 ET on CBS

The Colts could have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, but their success will rise or fall on Anthony Richardson. The Steelers typically do well against young signal callers, but I am not sure the Steelers will be able to defend the RPO game with Richardson and Taylor together.

Prediction: Colts win 27-22 (2-2)

Week 5- vs. Cowboys 8:20 ET on NBC

This should definitely be one of the highest-rated games of the season, and I do not expect it to disappoint. Dallas did not do anything to improve their offense this offseason, while the Steelers defense could very well rival the Cowboys defensive unit in terms of ferocity and athleticism. I think Russell Wilson’s “breakout” game comes in Week 5, as the Steelers test and torch the Dallas secondary.

Prediction: Steelers win 27-23 (3-2)

Week 6- at Raiders 4:05 ET on CBS

Every year, the Steelers tend to drop at least one game to an inferior team on the road, and I get a sense it could be the Raiders this season. Expectations are low for Vegas, but the defense is physical, and Aidan O’Connell is a better quarterback than people give him credit for. I anticipate O’Connell being the signal-caller for this game and doing just enough to lead the Raiders to an upset victory.

Prediction: Raiders win 20-16 (3-3)

Week 7- vs. Jets 8:20 ET on NBC

Who would have thought Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson would face each other on Sunday Night Football in an AFC showdown? Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson lead a young group of skill players, but I do not bet against the Steelers at home in primetime.

Prediction: Steelers win 23-20 (4-3)

Week 8- vs. Giants 8:15 ET on ESPN (MNF)

The Steelers are practically unbeatable on Monday Night Football, and I do not see that changing here. Daniel Jones has one more shot to prove his worth to the Giants, but Malik Nabers is the only competent weapon in this offense, and I believe Joey Porter, Jr. will blanket him all game, making life miserable for Jones as he avoids pressure inside the pocket.

Prediction: Steelers win 28-14 (5-3)

Week 9- Bye Week

Week 10- at Commanders 1:00 ET on CBS

This could very well be a trap game for the Steelers on the schedule, as this game is followed by four straight divisional matchups. However, the Steelers typically perform well against rookie quarterbacks, and I expect that to be the case here.

Prediction: Steelers win 21-13 (6-3)

Week 11- vs. Ravens 1:00 ET on CBS

If recent history teaches us anything, it is safe to say that Pittsburgh does not fear Lamar Jackson. The Steelers have dominated Jackson throughout his career, and I do not see that changing here. Despite being 6-3, the Steelers will be desperate for a win to remain in contention for the divisional crown.

Prediction: Steelers win 24-20 (7-3)

Week 12- at Browns 8:15 ET on Prime Video (TNF)

I am in the minority that likes Thursday Night Football (other than that it is on Amazon Prime), but during a tough divisional stretch, it is not an ideal time to have a game scheduled for such a slot. Coming off a physical game against Baltimore, this just does not stack up well for the Steelers.

Prediction: Browns win 20-7 (7-4)

Week 13- at Bengals 1:00 ET on CBS

The Bengals are not a team you want to get into a shootout with, but Cameron Sutton will be back by this point in the season, which should help the Steelers secondary cover Cincinnati’s explosive weapons at receiver. I still expect some points to be scored, but the Steelers will be motivated to put up points themselves after a dismal performance against the Browns.

Prediction: Steelers win 30-24 (8-4)

Week 14- vs. Browns 1:00 ET on CBS

There is no way the Steelers will let themselves lose to the Browns twice this season. Point blank.

Prediction: Steelers win 25-8 (9-4)

Week 15- at Eagles 4:25 ET on FOX

It has been decades since the Steelers last won a game in Philadelphia, and I am not sure this will be the year the streak is broken. At some point, the underhanded scheduling job by the NFL is going to cause the Steelers problems, and they are going to drop a game at some point in this stretch. I think the Steelers will be a better team in Week 15 than what they will be at the beginning of the season, but mentally, the team will be exhausted.

Prediction: Eagles win 27-21 (9-5)

Week 16- at Ravens 4:30 on FOX (SAT)

This game will be won and lost in the trenches, but if the Steelers offensive line can gel, they could easily match what Baltimore can do on the ground. With divisional crown aspirations still potentially in play for the Steelers, I think they rise to the occasion and do just enough to sweep Baltimore yet again on a last-second field goal.

Prediction: Steelers win 23-16 (10-5)

Week 17- vs. Chiefs 1:00 ET on NETFLIX (Christmas Day)

The Steelers have the most die-hard fans out there, so you can guarantee Heinz Field will be full and loud despite it being Christmas Day. However, Kansas City has been nearly unbeatable toward the ends of their seasons during the Patrick Mahomes era.

Prediction: Chiefs win 27-25 (10-6)

Week 18- at Bengals TBA

Going 5-1 against arguably the best division in the NFL is going to be tough, but not impossible. I am still not convinced the Bengals have what it takes on defense, and in a game with major playoff implications, I think the Steelers and Russell Wilson will come in clutch with a strong offensive performance yet again against Cincy, despite how unlikely it may seem. A Minkah pick-six in the 4th Quarter will be the cherry on top!

Prediction: Steelers win 35-20 (11-6)