The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 schedule is out, and the excitement is palpable among fans. The team's prospects for the upcoming season are a topic of much discussion, especially after a beat writer Mark Kaboly's prediction of an 11-6 record. This would be a significant improvement from their 2020 season, where they achieved a 12-4 record. But what does this mean for the Steelers' chances of winning the AFC North two years in a row? Kaboly's prediction is intriguing, to say the least.
One of the highlights of the schedule is the Steelers' sweep of the Cleveland Browns. This is a positive sign, as the Browns are a divisional rival. However, the Bengals present a different challenge. Kaboly predicts a split in the season series, with the Steelers winning at home in Week 3 and losing in Week 10 at the Bengals on Sunday Night Football. This is a moderate prediction, but it leaves the Steelers with a 3-1 mark in division play.
The real test for the Steelers will come against the Baltimore Ravens. The NFL's late-season matchups between the Steelers and Ravens last year were intense, with the AFC North title on the line. This year, the Steelers host the Ravens in Week 15, while the final matchup is in Baltimore in Week 18. Kaboly's prediction is not encouraging for Steelers fans, as he believes the team will get swept by the Ravens. This would be a significant setback for the team's playoff hopes.
Despite this, Kaboly's prediction of an 11-6 record is still a strong showing. It would secure a playoff spot, and new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy might find a way to make some noise in the playoffs. However, the AFC North title remains a challenging prospect, and the team will need to perform well against their divisional rivals to have any chance of success.
In my opinion, the Steelers' schedule is a fascinating one, with some interesting quirks. The team's prospects for the season are a topic of much discussion, and Kaboly's prediction is a significant part of that conversation. It will be interesting to see how the team performs against their divisional rivals and whether they can secure a playoff spot. The AFC North title is a challenging prospect, but the Steelers have the talent and coaching to make some noise in the playoffs.
