Caleb Harris
You did it, Steelers fans. After months of waiting, Pittsburgh has finally received its schedule for the 2024 regular season, a season that Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting for several reasons, including the arrival of nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson.
Wilson and his teammates have their work cut out for them, as the Steelers have the NFL third most difficult calendar based on last year’s results. It doesn’t help that Pittsburgh plays in a division where every team has posted a winning record in 2023. That could very well be the case again this year, especially if Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Browns signal-caller Deshaun Watson , manage to stay healthy.
Below is a complete breakdown of the Steelers schedule, including the five must-see games, game-by-game predictions, projected win totals over/under for each opponent for 2024 (courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook), as well as the complete Pittsburgh schedule in its entirety .
Unmissable games
1. Week 17 vs. Week 17 Kansas City Chiefs
Let’s start with the fact that this game will be played on Christmas, which bodes well for Pittsburgh given their history of playing games on December 25th. The Steelers are 2-0 on that date, with wins over the Ravens (2016) and Texas (2017).
Steelers fans will try to make things hostile for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, whose coming out party in NFL came at the expense of the Steelers in Week 2 of the 2018 season. This should be a big game as far as playoff scenarios go.
2. Week 12 vs. Week 12 Browns
The Ravens may have taken some of the thunder from this matchup, but there’s still no love lost when it comes to the Browns and Steelers. This should be a good old-fashioned primetime AFC North game. Adding to the allure of this game is the one-on-one matchup between TJ Watt and Myles Garrett for the unofficial title as the NFL best defender.
3. Week 5 vs. Week 5 Cowboys
From a historical point of view, this is an unmissable game. The Steelers and Cowboys have faced each other in a record three Super Bowls, with Pittsburgh winning the first two meetings before Dallas turned things around in the third round. History aside, this should be an exciting game between two teams that have won a combined 22 games over the past season. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott led Dallas to a thrilling victory over Pittsburgh during the duo’s only other visit to Pittsburgh in 2016.
4. Week 7 vs. Week 7 New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers is the biggest attraction in this game, but beyond that, this should be an exciting game between two teams looking to climb the AFC ladder. Pittsburgh fans still remember the Jets’ painful victory on the Steelers’ home turf in 2022.
5. Week 2 at Denver Broncos
Much of the pregame hype will center around Russell Wilson’s return to Denver. I’m curious to see how the Steelers choose to attack rookie quarterback Bo Nix and whether or not the Steelers can reverse their historic bad luck in the Mile High City. Pittsburgh has lost its last four games in Denver, including two playoff games.
Game-by-game predictions
Before we get to my predictions, it’s important to review how the Steelers plan to win games in 2024: forcing turnovers on defense, running the ball at will on offense, and making enough plays in the passing game to secure a victory.
To narrow things down even further, the success of 2024 will largely come down to Wilson’s success. Yes, the Steelers will lean on their running game, but Wilson will still have to deliver at several points if Pittsburgh wants to make the playoffs. Wilson has a tough job ahead of him, as the Steelers currently have a receiving corps that can best be described as unproven.
Week 1: in Atlanta (9.5)
A tough opening, in Atlanta, against Kirk Cousins and a talented defense, led by former Bengals safety Jessie Bates III. But I smell a turnaround here, led by Wilson and a running game and a defense that is eager to send a statement to the rest of the league
Record: 1-0
Week 2: at Denver Broncos (6)
The Steelers have historically fared well against rookie quarterbacks, especially under Mike Tomlin. I expect more of the same in Denver against the Nix. I also expected another solid game from Wilson against his former team.
Record: 2-0
Week 3: Los Angeles Chargers (9)
Pittsburgh wins its home opener with a strong game and a defense that is poised to put consistent pressure on Justin Herbert in his first Acrisure game. New Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh returns to Pittsburgh, 29 years after he pulled off a Hail Mary before upsetting the Steelers a game before the Super Bowl.
Record: 3-0.
Week 4: at Indianapolis Colts (8.5)
Pittsburgh’s hot start ends in Indianapolis. A big reason I’m predicting a loss is the versatility of Colts second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson along with the run of Jonathan Taylor.
Record: 3-1
Week 5: Dallas Cowboys (10.5) – Sunday Night
Pittsburgh’s defense should be able to hold its own against Dallas on offense, but I think the Cowboys’ defense could be the difference, especially if Micah Parsons plays like Micah Parsons. Dictating the pace of the game (taking the lead early) and avoiding committing critical turnovers will be key if the Steelers are going to win. But I’m taking visitors on this one.
Record: 3-2
Week 6: at Las Vegas Raiders (6.5) – Sunday night
That NFL has become a quarterback-driven league, which is a big reason I’m picking on the Steelers as they snap their two-game losing streak. The Steelers should have a decisive QB advantage in this game between Wilson and Raiders passers Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell.
Record: 4-2
Week 7: New York Jets (9.5) – Sunday Night
I can see the Steelers winning this game, with Rodgers’ lack of mobility being a big reason why. But I’m getting a more talented Jets team in what could be considered a measuring stick game for Pittsburgh.
Record: 4-3
Week 8: New York Giants (6.5) – Monday night
After losing to a Big Apple team, the Steelers defeat another, less talented team. In what will likely be the theme for the 2024 Steelers, Pittsburgh is expected to win this game by forcing turnovers and leaning on their run game, led by Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
Record: 5-3
Week 10: in Washington commanders (6.5)
I really like what the Commanders are building under new head coach Dan Quinn. As mentioned above, the Steelers rarely lose to a rookie quarterback, but something tells me Jayden Daniels has the tools and supporting cast to make this a game. That being said, I will be facing the Steelers in a game that will be closer than most expect.
Record: 6-3
Week 11: at Baltimore Ravens (11)
Jackson is just 1-3 against the Steelers, who defeated their archrival last year and have won three straight in the series. I see this trend continuing in Week 11, with Harris and company leading the Steelers’ fourth straight victory in Baltimore.
Record: 7-3
Week 12: at Cleveland Browns (8.5) – Thursday night
A lot of people are in Cleveland. I’m not, especially with Watson and Nick Chubb healthy and the addition of wideout Jerry Jeudy this past offseason. The Browns win what should be a physical clash between historic rivals. This being a short week doesn’t help Pittsburgh.
Record: 7-4
Week 13: at Cincinnati Bengals (10.5)
Like Baltimore, Pittsburgh has had success in Cincinnati in recent years. Burrow missed both of Cincinnati’s games against the Steelers in 2023, and his return this season should revive what is normally a lively matchup. I’ll give the Bengals the thumbs up in the first of two meetings between the two teams.
Record: 7-5
Week 14: Cleveland Browns (8.5)
Like last year, I see the Steelers splitting their matchups against Cleveland, who like Pittsburgh wants to win games this year with a punishing defense and running game.
Record: 8-5
Week 15: at Philadelphia Eagles (10.5)
Anything can happen in NFL, but I’m highly confident the Eagles will win this one. The Steelers haven’t won in Philadelphia since 1965, and I don’t see Pittsburgh ending the drought this year.
Record: 8-6
Week 16: at Baltimore Ravens (11)
The Steelers may have to win two of their last three games to clinch a playoff spot. They started well here against the Ravens, completing a season sweep of Baltimore. As you can see, I’m not super excited about Baltimore, which hasn’t done much to improve its performance this offseason with the exception of signing Derrick Henry.
Record: 9-6
Week 17: Kansas City Chiefs (11.5) – Christmas Day
There are no moral victories in NFL, but I can foresee a scenario where the Steelers lose to the Chiefs but still manage to create good vibes by keeping things tight until the end. It’s tough to face the Steelers at home on Christmas, but Mahomes and company are too good to pick here.
Record: 9-7
Week 18: Cincinnati Bengals (10.5)
We get a win and possibly a home matchup between the Steelers and Bengals. Pittsburgh would benefit if the Bengals had nothing to play for. But if they do, the Steelers will have to do their best. Let’s just say I wouldn’t want to face Burrow with my season on the line.
This game could go either way, but if the Bengals already have a playoff spot locked up, Pittsburgh could take advantage of a Burrow-less team and punch its own ticket to the playoffs at the same time.
Record: 10-7
