In a year that is filled with several changes, including at the ever-important quarterback position, the Pittsburgh Steelers are coming face to face with a daunting schedule in 2024.
As Russell Wilson and Co. get ready to attack the new season, Pittsburgh’s schedule has done them no favors. Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season in his tenure with the Steelers, but that streak will be put to the test this coming NFL season.
Steelers Have the Fifth-Hardest Schedule in 2024
According to Pro Football Network’s strength of schedule rankings, Pittsburgh’s schedule ranks as the fifth-hardest in the NFL. With only the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, and Cleveland Browns ahead of them in that regard, the Steelers will need to be on their A-game all season long if they hope to once again secure a winning record.
No joke. Our 2024 schedule is here. @laurelhighlands | @jharrison9292 | 📺: Schedule release coverage on NFLN pic.twitter.com/okiDg2L4XR
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 16, 2024
The Steelers’ schedule gets particularly tough in the second half of the season.
From Weeks 11-18, every Pittsburgh opponent is a projected playoff team for this season. This eight-week stretch includes a matchup against both the Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, plus games against the Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Based on forecasted win totals for this season, it’s by far the toughest slate of games for any team in the NFL during this period.
the difficulty of the Steelers weeks 11-18 is INSANE
I expected it to be the #1 toughest in the NFL
but it's OFF THE CHARTS bad vs any other team
8 straight games vs teams expected to have winning records
6-of-8 expected to win over 10 games
ridiculously difficult for PIT pic.twitter.com/tGTvZIfeo7
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 16, 2024
With an end-of-season schedule like this, it’s pivotal for the Steelers to get off to a fast start before their Week 9 bye. The pieces are in place to make it happen; Pittsburgh will just need to execute at a higher level this time around with a bunch of new faces in the fold.
The front office was aggressive in its talent-acquisition approach this offseason, hoping to advance the roster to the next level in 2024.
The signing of Wilson and the acquisition of Justin Fields via trade with the Chicago Bears signaled the end of the Kenny Pickett era in Pittsburgh.
KEEP READING: Which NFL Teams Will Travel the Most Miles in 2024?
With other additions that included LB Patrick Queen and WR Van Jefferson, coupled with the drafting of two Day 1 starters on the OL in OT Troy Fautanu and C Zach Frazier, the Steelers’ new influx of talent, both young and seasoned, will be tasked with reaching new heights against a tough schedule.
The Steelers are a talented team and have a coach in Tomlin who knows how to consistently get the best out of his players. They will need the best from both parties in 2024 as they take on one of the league’s toughest slates.
Pro Football Network’s 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule rankings take into account our internal rankings, the opinion of sportsbooks, and advanced metrics. Check out all 32 teams’ strength of schedule and where they rank league-wide.