- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,130,202
- Reaction score
- 59
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2026 schedule does not look overwhelming at first glance, but the full picture is a little more complicated.
Based on traditional strength of schedule metrics, Pittsburgh has the 14th-easiest slate in the NFL. The Steelers’ opponents went a combined 143-146 last season, giving them a .495 winning percentage, and putting Mike McCarthy’s team close to the middle of the pack rather than facing one of the league’s toughest schedules in his first year as Pittsburgh’s head coach.
But advanced projections see it differently. Sharp Football Analysis, which factors in future Vegas win totals instead of only looking back at last year’s records, ranks the Steelers’ schedule 18th out of 32 teams.
That still lands Pittsburgh in the league’s middle tier, but it comes with one key catch. The Steelers have the toughest projected schedule in the AFC North, which could matter in a division where the margin is typically tight.
The biggest challenge comes late. From Weeks 10 through 15, Pittsburgh faces the Bengals, Eagles, Broncos, Texans, Jaguars, and Ravens in a stretch that could shape McCarthy’s debut season. Their saving grace could be their Week 12 bye.
There are some breaks. The Steelers travel to Paris in Week 7 to play the Saints, but they are projected to log just 14,183 miles overall, the seventh fewest in the NFL.
As usual, Pittsburgh won't lack attention with four primetime games and Aaron Rodgers back to lead the offense. What Steelers fans will have to wait to find out is whether the schedule is manageable or quietly tougher than it looks.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers strength of schedule for 2026 season under Mike McCarthy
Continue reading...
Based on traditional strength of schedule metrics, Pittsburgh has the 14th-easiest slate in the NFL. The Steelers’ opponents went a combined 143-146 last season, giving them a .495 winning percentage, and putting Mike McCarthy’s team close to the middle of the pack rather than facing one of the league’s toughest schedules in his first year as Pittsburgh’s head coach.
But advanced projections see it differently. Sharp Football Analysis, which factors in future Vegas win totals instead of only looking back at last year’s records, ranks the Steelers’ schedule 18th out of 32 teams.
That still lands Pittsburgh in the league’s middle tier, but it comes with one key catch. The Steelers have the toughest projected schedule in the AFC North, which could matter in a division where the margin is typically tight.
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
The biggest challenge comes late. From Weeks 10 through 15, Pittsburgh faces the Bengals, Eagles, Broncos, Texans, Jaguars, and Ravens in a stretch that could shape McCarthy’s debut season. Their saving grace could be their Week 12 bye.
There are some breaks. The Steelers travel to Paris in Week 7 to play the Saints, but they are projected to log just 14,183 miles overall, the seventh fewest in the NFL.
As usual, Pittsburgh won't lack attention with four primetime games and Aaron Rodgers back to lead the offense. What Steelers fans will have to wait to find out is whether the schedule is manageable or quietly tougher than it looks.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers strength of schedule for 2026 season under Mike McCarthy
Continue reading...
