2025 PITTSBURGH STEELERS SEASON PREVIEW

The Steelers have become extremely predictable. This means a decent regular season that leads to a wild-card berth and loss in the first round of the postseason. In fact, the Steelers have lost their last five playoff games and have not won one since 2016. Last year, it was a 10-win season that ended with a poor performance against the Ravens on Wild Card weekend.

OFFENSE

The Steelers are a winning organization. The results from the last half decade have not been acceptable. This led to the front office going for it here in 2025.

The offseason marched on past the draft and through free agency with the Steelers not having a starting quarterback. It seemed as though they knew Aaron Rodgers would be coming and that is exactly what happened. Rodgers was brought to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal, which event at 41 years old, seems like an upgrade from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.

There was some shakeups in the wide receiver room as well. The Steelers sent George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys before replacing him with D.K. Metcalf. The Steelers extended Metcalf right away and Rodgers now has his No. 1 receiver. Pittsburgh also made a deal to acquire Jonnu Smith, giving Rodgers a security blanket at tight end.

The 41-year-old quarterback will be protected by a strong offensive line. Zach Frazier is a young center who has excelled while Isaac Seumalo has shown great ability as a blocker. Mason McCormick needs to take steps forward and if he does, the line can be considered elite.

In the backfield, Najee Harris is gone, opening the door for Jaylen Warren to take on an extended role. He has great skill as a pass catcher and the Steelers can use his quickness. The Steelers will also be using rookie Kaleb Johnson in the rotation as well.

The addition of Rodgers gives Pittsburgh a one-year window to contend for a Super Bowl in the AFC.

DEFENSE

The defense in Pittsburgh goes as far as T.J. Watt takes them.

Watt has been among the three best defenders in the league fro the start of his career. He signed a contract making him the highest-paid defensive player in league history this offseason. Last year, Watt finished with 11.5 sacks in a year where he was healthy and this was a major boost.

With Watt, Alex Highsmith and rookie Jack Sawyer add depth in the front seven. Nick Herbig finished with 5.5 sacks last season, making him an option as well.

It was a busy offseason for the Steelers this year. The secondary saw shakeups as well. This includes signing Darius Slay as a veteran to lead on the outside. Pittsburgh made a move to acquire Jalen Ramsey to part with Slay at cornerback.

Ramsey was acquired from the Miami Dolphins in the deal that brought Smith as well. The Steelers parted ways with Minkah Fitzpatrick in the trade. Joey Porter Jr. and Cameron Sutton took big steps back, sparking moves in the secondary.

The Steelers selected Derrick Harmon in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He is an athletic player that will add to the front seven with Cameron Heyward turning 36 years old.

The Steelers’ defense has kept them in many games over the last few years and is the reason Pittsburgh keeps returning to the postseason.

SCHEDULE

Week 1: at New York Jets

Week 2: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 3: at New England Patriots

Week 4: vs. Minnesota Vikings (Dublin)

Week 5: BYE WEEK

Week 6: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 7: at Cincinnati Bengals (Thursday Night)

Week 8: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 9: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 10: at Los Angeles Chargers

Week 11: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week 12: at Chicago Bears

Week 13: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 14: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 15: vs. Miami Dolphins (Monday Night)

Week 16: at Detroit Lions

Week 17: at Cleveland Browns

Week 18: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Record Prediction: 8-9