The wait is finally over for Pittsburgh Steelers fans, as the National Football League (NFL) has announced the team's schedule for the 2023 season. The Steelers will face a challenging slate of opponents, with several intriguing matchups on the docket. In this article, we'll break down the Steelers' schedule, highlighting key games, rivalry matchups, and potential pitfalls.
2023 Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule Overview
The Steelers' schedule features a mix of home and away games, with several primetime matchups on the horizon. The team will face off against their AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns, in addition to teams from the AFC East and NFC North.
Key Games and Matchups
The Steelers' schedule is filled with exciting matchups, but a few games stand out as particularly notable. Here are some of the key contests to keep an eye on:
Week 1: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals - The Steelers open their season on the road against their division rivals, the Bengals. Week 5: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens - The Steelers host the Ravens in a crucial AFC North showdown. Week 10: Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins - The Steelers travel to South Florida to face off against the Dolphins in a non-conference matchup. Week 14: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots - The Steelers host the Patriots in a primetime matchup.
Steelers' Strength of Schedule
The Steelers' strength of schedule is relatively balanced, with a mix of easy and challenging matchups. According to the NFL's strength of schedule metric, which is based on the previous season's win-loss records, the Steelers have the 15th-toughest schedule in the league.
AFC North Rivalries
The Steelers' AFC North rivalries are always highly anticipated, and this season is no exception. Here's a breakdown of the Steelers' divisional matchups:
Baltimore Ravens: The Steelers and Ravens have a long and storied history, with their rivalry dating back to 1996. The two teams have met 54 times, with the Steelers holding a 29-25 edge. Cincinnati Bengals: The Steelers and Bengals have been divisional rivals since 1970, with the Steelers leading the all-time series 64-37. Cleveland Browns: The Steelers and Browns have been rivals since 1950, with the Steelers holding a 77-59-1 edge in the all-time series.
Primetime Matchups
The Steelers have several primetime matchups on their schedule, including:
Week 5: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (Sunday Night Football) Week 10: Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins (Monday Night Football) Week 14: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots (Sunday Night Football)
Key Statistical Matchups
Here are some key statistical matchups to keep an eye on:
Week 1: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals - The Steelers will face off against the Bengals' high-powered offense, which ranked 7th in the NFL in total yards per game in 2022. Week 5: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens - The Steelers will host the Ravens, who had the 2nd-ranked rushing offense in the NFL in 2022. Week 10: Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins - The Steelers will face off against the Dolphins' 4th-ranked passing offense in the NFL.
Steelers' Bye Week
The Steelers have a Week 7 bye, which comes at a relatively early point in the season. This could be beneficial for the team, as it will give them a chance to rest and recover before the second half of the season.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 schedule is filled with exciting matchups and challenging opponents. While the team faces a tough road to the playoffs, they have the talent and depth to compete with anyone in the league. With a strong running game, improved defense, and explosive offense, the Steelers are poised to make a deep playoff run.
Steelers fans, get ready for another thrilling season of football! What are your thoughts on the Steelers' schedule? Share your predictions and analysis in the comments below!
When does the Steelers' season start?
+The Steelers' season starts on September 10, 2023, with a road game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
How many primetime games do the Steelers have?
+The Steelers have three primetime games: Week 5 vs. Baltimore Ravens, Week 10 at Miami Dolphins, and Week 14 vs. New England Patriots.
When is the Steelers' bye week?
+The Steelers' bye week is Week 7.