The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to embark on a thrilling 2021 NFL season, filled with matchups against fierce rivals and challenging opponents. As one of the most storied franchises in the league, the Steelers are eager to prove themselves as a top contender in the AFC North. In this article, we'll delve into the Steelers' 2021 schedule, highlighting key games, pivotal matchups, and the factors that will shape their season.
The Steelers' schedule is a grueling 17-game slate, featuring a mix of familiar foes and new challenges. With their sights set on a playoff berth, the Steelers will need to navigate a treacherous landscape of opponents, including six games against AFC North rivals. Here's a breakdown of the Steelers' 2021 schedule, including key matchups and storylines to watch.
Early Season Showdowns
The Steelers kick off their season with a Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, a team that has become a thorn in their side in recent years. The Bills have won three of their last four meetings against the Steelers, including a 26-15 victory in 2020. This game will be a crucial test for the Steelers' defense, which will face off against Josh Allen and the Bills' high-powered offense.
In Week 3, the Steelers will host the Cincinnati Bengals, their first AFC North matchup of the season. The Bengals have been a bit of a nemesis for the Steelers in recent years, winning two of their last three meetings. However, the Steelers will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2020 campaign, and a win over the Bengals would be a great way to start the season.
Mid-Season Matchups
As the season progresses, the Steelers will face a series of challenging matchups against playoff-caliber teams. In Week 5, they'll travel to Denver to face the Broncos, a team that has given them fits in recent years. The Broncos have won two of their last three meetings against the Steelers, including a 24-17 victory in 2019.
The following week, the Steelers will host the Seattle Seahawks, a team that has become a perennial playoff contender. The Seahawks have won three of their last four meetings against the Steelers, including a 39-30 victory in 2019.
Divisional Showdowns
The Steelers' schedule is filled with divisional matchups against their AFC North rivals. In Week 8, they'll travel to Cleveland to face the Browns, a team that has become a thorn in their side in recent years. The Browns have won two of their last three meetings against the Steelers, including a 48-37 victory in 2020.
The following week, the Steelers will host the Baltimore Ravens, their arch-nemesis in the AFC North. The Ravens have won three of their last four meetings against the Steelers, including a 28-10 victory in 2020.
Primetime Showdowns
The Steelers will have several primetime matchups this season, including a Week 11 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football. The Chargers have been a bit of a nemesis for the Steelers in recent years, winning two of their last three meetings.
The following week, the Steelers will host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, their second primetime matchup against their AFC North rivals.
Season-Defining Matchups
The Steelers' schedule is filled with season-defining matchups that will shape their playoff hopes. In Week 14, they'll travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings, a team that has become a bit of a nemesis for the Steelers in recent years. The Vikings have won two of their last three meetings against the Steelers, including a 34-27 victory in 2017.
The following week, the Steelers will host the Tennessee Titans, a team that has become a perennial playoff contender. The Titans have won two of their last three meetings against the Steelers, including a 40-17 victory in 2017.
Final Stretch
The Steelers will finish their season with a pair of challenging matchups against AFC North rivals. In Week 17, they'll travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens, their arch-nemesis in the AFC North. The Ravens have won three of their last four meetings against the Steelers, including a 28-10 victory in 2020.
The following week, the Steelers will host the Cleveland Browns, their final matchup of the season. The Browns have won two of their last three meetings against the Steelers, including a 48-37 victory in 2020.
In conclusion, the Steelers' 2021 schedule is filled with challenging matchups and pivotal games that will shape their playoff hopes. With their sights set on a division title and a deep playoff run, the Steelers will need to navigate a treacherous landscape of opponents and come out on top.
What are your thoughts on the Steelers' 2021 schedule? Do you think they have what it takes to make a deep playoff run? Let us know in the comments below!
What is the Steelers' strength of schedule for the 2021 season?
+The Steelers' strength of schedule for the 2021 season is.524, which is the 12th-toughest schedule in the NFL.
Who are the Steelers' biggest rivals in the AFC North?
+The Steelers' biggest rivals in the AFC North are the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals.
What is the Steelers' record against the Ravens in recent years?
+The Steelers are 2-3 against the Ravens in their last five meetings, including a 28-10 loss in 2020.
Gallery of Steel City Showdowns: Steelers 2021 Schedule Breakdown
