The Pittsburgh Steelers have nine games remaining on their schedule coming out of their bye.  The Steelers schedule is the sixth easiest in the NFL using opponents winning percentage as of right now.   https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/remaining_schedule_strength

Steelers Sanctuary will try to predict how the rest of the season will turn out.  Hint: If you’re hoping for a top five pick in the 2023 draft, don’t bet on it.

 

Week 10: New Orleans Saints – W

The Saints are coming off getting blown out by the Baltimore Ravens.  They lost star receiver Michel Thomas for the season, and are starting old friend Andy Dalton at quarterback.  This team is on the road coming off a short week as well.  Add the return of TJ Watt, and this should be a comfortable win for the Steelers.

Week 11: Cincinnati Bengals – L

The Steelers did beat Cincinnati on the road in week one.  They needed 5 turnovers, and a blocked extra point to do it however.  The Bengals seem to be rounding into to form having won four in a row. They will also be coming off of their bye, and could have Ja’mmar Chase back.  This one might be close, but the Bengals win in the end.

Week 12: @ Indianapolis Colts – W

This team is an absolute dumpster fire.  The Colts just fired Frank Reich, and named Jeff Saturday as their interim coach.  Of course, Saturday has zero coaching experience whatsoever.  With Sam Ehlinger at quarterback, the Steelers defense should have a field day.  This could be the biggest win of the entire season for Pittsburgh. 

Week 13: @ Atlanta Falcons – W

Before the season, we would have predicted an easy win here.  Not anymore.  The Atlanta Falcons are 4-5, but tied for first place in the NFC South.  They have proven to be a tough out for opposing teams.  We are really 50/50 on this game, but as long as TJ Watt is healthy he should have a field day here.  The Steelers squeak out a win in Atlanta.

Week 14: Baltimore Ravens – L

The Ravens are in first place in the AFC North, and have won four out of five recently.  They are the only team left on the Steelers schedule with a winning record.  We just don’t see a scenario where the Steelers get a win versus their hated rival this year.  It will be close as it always is between these two.

Week 15: @ Carolina Panthers – W

Speaking of dumpster fires, here’s another one on the second half schedule.  The Panthers are on their second coach, and may be on their third quarterback as rumors of a Sam Darnold appearance are brewing.  This may be the worst team in football, and should be a win for the Steelers.

Week 16: Las Vegas Raiders – W

The Steelers can’t possibly lose on the anniversary of the immaculate reception right?  Not to the 2-6 Las Vegas Raiders right?? This team may be as bad as any team in football right now.  We don’t see it getting any better this season either.

Week 17: @ Baltimore Ravens – L

We didn’t pick them to beat the Ravens at home, we certainly aren’t going to pick them in Baltimore. The Ravens will have lots of seeding possibilities to play for.  This one could be ugly for the Steelers.

Week 18: Cleveland Browns  – W

By this time the Browns should have Deshaun Watson as quarterback with a few games under his belt.  We’re not sure if that’s a good thing, or a bad thing given he hasn’t played in almost two years.  Cleveland is going to be a real problem in 2023, but they will be playing out the string for the season finale.

Steelers final record: 8-9

As we predicted in our post last week, this team is poised to make a big second half run.  Are the Steelers primed for a second half run?

Whether that is a good thing, or a bad thing is debatable.  We would argue it is the worst case scenario.  Finishing 8-9 will not be anywhere near good enough for a playoff spot.  It is however good enough to push their draft position into the high teens, early twenties.  Not great for a franchise desperate for an infusion of high end talent.  When you add the return of key players, with all the pushovers left on the Steelers schedule, eight wins seems like the minimum this team could finish with.  Anything less, and there will be serious questions asked about this team in the off-season.

 

Please check out the latest Steelers Sanctuary Podcast episode 45.  You don’t want to miss the premiere of YINZER DAVE!  He gives his predictions for the final nine games during the pod as well.  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1981237/11659856-episode-45-tomlin-at-fault-and-yinzer-dave-predicts-steelers-second-half