Pittsburgh Steelers schedule 2023

As we look ahead to the 2023 NFL season, the spotlight turns to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that has proven its resilience over the past two decades. Under the leadership of Coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have not experienced a losing season since 2003. The previous year saw them finish with a respectable 9-8 record, part of a transitional phase for the franchise with rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett at the helm. However, expectations run high in Pittsburgh, a city accustomed to winning, and with increasing competition in the AFC North, the Steelers will be under considerable pressure to improve upon their performance.

Pittsburgh Steelers schedule 2023

WeekDateOpponentTimeTV ChannelVenue
1Sept. 10vs San Francisco 49ers1:00 p.m.FoxAcrisure Stadium
2Sept. 18vs Cleveland Browns8:15 p.m.ABCAcrisure Stadium
3Sept. 24@ Las Vegas Raiders8:20 p.m.NBCAllegiant Stadium
4Oct. 1@ Houston Texans1:00 p.m.CBSNRG Stadium
5Oct. 8vs Baltimore Ravens1:00 p.m.CBSAcrisure Stadium
6Oct. 15Bye
7Oct. 22@ Los Angeles Rams4:05 p.m.FoxSoFi Stadium
8Oct. 29vs Jacksonville Jaguars1:00 p.m.CBSAcrisure Stadium
9Nov. 2vs Tennessee Titans8:15 p.m.Amazon PrimeAcrisure Stadium
10Nov. 12vs Green Bay Packers1:00 p.m.CBSAcrisure Stadium
11Nov. 19@ Cleveland Browns1:00 p.m.CBSCleveland Browns Stadium
12Nov. 26@ Cincinnati Bengals1:00 p.m.CBSPaycor Stadium
13Dec. 3vs Arizona Cardinals1:00 p.m.CBSAcrisure Stadium
14Dec. 7vs New England Patriots8:15 p.m.Amazon PrimeAcrisure Stadium
15TBD@ Indianapolis ColtsTBDTBDLucas Oil Stadium
16Dec. 23vs Cincinnati Bengals4:25 p.m.NBCAcrisure Stadium
17Dec. 31@ Seattle Seahawks4:05 p.m.FOXLumen Field
18TBD@ Baltimore RavensTBDTBDM&T Bank Stadium

Offseason Developments

The Steelers have taken proactive steps in bolstering their roster during the offseason. Key acquisitions have been made to address their needs at the inside linebacker position and on the offensive line. In the draft, the team traded up to select Georgia’s offensive tackle Broderick Jones and also picked former Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. These players, along with others from a robust draft class, are expected to contribute significantly to the team’s performance in the upcoming season.

Analysis of the Season

As the season unfolds, the Steelers face several key challenges and opportunities. For instance, their opening game against the 49ers will be a crucial litmus test for their new-look offense, particularly the strengthened left side of the offensive line. However, they can also leverage this as an opportunity, with the 49ers navigating their own challenges, including a new defensive coordinator and an uncertain quarterback situation.

A notable hurdle in the Steelers’ season is their closing stretch, considered their toughest since the 2008 season. Facing formidable teams like the Bengals, the Seahawks, and finally the Ravens could be a determining factor in their playoff prospects.

Strength of Schedule

While the Steelers have been granted a somewhat lenient schedule throughout the middle of the year, they cannot afford to be complacent. The strength of their schedule escalates dramatically towards the end, particularly during weeks 16-18, which could be decisive for their season. The combination of home and away games, especially against robust teams, necessitates strategic planning and flawless execution.

Key Matchups

Among the critical matchups for the Steelers, the season finale against the Ravens stands out. This game could potentially determine playoff positions and even whether the teams end the season with a winning record. Here are the major key matchups.

Steelers vs. 49ers (Week 1)

To usher in the new season, the Steelers will come face-to-face with the formidable San Francisco 49ers, last season’s NFC runner-ups, at Acrisure Stadium. This inaugural game bears significant historical value as Pittsburgh’s first home season opener since 2014. The pivotal challenge lies in the hands of the upgraded left side of the offensive line, Broderick Jones and Isaac Seamulo, to shield the quarterback Kenny Pickett from the likes of the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year, Nick Bosa.

Steelers vs. Bengals (Weeks 12 and 16)

Two prime-time matchups against the Cincinnati Bengals in weeks 12 and 16 pose crucial tests for the Steelers’ revamped secondary. With an arsenal of offensive talents like Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd, the Bengals inflicted 57 points against the Steelers in 2022. In the face of this explosive Bengals’ offense, it is vital that the Steelers bring their A-game to prevent a repeat of the previous season’s outcomes.

Steelers vs. Jaguars (Week 8)

In week 8, the Steelers square off against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that made significant strides under the leadership of Doug Pederson and Trevor Lawrence, becoming a legit playoff team in the preceding season. Historically, the Jaguars have proved to be challenging adversaries, winning three of the last eight encounters with the Steelers. This game represents a golden opportunity for the Steelers to demonstrate their prowess and reclaim the upper hand in their meetings.

Steelers vs. Ravens (Week 18)

The season finale against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 carries an air of anticipation and fierce rivalry. This meeting will mark the third time in five years that the Steelers and Ravens have pitted against each other in the season finale. Depending on the stakes at the time, this game could potentially determine who clinches a spot in the playoffs and who bows out.

Steelers vs. Texans (Week 4)

Lastly, the Steelers encounter the Houston Texans in Week 4. With the Texans having had a rough patch in recent seasons, it might be easy to dismiss this game as an easy win. However, the Steelers must not overlook the potential for an upset, making it essential to secure a victory to avoid a slump against a seemingly weaker opponent.

Predicted Season Outcome

While there are several hurdles to overcome, if the Steelers manage to avoid an early-season slump, they could very well continue their streak of winning seasons. Expect them to be in the thick of AFC playoff contention, possibly finishing the season with a 9-8 record.

Conclusion

The 2023 season presents an opportunity for the Steelers to build on their previous successes and potentially exceed expectations. They have a solid roster, bolstered by a strong offseason, and a schedule that could potentially work in their favor. However, they will need to step up their game, especially in key matchups, and prove that they can compete against top-tier teams. If they do so, we could see the Steelers once again making a significant impact in the NFL.

2022 Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule & Scores

DateOpponentResultScoreAttendanceLocation
Sunday, Sep 11BengalsW23-20 OT65,841Paycor Stadium
Sunday, Sep 18PatriotsL17-1467,307Acrisure Stadium
Friday, Sep 23BrownsL29-1767,431FirstEnergy Stadium
Sunday, Oct 02JetsL24-2066,578Acrisure Stadium
Sunday, Oct 09BillsL38-370,764Highmark Stadium
Sunday, Oct 16BuccaneersW20-1867,307Acrisure Stadium
Monday, Oct 24DolphinsL16-1066,224Hard Rock Stadium
Sunday, Oct 30EaglesL35-1369,879Lincoln Financial Field
Sunday, Nov 13SaintsW20-1066,544Acrisure Stadium
Sunday, Nov 20BengalsL37-3066,401Acrisure Stadium
Tuesday, Nov 29ColtsW24-1765,982Lucas Oil Stadium
Sunday, Dec 04FalconsW19-1670,325Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Sunday, Dec 11RavensL16-1466,326Acrisure Stadium
Sunday, Dec 18PanthersW24-1673,548Bank of America Stadium
Sunday, Dec 25RaidersW13-1064,761Acrisure Stadium
Monday, Jan 02RavensW16-1371,042M&T Bank Stadium
Sunday, Jan 08BrownsW28-1465,019Acrisure Stadium

FAQS

When is the first home game of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2023 season?

The first home game of the Pittsburgh Steelers is against the San Francisco 49ers on September 10, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium.

Are there any prime-time games scheduled for the Steelers this season?

Yes, the Steelers have two prime-time games scheduled for the 2023 season. The first one is on September 18, 2023, against the Cleveland Browns (MNF) at 8:15 p.m. ET, which will be aired on ABC. The second prime-time game is on November 2, 2023, against the Tennessee Titans (TNF) at 8:15 p.m. ET, which will be available on Amazon Prime.

When is the bye week for the Pittsburgh Steelers?

The bye week for the Pittsburgh Steelers is in Week 6, which means they have a break during that week and do not have a scheduled game.

Which teams are the Steelers playing in back-to-back away games?

The Steelers will be playing back-to-back away games against the Houston Texans on October 1, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium, and the following week, on October 8, 2023, against the Baltimore Ravens at 1:00 p.m. ET.

When is the highly anticipated matchup between the Steelers and the New England Patriots?

The highly anticipated matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots is scheduled for December 7, 2023, at 8:15 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. This game will be aired on Amazon Prime.

Do the Steelers have any games against their division rivals?

Yes, the Steelers have two games scheduled against their division rival, the Cleveland Browns. The first matchup is on November 19, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. ET at Cleveland Browns Stadium, and the second matchup is on September 18, 2023, at 8:15 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium.

James Idayi