Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule: Identifying the 5 Toughest Games of 2011

One of the best things about the Pittsburgh Steelers' consistency over the years is that it guarantees that they will usually face similar opponents within the conference.

With the NFL schedule makers consistently pitting each team in a division with the comparably placed team from the other three in each conference, the Steelers always seem to be facing the best teams from among their AFC peers.

So, while some of this might be obvious, here's a look at the five toughest games on the Pittsburgh Steelers schedule this season.

Both Games Against Baltimore

Why?

Cheating? Maybe, but if I use two spots on one team, it's cheating someone else out of a spot on this list. The reasons these two matchups are tough is obvious. The Steelers and Ravens try to murder each other twice a year for the right to rule the AFC North. Neither team is ever far behind the other. Both have a deep hatred for each other that grows out of the respect they have for the other team's style of play. It is almost always two very similar teams playing for more than just placement. These games have serious bragging rights attached.

The Edge?

It has to go to the Steelers right now. They've beaten the Ravens every time Ben Roethlisberger has started a game. He's the difference. Joe Flacco is usually steady but unspectacular. Roethlisberger is usually steady, but makes just enough big plays to tip the scales.

The Ravens look strong again, as do the Steelers. These games will, as always, come down to the wire.

Week 3 at Indianapolis

Why?

The Colts are almost always joined by the Steelers and Patriots as the elite of the conference. A big reason for that is Peyton Manning. The Steelers and the Colts usually meet every couple of years and often the games are close. One of the few exceptions was 2005, when Indianapolis dominated the Steelers in the old RCA Dome.

These two teams play opposite types of football. The Steelers are a balanced team that uses the pass for big plays and uses the run to dominate the clock. The Colts, led by Manning, love to throw the ball and don't run well at all. Those differing approaches always make for an interesting matchup.

The Edge?

It's about even. The Colts are one-dimensional on offense almost every year, but somehow find a way to win. With the Steelers having better weapons at wide receiver and along the offensive line, the Steelers might finally be able to dominate the AFC South's best squad.

Then again, Manning may be able to pull an Aaron Rodgers and dominate the Steelers' weak pass defense.

Week 8 Against New England

Why?

This is another one that, like Baltimore, needs little explanation. The Patriots have dominated the Steelers since Tom Brady took the reigns, losing only twice to the Steelers since 2001. There have been a lot of lopsided games in that period. Tom Brady often brings his best effort against his team's top rivals in the AFC.

Don't let the team's recent playoff woes fool you, they can still bring it. Brady figures to be every bit as good as usual and the Patriots could be even more dangerous if they find a consistent running game from among the pieces Bill Belichick has gathered over recent years.

The Edge?

It has to go to the Patriots here. The only thing the Steelers have going for them is home field advantage. In 2004 and 2008, the Patriots got thrashed in Pittsburgh during the regular season. The Steelers will look to repeat that. The problem is that their weaknesses play right into the Patriots' hands.

If the Steelers' offensive line is truly improved, the team will stand a good chance. The real test, however, comes on defense. Troy Polamalu will have to have a stellar game and Ike Taylor will have to be at his best or Brady and his receivers will shred the Pittsburgh secondary.

Week 6 Against Jacksonville

Why?

I know what you're thinking. The Jags? But look at the history here. The former AFC Central rivals have been a thorn in the side of the Steelers, most recently ousting them in the 2007 playoffs (with the help of several awful officiating calls) and previously beating them regardless of the fortunes of each team going into the contest.

Every team has another team that mysteriously can always give them trouble. For Pittsburgh, even at their best, Jacksonville is that team. David Garrard seems to find plays to make where they usually aren't. The Jaguars' defense, usually not a strength, seems to step up to the plate against Pittsburgh.

The Edge?

The Steelers get the edge because they figure to be a better overall team, but don't sleep on Jacksonville pulling an upset. The Jaguars have this history on their side.

The good news is that David Garrard plays just the type of game the Steelers defense loves and the Jaguars' best weapon, Maurice Jones-Drew, is often neutralized by the run defense. Also good news now is that Fred Taylor, long a problem for Pittsburgh, is no longer on the roster.

Week 4 at Houston

Why?

Just like with the Jaguars, the Texans often get dismissed as inferior. They aren't as good of a team as the Steelers are, but they do pose a serious danger.

In the Super Bowl, a team with an excellent quarterback and a plethora of weapons at receiver bested the Steelers because that quarterback (Aaron Rodgers) was able to use his best advantage to undermine the Steelers' biggest weakness. Houston can use the same script. Matt Schaub is also an elite passer with great receivers.

This is another one of those trap games where a seemingly inferior opponent can do one thing well enough to cause big trouble.

The Edge?

The edge still goes to Pittsburgh. Since inexplicably allowing Houston to beat them in 2002 (that franchise's first season) with next to no offense, the Steelers have dominated the Texans. The problem is that the Texans know just how good their offense can be.

The good news is that major weapons like Arian Foster will be neutralized and that Schaub has been susceptible to a good pass rush, which Pittsburgh will likely put up with their star linebacker duo.

Don't Sleep on These Games Either!

1. Both Games Against Cleveland

Divisional doormats are always trap games. If the Browns show some improvement under Pat Shurmur, they could get dangerous fast. Colt McCoy might just be for real.

2. Week 16 Against St. Louis

Sam Bradford was great in his first year. He could get even better if the team keeps giving him weapons. This is another team that figures to be able to create on offense, so the Steelers will have to be extra sharp on defense.

3. Week 12 At Kansas City

Matt Cassel is starting to emerge in Kansas City. The Steelers lost the last time they went up against the Chiefs (2009), so this team obviously can cause some issues. Cassel should be even better with another year with Todd Haley and some improved pieces around him, so the Steelers can't let themselves get trapped.