Steelers' Win-Loss Predictions for 2024 NFL Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the playoffs as a wild-card team in 2023, but they were quickly ousted by the Buffalo Bills. While the Steelers have never experienced a losing season under head coach Mike Tomlin, they haven't won a playoff game since the 2016 season either.

The hope is that things will be different this year and that new players like Russell Wilson, Patrick Queen and rookie tackle Troy Fautanu will make Pittsburgh a powerhouse once again.

The challenge for Pittsburgh will be competing in the brutal AFC North—and, ideally, winning the division for the first time since 2020. Having a home playoff game would be huge, but it'll likely record a better record than the 10-7 mark the Steelers produced last season.

How will Pittsburgh fare in 2024? Let's examine their schedule, their expectations and make a few predictions.

Steelers 2024 Schedule

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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 23: Jake Browning #6 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws the ball under pressure by T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of a game at Acrisure Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Week 1: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 2: at Denver Broncos

Week 3: Los Angeles Rams

Week 4: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 5: Dallas Cowboys

Week 6: at Las Vegas Raiders

Week 7: New York Jets

Week 8: New York Giants

Week 9: BYE

Week 10: at Washington Commanders

Week 11: Baltimore Ravens

Week 12: at Cleveland Browns

Week 13: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week 14: Cleveland Browns

Week 15: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 16: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 17: Kansas City Chiefs

Week 18: Cincinnati Bengals

Analysis and Expectations

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Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin

The Steelers simply don't have flat-out bad campaigns under Tomlin. That's unlikely to change in 2024. Pittsburgh's roster is strong overall, and a few areas that lagged in 2023 should be better.

Linebacker Patrick Queen was added to address a run defense that ranked 21st in yards per carry allowed last season. Cornerback Donte Jackson was acquired to improve a secondary that ranked 20th in net yards per pass attempt allowed. Rookie receiver Roman Willson will, ideally, give Pittsburgh a reliable second receiver.

The Steelers used their first two draft picks on Fautanu and center Zach Frazier to boost an offensive line that was strictly just fine last season.

Playmakers like George Pickens, Jaylen Warren, Minkah Fitzpatrick and T.J. Watt are back, and Tomlin regularly gets his players to overachieve. The big unknown is whether Wilson and/or Justin Fields can take Pittsburgh from playoff contender to Super Bowl threat.

The Vegas oddsmakers don't seem to expect a massive jump, even with the new additions. Pittsburgh's over/under for wins currently sits at 8.5, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, suggesting that the Steelers are in danger of falling below .500.

Pittsburgh also faces the longest odds to win the AFC North at +800 (bet $100 to win $800). That shouldn't come as a surprise, though. The Steelers finished behind the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns last year, while the Cincinnati Bengals played much of the season without star quarterback Joe Burrow.

Predictions

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Steelers edge T.J. Watt

Look, if the Steelers are going to be better than they were a year ago, they have to get an above-average starter out of their quarterback competition. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith might bring a little more creativity than predecessor Matt Canada, but he along isn't going to deliver an explosive offense.

If someone doesn't take hold of the quarterback job and run with it, the Steelers will again be leaning on their ground game and defense to scrape out wins this season.

Pittsburgh hasn't decided on a Week 1 starter yet, but it still feels like Wilson will get the first crack at the job.

"Both guys are vying for the role," Tomlin said, per Bob Labriola of the team's official website. "Russ has pole position because of the collective body of work, the totality of the body of work that he brings into the circumstance."

However, neither quarterback looks like a clear-cut upgrade over Kenny Pickett and/or Mason Rudolph just yet. Fields got the start in the preseason opener while Wilson battled a calf injury. He had ups, downs and a couple of botched center exchanges. Wilson was a solid 8-of-10 in the second preseason game but only threw for 47 yards.

Explosive plays, and points, have remained fleeting. The Steelers have scored just 15 points through two preseason contests, and their only touchdown pass came from Kyle Allen.

Things should improve with a full complement of starters on the field, but the Steelers are facing an uphill battle. The AFC North is brutal, and Pittsburgh has the third-hardest schedule based on 2023 winning percentage (.533).

Even if the Steelers are better this season, their record may not be.

Win-Loss Prediction; 10-7

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