Pittsburgh Steelers: What will their 2020 record be?

An injured Ben Roethlisberger roams the sidelines during a Pittsburgh Steelers game.
Photo of Ricky Dimon

Ricky Dimon

NFL

Show Bio

Since graduating from Davidson (The College That Stephen Curry Built), I have been writing about sports -- just about any and all you can think of! -- and coaching tennis in Atlanta, GA. Beyond the four major sports, I am an avid tennis fan and cover the ATP Tour on a daily basis. If I'm not busy writing, you can generally find me on a tennis court or traveling the world wherever a sporting event takes me. For Ricky Dimon media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.
Read more about Ricky Dimon

The Pittsburgh Steelers have missed the playoffs on two consecutive occasions—a veritable drought by their lofty standards. In fact, they have not endured a three-year drought since 1998-2000.

Can they avoid such a skid by being one of the AFC’s top seven teams in 2020? A schedule that includes the NFC East and the AFC South plus both the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns twice each certainly offers a good opportunity.

Week 1: @ New York Giants

Ben Roethlisberger has not played a game since the Jurassic Era (well, it feels like that at least). There might be enough signs of rust such that even a mediocre-to-bad team like New York can capitalize. Loss

Week 2: vs. Denver Broncos

Pittsburgh’s reward for not winning the AFC North last year is avoiding Kansas City in the regular season (that pleasure goes to the Ravens). A date with Denver is far more appealing. Win

Week 3: vs. Houston Texans

The Steelers’ early-season schedule could hardly be easier, and at the very worst they will be 2-1 through three weeks. Houston is going to be worse than it was in 2019. Win

Week 4: @ Tennessee Titans

Although the AFC South is nothing to write home about, a road test in Tennessee is as tough as it gets in that division. Derrick Henry will be too tough to stop in this one. Loss

Week 5: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

In an intriguing all-Pennsylvania showdown, home-field advantage will likely be the difference. Of course, it might come down to which QB is still on the field: Roethlisberger or Carson Wentz? Win

Week 6: vs. Cleveland Browns

There will be plenty of intrigue surrounding this rematch of last year’s bloodbath. Roethlisberger was not on the field for that one (things probably would have been much different if he had been), but he should be this time. Win

Week 7: @ Baltimore Ravens

To say the second straight AFC North battle won’t be as easy as the first one would be a gross understatement. Pittsburgh simply isn’t good enough to go into Baltimore and win. Loss

Week 8: BYE

Week 9: @ Dallas Cowboys

The Steelers enjoy a bye with which to prepare for one of their biggest games of the year. This should be a good one, but the Cowboys in Jerry World will likely be able to take care of business. Loss

Week 10: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati twice in the last eight weeks of the season? Pittsburgh will most definitely sign up for that! Look for T.J. Watt to introduce himself not so warmly to No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow. Win

Week 11: @ Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars showed signs of being good a few years ago. But they never took the next step and now they have taken a step back. Pittsburgh should roll here. Win

Week 12: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Facing the Ravens on the road is not going to result in a victory, but Roethlisberger and company will have a better shot at home. Big Ben is still capable of coming up big on the biggest stages. Win

Week 13: vs. Washington Redskins

This could be a bit of a trap game coming off a showdown against Baltimore and soon to embark on a two-game road trip. Still, Washington is in rebuilding bode and won’t be able to capitalize. Win

Week 14: @ Buffalo Bills

Plenty of importance will likely be riding on this contest, as the Bills could also be wild-card contenders. They generally play stout defense and Josh Allen is emerging. Loss

Week 15: @ Cincinnati Bengals

Following a setback at Buffalo, head coach Mike Tomlin will have his crew refocused and energized. The Steelers’ anger will be taken out a Cincinnati squad positioning itself for another high draft pick. Win

Week 16: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Unless Philip Rivers significantly outplays Roethlisberger in a meeting between aging quarterbacks, this one won’t be competitive. Rivers’ supporting cast is far less impressive. Win

Week 17: @ Cleveland Browns

At 10-5, the Steelers will probably have clinched a playoff spot by now despite being too far behind Baltimore to contend in the AFC North. In a potential meaningless game for both, Cleveland prevails. Loss

How good will the Steelers be in 2020? Perhaps not that good, but a friendly schedule presents an enticing proposition. Throw an opponent like Denver into the mix with relatively easy divisional crossovers and that adds to the overall opportunity for success. Pittsburgh probably isn’t going to win its division, but if Roethlisberger stays healthy the brief playoff drought should come to an end.

Pickswise
*
By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy