What to watch for on the Steelers 2025 NFL schedule
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2025 season with renewed intrigue as the NFL’s full schedule was released on Wednesday. With kick-off slated for this fall, fans in Pittsburgh and beyond are eager to see how the retooled roster will handle a potentially challenging slate of matchups.
Known for their consistency, the Steelers will look to extend their streak of .500 or better seasons, and hopefully break their postseason winless drought.
This article breaks down the Steelers’ 2025 schedule with predictions and an outlook on how the team is projected to perform.
Steelers’ 2025 opponents and strength of schedule
The list of NFL teams the Steelers will face includes a mix of home and away games against tough competition. Here’s how the matchups look:
Home Games
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Green Bay Packers
- Buffalo Bills
- Minnesota Vikings
- Indianapolis Colts
- Miami Dolphins
- Cleveland Browns
- Seattle Seahawks
Away Games
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions
- Los Angeles Chargers
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
According to Sharp Football Analysis, Pittsburgh will face the 24th most challenging schedule in 2025. This includes facing divisional rivals Ravens and Bengals, both of whom continue to be formidable opponents, along with several other 2024 playoff teams such as the Seahawks, Vikings, Packers, Chargers, Bills, and Lions.
What Makes This Schedule Tough?
- Divisional Matchups: The AFC North consistently ranks among the most competitive divisions in the league, with the Bengals and Ravens leading the charge.
- Non-Conference Opponents: Teams such as the Lions and Vikings present a significant challenge on the road.
- Prime-Time Opportunities: The Steelers will be seen .
The #Steelers 2025 schedule pic.twitter.com/3yzH2Y9Ez4
— (@steelcityundrgr) May 15, 2025
Record prediction and key games
Win-Loss Prediction
Experts project the Steelers to finish the 2025 NFL season with a record of 8-9, a challenging placement considering their track record of .500 or better for 21 consecutive seasons. While the defense is expected to perform at a championship level, the offense may struggle due to uncertainties at quarterback and skill positions.
Key Games to Watch
At Baltimore Ravens
The Steelers will be looking for payback against the Ravens following crushing defeats in Baltimore last season that saw them lose a shot at winning the AFC North, and also a disappointing loss in the Wild Card round. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry on the Ravens’ home turf will test Pittsburgh’s defense.
Buffalo Bills at Home
Josh Allen and the Bills bring firepower to the matchup, forcing Pittsburgh’s defense to step up. At home, the Steelers need strong performances to secure must-win games like this. They also need their fans to show up and not allow the “Bills Mafia” to takeover with the short drive south to Pittsburgh.
At Detroit Lions
Detroit is trending upward with its young, dynamic roster. Playing in a raucous Ford Field will carry added pressure for Pittsburgh to execute on both sides of the ball. The game also comes at an opportune time as the Steelers travel frequently in December and get an opportunity to play inside of a dome stadium.
Cincinnati Bengals
With Joe Burrow and the Bengals boasting one of the top offenses in the league, Pittsburgh will lean on its defense to contain the Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback in both the home and away matchups. Look for the Steelers to enact some revenge after dropping one of their last five games to the Bengals last season.
At New York Jets
This Week 1 matchup could get interesting if Aaron Rodgers signs with the Steelers and faces his former team. Regardless, Justin Fields will get the opportunity to do the same as the former Steelers quarterback signed with New York in the offseason.
Defensive strengths could keep Pittsburgh competitive
The Steelers’ defense, led by T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and a strong supporting cast—including first-rounder Derrick Harmon and emerging corner Joey Porter Jr.—remains elite. But with Mason Rudolph or rookie Will Howard likely under center, offensive consistency is still a major concern.
Betting insights for 2025
For fans exploring NFL betting predictions, the Steelers’ win total over/under projection sits at 8.5 games per FanDuel. The Ravens and Bengals are favored to finish as the top two teams in the AFC North, likely leaving Pittsburgh to battle for the third position alongside a Cleveland rebuild.
- Defensive Props: Bet on individual player performances, with names like T.J. Watt likely to feature heavily in categories such as sacks or Defensive Player of the Year odds,
- Win Totals: An 8.5 projection reflects a thin margin between hitting the over or under, making critical injuries or divisional results essential.
Can the Steelers defy the odds?
Pittsburgh’s 2025 season is packed with potential hurdles—from tough divisional matchups to high-profile road games. But history shows that a Mike Tomlin-led Steelers team is rarely out of the fight. Whether you’re following NFL betting predictions or simply anticipating the action, this season promises to be another dramatic chapter for one of football’s most celebrated franchises. The path won’t be easy, but the Steelers have a track record of rising to the occasion.
