What record will the Steelers finish with in 2017?
On April 20th the NFL schedules were released.
With a quick glance, anyone can see that the Steelers have one of the easier schedules among all teams. They only play six games against teams that had a winning record in 2016 (Titans, Texans, Packers, Patriots, Lions, and Chiefs).
You also will notice that the Steelers have several primetime games in a row. These games include the Titans, Packers, Bengals, and Ravens. One game is on Christmas Day.
All are key games for the Pittsburgh Steelers. That being said I will give you my predictions on each game this season. The following predictions are not scientific, nor should they be used to place money on upcoming games (for more on that topic, you can learn about NFL betting futures at SportsBetting.ag.) These are simply guesses based my initial reactions to the release of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2016 football schedule.
Sept. 10 (1:00) @ Browns: W
Although the Browns look like they are starting to turn things around with the help of free agency and the NFL draft, they have always been overshadowed and overpowered by the more talented Pittsburgh Steelers.
Sept. 17 (1:00) Vikings: W
The Vikings started off strong but finished with a record of 8-8. The just recently lost running back Adrian Peterson to the New Orleans Saints and still have questions at the quarterback position. Expect the Steelers to dominate this game.
Sept. 24 (1:00) @ Bears: W
The Bears finished with the 3rd worst record in 2016. The Steelers sometimes struggle with bad teams but usually dominate rookie quarterbacks. I think we can chalk up a W here.
Oct. 1 (1:00) @ Ravens: W
These games are usually close and always fun to watch. Expect the Steelers to get the win are move on to a 4-0 record.
Oct. 8 (1:00) Jaguars: W
This will be another win for the Steelers. The Jaguars went 3-13 in 2016. Their defense has improved greatly over the off-season but Ben, Bell, Brown, and Bryant will be too much to handle.
Oct. 15 (4:25) @ Chiefs: L
The Steelers beat the Chiefs in their last meeting 18-16. The Steelers failed to score a touchdown that game but still pulled out the win. I believe this year will be different the Chiefs are an all around great team. Also, I have to mention that the Chiefs play in one of the NFL’s loudest stadiums.
Oct. 22 (1:00) Bengals: W
Expect the Steelers to bounce back and get the win against a division rival. The Bengals lost some key players over the off-season so it is interesting to see how they play next season. The Steelers have won the last four games against the Bengals and will get the win here.
Oct. 29 (8:30) @ Lions: L
Detroit finished 9-7 last season, going 6-2 at home. I think this will be a close game but the Lions will come out victorious.
Nov. 12 (1:00) Colts: W
Coming off their bye week the Steelers will have plenty of time to prepare for Andrew Luck and the Colts.
Nov. 16 (8:25) Titans: W
Steelers win 31-17. Easy win.
Nov. 26 (8:30) Packers: W
This is the game I am looking forward to the most. Like the Steelers, the Packers have a great offense but lack a great defense. Expect a high scoring game with the Steelers edging it out. I can’t wait for this Super Bowl rematch.
Dec. 4 (8:30) @ Bengals: W
The Steelers beat the Bengals again finishing the season sweep.
Dec. 10 (8:30) Ravens: L
Like I said earlier, Steelers vs. Ravens is always close. It’s always tough to complete the season sweep on the Ravens. Ravens take this one 27-21.
Dec 17. (4:25) Patriots: L
The Patriots had one of the best off-seasons I can remember. Their biggest addition was former Saints receiver, Brandin Cooks. Last season Brady and company touched our defense. I don’t expect anything different this season. Cooks is one of the best deep route runners so don’t be shocked when he gets behind our defense and scores a touchdown.
Dec. 25 (4:30) @ Texans: W
The Texans have yet to find a starting quarterback for next season. Their defense is one of the best in the league but you can’t win if you don’t score points. Win for Pittsburgh.
Dec. 31 (1:00) Browns: W
I expect the Steelers to get the win here, even if they bench the starters.
Conclusion
Overall the Steelers will win their division and finish 12-4.
