Each week, our football staff at DK Pittsburgh Sports predicts the Steelers' result, along with sharing a few related thoughts. But, here to kick things off this season, we're also giving our predictions for the Steelers' record in 2023.
For a full preview of the matchup with the 49ers, check out my breakdown or Matt Williamson's War Room.
WEEK 1: STEELERS VS. 49ERS
Chris Halicke: In a breath of fresh air from last season, the Steelers' roster really matches up well in this game. And I don't say that lightly because the 49ers have perhaps the best roster in the NFL. Ultimately, this comes down to the two most important players on the field: T.J. Watt and Nick Bosa, the two most recent winners of the Defensive Player of the Year award. Bosa got his money, but there will be questions about his game conditioning and any kind of a pitch count. On the other hand, Watt is healthy and ready to send a message that 2022's injury-riddled season is a thing of the past. Even if Bosa shows up and is, well, Nick Bosa, the Steelers are better equipped to handle a superstar edge rusher. Needless to say, Colton McKivitz is going to have his hands full with Watt. Steelers, 23-20
Corey Crisan: The 49ers have the best roster in the NFL from the second position through the 53rd. The exception is ... the quarterback. It's not that I do not believe in Brock Purdy as an adequate passer in the NFL, but it definitely helps his case that he has an armory worth of weapons to spread the ball around to. This feels like a fine challenge for Kenny Pickett and the Steelers' offense to utilize as a measuring stick going forward, but I think the 49ers just have a bit too much for the Steelers in this one. 49ers, 27-20
Matt Williamson: San Francisco presents an enormous challenge for the Steelers to start the regular season. We know the Steelers' passing game wants to attack the middle of the field more, but this defense they are playing is the best in the NFL in that regard. And now Bosa is back in the mix, which could make attacking deep outside the numbers more difficult from a protection standpoint. The opposite is true when the 49ers have the ball in terms of defending the middle of the field. Kyle Shanahan has to be excited about attacking the Steelers' new linebackers. We shall see if they are up for the challenge. Still, I have the Steelers winning this game, and giving Purdy a very difficult time while establishing a strong running game with Najee Harris. Steelers, 24-23
Ramon Foster: The rain's coming. It's going to take a lot more poise to get things done. I like our defense a whole lot better. Also, hand that thing off to Najee. Please don't overthink it. Matt Canada's gotten into everybody's good graces this preseason. Let's do that thing where you call the plays in the right fashion. Steelers, 24-18
STEELERS' 2023 RECORD
Chris Halicke: In a full NFL breakdown, I have the Steelers going 11-6 and finishing second place in the AFC North. Listen, the AFC is loaded. There will be at least one team that wins 10 games and misses the playoffs. I even have two teams (Ravens and Chargers) going 10-7 and missing the playoffs. But, the schedule really favors the Steelers. They play the crappy AFC South. That should be three wins. The NFC West should produce at least two wins (Rams and Cardinals), three if the Steelers can beat either San Francisco or Seattle. Green Bay at home is a very winnable fifth game against the NFC. The Raiders should be a win, even if it's on the road (they're not playing in The Coliseum anymore). Then, if all of that comes to fruition, going 3-3 in the division is all it takes to win 11 games. This roster is more than capable of winning at least 10 games, which I see as a floor (barring injuries, of course). But, I'm confident this team wins 11 games and faces either Cincinnati or Jacksonville in the wildcard round.
Corey Crisan: The 2023 season will be an overall better one for the Steelers. The largest concern with respect to a finish is what is around them. This AFC is absolutely loaded. It's 10 teams deep. As in, that many teams have legitimate potential to win 10 games this season. I realistically see the Steelers inside that category, but I have them just missing the postseason with a 10-7 record. It's very possible that 10 wins is not good enough to get into the postseason for some teams, and I have the Steelers on the outside looking in. Is this a low-balling number? Yes. Is there a likelihood that the Steelers win more and get into the postseason? Absolutely.
Matt Williamson: I am torn between the Steelers finishing with 10 or 11 wins, and getting an opening day victory over a tough 49ers team would obviously go a very long way to the latter. I am predicting a Week 1 victory, so let's go with 11-6 for the season. And I also have the Steelers as the second Wild Card seed and the second place team in the brutal AFC North. I'm forecasting the Steelers to go 3-3 within this division and with a win on Sunday, getting to 11 wins might not be as far fetched as you might think.
Ramon Foster: I got the Steelers getting 11 wins and finishing second in the AFC North. I don't know why second. If they finish first, I'll be glad to be wrong. 11-6 record on the year. No ties. What's a tie?
Let's have your picks in the comments!
