2023 Pittsburgh Steelers schedule analysis

On Thursday night, the NFL released the complete Steelers schedule. Per NFL research, Steelers opponents had a 134-151-2 record in 2022, making their 2023 schedule the 25th-most difficult in the NFL.

Circle the date: Week 18 vs. the Ravens, Date TBD

The biggest game of the year may just be the last for the Steelers when they head to Baltimore to take on the Ravens in a matchup that could have heavy playoff implications. The Bengals are the favorite to win the AFC North, so it could come down to the Steelers and Ravens for a Wild Card spot in a loaded AFC.

Toughest stretch: Weeks 16-18

The Steelers start this stretch by hosting the Bengals, who've won the AFC North and made appearances in the conference championship the last two seasons. Pittsburgh then goes on the road in back-to-back games to finish the regular season, taking on the Seahawks and Ravens, both of whom made the playoffs a year ago as well.

No team wants to have their toughest stretch of games at the end of the season when they are trying to get hot, but Pittsburgh will surely find out what it's made of during the stretch that could determine their postseason hopes.

Easiest stretch: Weeks 7-10

Following their Week 6 bye, the Steelers begin with a trip out to Los Angeles to face the Rams, who've seen a lot of roster turnover this offseason. Pittsburgh then has home games against the Jaguars, who are probably the toughest of the bunch, Titans and Packers, both of whom have big questions at quarterback.

The Steelers will need to go 4-0 or 3-1 in this stretch, which certainly feels possible to make the playoffs.

Revenge game: Week 14 (Dec. 7) vs. the Patriots

Mike Tomlin has not had success against the Patriots. This matchup will give him the opportunity to better his 3-8 record vs. New England. 

Plus, a former Steeler has joined the Patriots this offseason. Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster makes his return to Pittsburgh in a prime-time game on Thursday night.