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The Steelers’ Toughest Opponents In 2025
Aug 9, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) lines up for the snap against the New York Jets during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers are finally ready to kick off the 2025 season against the New York Jets. Looking down the schedule, Pittsburgh has some tough opponents to tackle this season. The back half of their schedule isn’t as tough as it was in 2024, but it’s still tough down the stretch. In the NFL, there are no easy opponents. 

5. The Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers come to town in Week 8 for a primetime matchup with the Steelers. This game will have all of the theatrics. Aaron Rodgers will face his old team for the first time. Pittsburgh will be wearing its throwback jersey. The Packers’ new addition, Micah Parsons, will make life tough for Rodgers, but it is a winnable game. The NFC North is the best division in football this season, and Green Bay has a chance to win it. 

4. The Trip To Ireland

In Week 4, the Steelers will travel to Dublin, Ireland, to face the Minnesota Vikings. Guarding Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison will be tough, on top of the brutal nine-hour flight to Dublin from Pittsburgh. Luckily, the Steelers get their bye in Week 5, but it will be a brutal trip for the old Pittsburgh team. Getting a win across the pond won’t be easy. 

3. The Detroit Lions

Pittsburgh has to go to Detroit in Week 16 to face the Detroit Lions. They are one of the best teams in football despite losing both coordinators last offseason. The Lions’ lethal weapons will make life hard for the Steelers’ defense. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are one of the best receiver duos in the NFL, and Jahmyr Gibbs is deadly with the ball in his hands. Pittsburgh will have its hands full in Week 16. 

2. The Entire AFC North (Twice)


Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The AFC North isn’t the best division in football this season, but it will be a dog fight as usual. The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals will be tough in 2025, and the Cleveland Browns always make divisional games interesting. The Ravens are poised to win the division for a third year in a row, but the Steelers and Bengals will fight them to the death for it. Don’t count Pittsburgh out in the AFC North in 2025. 

1. Themselves 


Aug 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin talks to his players against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Steelers’ toughest opponent remains themselves. They have to avoid the late-season implosion that always seems to happen. Last season, they started 10-2 and didn’t win another game. The schedule to end the year was brutal, but there’s no excuse in the Steel City. They have to stay out of their own way in 2025, and they will be successful. 

End Of My Pittsburgh Steelers Rant


Aug 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin watches the replay on the monitor against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh has high expectations for the 2025 season. They made that apparent with all the offseason moves they made. To be successful this season, the Steelers will need to navigate a tough schedule. Vegas has Pittsburgh’s win line at 8.5, and everybody knows the over is bound to hit. Mike Tomlin doesn’t care about nine wins. He wants to lift a sticky Lombardi trophy. 

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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