With the NFL schedule set to release two months from today (Thursday, May 11th), it is time to preview the 2023 opponents for the Pittsburgh Steelers. For this upcoming season, the Steelers are set to face off against teams in the NFC West and the AFC South, as well as their usual six games against their divisional rivals.
In addition, they will play the Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots based on their finish in the AFC North Division during the 2022 season. Below you will find a breakdown of home versus away games as well as a way too early) preview of some exciting matchups for the 2023 season.
PHOTO BY: AP PHOTO/MATT DURISKO
Steelers' QB Kenny Pickett Takes The Field
Home Games (9 Total)
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Arizona Cardinals
- Green Bay Packers
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- New England Patriots
- San Francisco 49ers
- Tennessee Titans
Away Games (8 Total)
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Rams
- Seattle Seahawks
Game To Watch For #1: Green Bay Packers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Last Time Played: Green Bay Packers 27, Pittsburgh Steelers 17 (2021)
Kenny Pickett is the unquestioned starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers heading into the 2023 season. The same can not be said for Aaron Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers. There have been an extensive number of reports that Rodgers is looking to play elsewhere next season and also has not entirely ruled out retirement. Regardless of who is under center for the Packers in 2023, this game will serve as a big test for the Steelers.
The Packers are consistently one of the most competitive teams in the NFC and have one of the best head coaches in the entire NFL, Matt LaFleur. Over the course of his young coaching tenure, LaFleur has compiled a 47-19 regular season record (.712) as well as two postseason victories.
The first thing most Steelers fans think about when these two teams face off is Super Bowl XLV where the Packers defeated the Steelers by a score of 31-25. Many (especially Steelers’ fans) felt as if Pittsburgh was the better team but quickly saw their chance of the Lombardi Trophy slip away after the infamous Rashard Mendenhall fumble late in the game. Sorry to bring up this grotesquely painful memory, Steeler Nation.
AP / Matt Slocum
Pittsburgh Steelers Antonio Brown, left, runs past Green Bay Packers Atari Bigby during the first half of Super Bowl XLV on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011, in Arlington, Texas.
Game To Watch For #2: New England Patriots @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Last Time Played: New England Patriots 17, Pittsburgh Steelers 14 (2022)
While Mac Jones versus Kenny Pickett does not carry the same weight as Tom Brady versus Ben Roethlisberger, this game still means something to both of these diehard fan bases. Hopefully, Pickett can reverse the trend of the Patriots having the Steelers’ number. Over the past 10 matchups (including playoffs) between New England and Pittsburgh, the Steelers have won a whopping two games. Thanks a lot, Tom Brady.
During the 2022 regular season game between these two foes, a costly muffed punt by Steelers WR Gunner Olszewski was the deciding play in a 17-14 victory for the Patriots. Following the turnover, Damien Harris put New England up 17-6, which was too big of a deficit for the Mitch Trubisky lead Steelers’ offense to overcome. Expect the Steelers to seek revenge next season.
PHOTO BY: KERSTEN, ANDREW
Steelers' Terrell Edmunds and Joe Haden Celebrate
Game To Watch For #3: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Houston Texans
Last Time Played: Pittsburgh Steelers 28, Houston Texans 21 (2020)
Are the Texans a big-time matchup for the Steelers in 2023? Yes, they are. The Texans currently are slated to select second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Barring an unforeseen free agent signing, the team will be looking to find their long-term answer at quarterback with their selection. Possible names include Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Will Levis and maybe even Anthony Richardson.
Regardless of who Houston decides to take, the opportunity for the Steelers to play against a first-round rookie QB is something that should be considered intriguing to Steelers’ fans. Why is this the case? Two words, Kenny Pickett. This game may serve as an opportunity for fans across the NFL to see if the Steelers made the right decision by electing to draft a QB in the 2022 NFL Draft instead of waiting to draft one in 2023.
Ultimately, if last year is an indication of how Pickett will fare in the NFL, the Steelers made a tremendous decision. However, this game may serve as an opportunity to play the ”what if” game with the Steelers’ QB situation.
Photo by: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell
What Games Are You Looking Forward To In 2023, SteelerNation?
Overall, it is entirely too early to guess what the Steelers' record might be for the 2023 season. However, the Steelers finishing this past season winning seven out of their last nine games and nearly making the playoffs should give fans some optimism going into next season. The next piece of the puzzle is adding valuable free agents to the roster and acing the 2023 NFL Draft. A lot easier said than done. If anyone can do it, it’s General Manager Omar Khan.
What do you think about our opponents for the 2023 season, SteelerNation? Do you have a record prediction? Any games in particular that you are especially looking forward to? Let us know in the comments!
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