Pittsburgh Steelers schedule 2020: Picks, predictions for every game

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 03: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field on November 3, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 03: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field on November 3, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Pittsburgh Steelers schedule 2020 (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers schedule 2020 (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Week 1: Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Giants

The Steelers open their 2020 regular season with a soft game against the Giants. New York has quietly assembled a solid offense over the past two years, but the team’s defense is full of holes. This Week 1 matchup is the perfect game for Roethlisberger to get rid of the rust and get used to regular-season action again. The Steelers win their season opener at New York with ease.

Prediction: Win

Week 2: Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh finds a way to stoop to the level of competitors. However, that’s not the case this time. Denver simply outplays Pittsburgh. The Broncos re-organized their offense over the past year and added veterans on the defensive side of the ball. If Drew Lock lives up to the potential he flashed during his five starts in 2020, then the Broncos could make the playoffs as a Wild Card team.

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While the Steelers hold the advantage in experience, Denver is loaded and spoils Pittsburgh’s home opener.

Prediction: Loss

Week 3: Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Texans got worse during the offseason thanks to general manager Bill O’Brien. With DeAndre Hopkins heading to Arizona, Houston eliminated Deshaun Watson‘s only elite pass-catching option. While the former Clemson quarterback will still give Pittsburgh’s defense fits, he lacks the offensive line and weapons to stay in a game with Roethlisberger.

Pittsburgh’s defense contains Watson long enough for Big Ben and the offense to build an insurmountable lead, giving the Steelers their first home win in 2020.

Prediction: Win

Week 4: Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans

Derrick Henry tore through some of the best defenses in the NFL last season. He pulverized the Baltimore Ravens for 195 yards on 30 carries in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. While Henry doesn’t match that performance against Pittsburgh, he still grinds down the clock and gives Mike Vrabel’s squad a slight edge.

This game could come down to how well Ryan Tannehill plays. Tannehill performed exceptionally well in Tennessee’s system last year, but he could come back to Earth in 2020. This game seems like a tossup, but Vrabel’s team knows how to grind opponents to dust. The Titans win in a close game.

Prediction: Loss