Final Record: 10-6
A projected 10-6 record seems optimistic on the surface, but Pittsburgh has the second easiest strength of schedule in the NFL, facing teams that combined for a .457 winning percentage in 2019. For reference, the Baltimore Ravens have the easiest schedule, facing teams that combined for a .437 winning percentage last season.
The Steelers play six games against playoff teams from 2019. However, they face the Ravens twice. Even though Baltimore built a dominant roster, Pittsburgh almost always forces Baltimore into close games. Division rivalries tend to level the playing field. If Baker Mayfield plays like he did last year, the Steelers should beat the Browns twice, and Cincinnati is a year away from causing trouble.
As for the other playoff teams Pittsburgh faces, the Steelers almost beat the Buffalo Bills last season despite starting Devlin Hodges. Some fans may love Duck, but he can’t hold a candle to Big Ben’s flame. Pittsburgh also faces the Houston Texans, who arguably got worse this offseason. That’s easily a winnable game.
Overall, a 10-6 record is overachieving for the Steelers. While the team’s defense is playing at a championship-caliber level, the offense is suspect. None of the offense’s skill position players performed at high levels last season. Unless several players step up in 2020, Pittsburgh could be bound for an early playoff exit.
With Roethlisberger potentially set to retire after the season and several vital starters heading toward free agency, this could be Pittsburgh’s final shot at a Super Bowl for the next five or six years.