Our predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2022 season continue. After predicting they will finish the first half at two games under .500, Pittsburgh has some work to do; and this is where Head Coach Mike Tomlin dips into the rookie well and rolls out Kenny Pickett, who reportedly is willing to do "anything, absolutely anything to win".
When does he make his debut? Keep reading to find out!
Week 9 – Bye Week
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (#8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during rookie minicamp, Friday, May 13, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Prediction for Week 10
November 13 – Saints at Steelers
The time is now for Kenny Pickett, so prepare yourselves. After a bumpy first half of the season, Coach Tomlin rolls out the rookie on the road, and it’s going to be tough sledding against the New Orleans Saints' stingy defense that finished inside the top five in total defense in 2021.
Pickett will struggle – and naturally so – barely surpassing 200 yards through the air and will throw a couple of interceptions in a low-scoring game. Although Pickett loses his first start, Coach Tomlin will stick with him the rest of the season to allow him time to grow with the offense.
Saints 16, Steelers 9
Prediction for Week 11
November 20 – Bengals at Steelers
The headline for this game? Pickett prevails in front of 68,000+. This will be a sellout crowd in Pickett’s first game as a starter in front of Steeler Nation, especially on Sunday Night Football. Coming off a disappointing debut, emotions will be running high and the Steelers will feed off that energy. At 3-6, the Steelers will need that signature win to carry momentum down the stretch – and this will be that game.
While Joe Burrow will get his, Pickett stays with him punch-for-punch, and the defense comes up with a major stop in the fourth quarter after “Renegade” blares over the loudspeaker. The Steelers win in an epic showdown in front of the whole country.
Steelers 31, Bengals 27
Prediction for Week 12
Nov 3, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
November 28 – Steelers at Colts
Coming off a strong victory, Pickett remains the starter and now gets the opportunity to showcase his talents at Lucas Oil Stadium. The climb to make it back to .500 and to put themselves back in the playoff picture is underway and now get a date with Matt Ryan and Jonathan Taylor. The last time Taylor played the Steelers in 2019, he found the end zone twice and recorded 74 yards on the ground. This time around, the 2021 MVP finalist will be leaned on heavily if the Colts will look to find success.
Taylor eclipses the century mark and finds pay dirt at least once – but that’s about it for the Colts’ offense. Pickett out-duels Ryan through the air and finds production on the ground on his way to four total touchdowns.
Steelers 38, Colts 27
Prediction for Week 13
December 4 – Steelers at Falcons
Coming off a two-game win streak, the Steelers have to be feeling pretty good about themselves. Now, they get another plus-matchup when they travel to Atlanta. Whether it be Desmond Ridder or Marcus Mariota, the defense is going to bring the Steel Curtain down. Look for at least four sacks and at least one interception.
Unfortunately, Steeler Nation will have to sweat this one out. In favorable matchups, the Steelers tend to perform below their standards. Eventually, they leave Atlanta with a victory and get back to .500.
Steelers 20, Falcons 12
Final Take
It’s the Kenny Pickett show in the Steel City. After starting the season 3-5, the bye week provides time for the coaching staff to evaluate Pickett as he eventually gets the nod and gets the Steelers back to .500 and back in the playoff picture. With plenty of momentum, the team is getting hot at the right time.
Steelers' cumulative record: 6-6
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