The Pittsburgh Steelers are a few short days from opening their season at home against the San Francisco 49ers. The Steelers are hosting their first Week 1 home game since 2014 where they defeated the Cleveland Browns. With the Steelers having such a successful preseason and a bright future ahead, the Week 1 matchup will likely be one of the most anticipated games of the season.
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Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is poised for a big leap in 2023.
On Thursday's edition of The Herd With Colin Cowherd, Cowherd put out his final NFL predictions for the 2023 season. He had the Cincinnati Bengals winning the AFC North for the third consecutive season. Cowherd then proceeded to put the Steelers in second, the Baltimore Ravens third, and the Browns at the bottom of the AFC North.
The prediction isn't all that surprising with a division as wide open as the AFC North will be in 2023. The surprising part about Cowherd's prediction though was his reasoning as to why he is putting the Steelers in second. He didn't mention the spectacular preseason the Steelers had or the stellar quarterback play from Kenny Pickett.
Cowherd explained that the reason he has the Steelers over the Ravens is simply due to the fact the Ravens' key players tend to get injured throughout the season.
"This is tough because I have so much respect for the Ravens, but the Steelers' roster is built with players that don't have an injury history, and the Ravens' top players have a history of getting hurt. So, I think if they play today, the Ravens would win, but over a 17-game schedule, I have the Steelers finishing second."
At first glance, I can agree with Cowherd's prediction. It is clear that the Bengals have all the right pieces in place to contend for a third straight divisional title. With that being said, the rest of the division is wide open. There is no reason as to why the Steelers can't finish second in the AFC North and pick up a Wild Card spot in the playoffs.
Where I differ from Cowherd is the reasoning as to why the Steelers finish second. Injuries are not the sole reason the Steelers have a chance to finish ahead of the Ravens. Sure, the Ravens have had their problems with injuries over the past few seasons, but to make a prediction based on something that is out of that particular team's control is absurd.
When looking at both of the games between the Steelers and Ravens last season and the improvements made to each roster this offseason, it is reasonable to say the Steelers have the more talented roster from top to bottom.
-544x306.jpg "Steelers Cam Heyward")
Don Wright / AP
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley scrambles out of the pocket with Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward in pursuit during the first half, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Pittsburgh.
The big difference over the past couple of seasons between the Ravens and Steelers is their quarterback play. Former MVP Lamar Jackson hasn't seen much success against the Steelers, but he has managed to be one of the most dangerous quarterbacks across the rest of the league. But Steelers fans have seen a significant improvement with Pickett and it is possible we see him close the gap between him and Jackson this season.
When it comes to skill players and overall defense, it is hard to argue that the Steelers don't have a leg up on the Ravens heading into the 2023 season.
Cowherd Has The Steelers Making The Playoffs In 2023 As The 8th Seed
Cowherd kept seven of the eight playoff teams from last year in the playoffs for this season having the Steelers as the only new team to enter the postseason in the AFC for 2023. As of now, it is hard to find a scenario where the Steelers miss the playoffs this season.
Considering the number of improvements the front office made this offseason and the weaker schedule this season when compared to last year's, it would be hard to bet against the Steelers missing the playoffs for the second straight season.
There are many different scenarios that could happen in the AFC North this upcoming season. If the Steelers think they belong with the AFC powerhouses, staying healthy and protecting Pickett will be the key to success in 2023. There are many reasons to be excited for what lies ahead on Pittsburgh's north shore and a Week 1 victory would be a tremendous start to a crucial season for the Steelers.
What do you think? Do you think the Steelers will be postseason-bound in 2023? Do you agree with Cowherd's predictions? If not, which changes would you make? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below!
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