The Pittsburgh Steelers' upcoming season is brimming with potential as they prepare to face their arch-rival, the Baltimore Ravens, a team known for delivering nail-biting moments in recent years. The international showdown in Ireland adds a layer of intrigue as well. Additionally, confrontations with the Cincinnati Bengals remain critical, given their consistent divisional threat. With aspirations to break their playoff win drought since the 2016 season, each game holds significant weight in defining their journey.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Payton Wilson scores the first touchdown of his young career against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024.
Key Takeaways
Steelers vs. Ravens in the 2024 playoffs highlights a fierce rivalry following a tough Week 16 loss,
International NFL debut: Steelers vs. TBD at Ireland's Croke Park,
Steelers face Ravens, Bengals and Browns with AFC North title implications,
The Packers game is crucial. It pits the Steelers against Jordan Love at home,
Steelers meet Dolphins, with both teams aiming for a playoff push and building on recent performances.
Key Division Showdowns
The 2025 season is shaping up to be thrilling for the Steelers, especially with their key division showdowns in the fiercely competitive AFC North.
Against the Ravens, expect intense matchups, given their league-leading nine Pro Bowlers and recent division win. The Wild Card Round loss to Baltimore last season will surely motivate the Steelers, especially with a playoff clash looming.
Facing the Bengals, you'll see vital games that impact division standings. Remember last year's highs and lows, like the 44-38 triumph.
The Browns, with their formidable defense, remain another hurdle. With the scheduled games against both the AFC East and NFC North—divisions that feature some of the toughest squads on the list of NFL teams—each game is pivotal for playoff hopes and breaking a playoff win drought since 2016, emphasizing the need for consistency.
AFC East Challenges
Prepare for some intense battles as the Steelers face the AFC East in their 2025 season.
You'll witness them hosting the 2024 division champion Buffalo Bills, known for their strong defense, at Acrisure Stadium. Also, be prepared for competitive clashes against the Miami Dolphins, who aim to improve their 8-9 record with an evolving offense.
Traditional rivals, the New England Patriots, always bring a playoff-caliber challenge, while the New York Jets' young talent promises an exciting showdown. With the kickoff scheduled in September 2025, fans have plenty of time to anticipate these matchups and plan their attendance.
On the road, the Steelers will tackle these teams in their distinctive environments, like MetLife Stadium in New York.
Watch out for how the Steelers' offensive and defensive strategies hold up against these formidable AFC East opponents.
Rich Barnes / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers' T.J. Watt (#90) knocks the ball away from Bills' Josh Allen (#17) in 2021.
NFC North Battles
How well can the Steelers hold their ground against the NFC North in 2025?
You'll see some exciting matchups at Acrisure Stadium. First, the Minnesota Vikings' potent offense, led by the likes of JJ McCarthy, faces the Steelers' defense. It's an essential test for both sides:
The Vikings' strong defense and offense,
The Packers' iconic history and potential Love matchup,
The Lions' surprising young talent.
When the Packers visit, the Steelers will need to leverage home-field advantage to counter Green Bay's storied competitiveness.
Meanwhile, the Lions, with their rising offense, could present surprising challenges.
Although facing the Chicago Bears away at Soldier Field complicates things, the Steelers can capitalize on the Bears' rebuilding phase and navigate Chicago's tough conditions for vital wins.
International Game Spotlight
As the Steelers navigate their NFC North matchups, another thrilling challenge awaits them across the Atlantic. They'll host the NFL's first regular-season game in Ireland this season at Croke Park, Dublin.
As the designated home team, this game promises fireworks, given Watt's impressive performances in the past and the high stakes involving a MVP-caliber candidate. According to FanDuel’s NFL matchup predictions, this overseas showdown is shaping up to be one of the season's most anticipated games.
With the May schedule announcement, fans enthusiastically anticipate this unique event. It marks a historic step into the Irish market for the NFL, giving Steelers fans abroad a chance to experience the team live.
Expect high ticket demand as this game showcases global NFL growth.
Playoff Impact Games
Several pivotal games shaped the Steelers' path to the playoffs this season, each carrying significant weight in determining their postseason fate.
As a fan, you would've kept a keen eye on these outcomes to understand the implications on playoff seeding.
Last season, beating the Bengals and needing the Ravens to lose to the Browns for the AFC North title and a No. 3 seed,
Dropping to the No. 6 seed if the Steelers lost their final game and the Chargers came out on top,
The critical Week 18 matchup with the Bengals where the Steelers were underdogs.
The Steelers' four-game losing streak, coupled with a downturn in offensive performance to end the regular season, led them into the Wild Card Round as the No. 6 seed, eventually losing to the Ravens.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2024 Wild Card Round.
Star Players to Watch
The Steelers' roster boasts a lineup of standout players you'll want to keep an eye on this season.
On offense, quarterback Mason Rudolph brings experience as he enters his seventh NFL season. Wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, recently traded and extended, promises thrilling plays with his impressive size and speed. Don't overlook versatile running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren, who'll keep defenses guessing.
Defensively, T.J. Watt remains a game-changer with his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks. Cameron Heyward commands respect on the defensive line. Isaiah Loudermilk and Esezi Otomewo offer support in the trenches.
Look for Malik Harrison and Cole Holcomb to make impactful plays as linebackers.
What’s at Stake for the Steelers in 2025
The Steelers’ 2025 season isn’t just another chapter—it’s a defining moment. From a heated division rivalry with the Ravens to a historic showdown in Ireland, every matchup is layered with meaning. These games aren’t just battles for bragging rights—they're stepping stones toward breaking a nearly decade-long playoff win drought.
With a bolstered roster, international spotlight, and high-stakes divisional clashes, the road ahead is as challenging as it is promising. If the Steelers can rise to the occasion, 2025 might just be the year they finally turn potential into postseason progress.
Buckle up—this season could be the one that reshapes Pittsburgh’s football legacy.
