The Pittsburgh Steelers have a fairly difficult schedule coming up during the 2025 regular season, especially in the latter half. The organization will have to take on the entire NFC North, which is a division that could have three playoff teams by the time the winter months roll around. That division also boasts the young and hungry Chicago Bears, which could cause some issues for the Steelers in late November. However, the clash within the NFC North that fans are most looking forward to is the early-season matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, as the game will take place in Dublin, Ireland in Week 3.
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Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell laughs on the sidelines prior to a regular season game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The clash with the Vikings is going to be interesting, although Pittsburgh should have a pretty strong fan base overseas in Dublin. The Vikings will likely be starting second-year quarterback JJ McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury, which should favor the defense of the Steelers. One of Minnesota's top offensive weapons, Jordan Addison, will also likely still be getting acclimated to the 2025 season as he could be on the receiving end of a three-game suspension, due to an off-the-field incident that occurred in 2024.
If convicted, Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison could be facing a baseline three-game suspension, per NFL policy. https://t.co/we6dIrQSpo
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2025
Addison got in trouble during the 2024 offseason as he was cited for a DUI by law enforcement, and his trial was set for this July. He pleaded not guilty, but the results of the trial remain unclear. If he is convicted, he could miss the first three-games of the year for the Vikings, which would force his first game back to be overseas against the Steelers in Week 4.
Addison has made a large impact on the offense for the Vikings since being drafted in 2023. In two seasons, he has tallied over 130 receptions, and over 1,700 receiving yards -- as well as 19 touchdowns. He has been very good, and he is an important part of what Minnesota does offensively. If he is suspended the first three games of the season, it is going to be hard to work him back into the swing of things for an international game.
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Vikings' Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson during an away game in Detroit.
Teams have to carefully plan out their travel plans for those games, due to the time changes. Addison would need practice, especially before making his potential season debut against the Steelers, while catching passes from a quarterback that he has not shared the field with in a regular season contest. There are a lot of factors the Vikings will have to consider if Addison does get hit with the three-game suspension from the league, but they are one of the better organization's in the NFL right now, and they should be able to figure things out.
Steelers Will Still Have Plenty To Worry About On Minnesota's Offense
Even if the Steelers are facing the Vikings with Addison playing in some limited capacity, there is still a ton to worry about and game plan for from Minnesota. Justin Jefferson has been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL since entering the league, TJ Hockenson is an above-average tight end, and Aaron Jones is coming off of a monster season. McCarthy can also be a threat with his legs, so it is not like the Steelers will have an easy path to a victory if the Vikings are short-handed, or if Addison is only playing a handful of snaps to get himself acclimated.
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Justin Jefferson points to the sideline after a big play.
The Vikings are going to be hard to beat, but Pittsburgh has a new-look roster that should be able to perform better on both sides of the ball than what was seen from the team in 2024.
What do you think of Addison's legal issues? Let us know in the comments below!
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