Steelers May Make Saints Strongly Regret Playing Them In France

The NFL has confirmed the recent schedule leak: the Pittsburgh Steelers will be playing the New Orleans Saints in Paris, France. The game will be held at Stade de France, where numerous other major events have been held. This will be Pittsburgh's second straight season where they play a game overseas after going the previous 12 years without one. With how the league wants to keep growing the game overseas, the Black and Gold will likely be showcased around numerous countries around the world. This could even turn into an annual event if the NFL has its way. 

Of course, the Saints have a strong connection to the nation of France, which is why they were selected to host the first ever game there. However, the opponent choice was definitely questionable. While making an appearance on The North Shore Drive, insider Brian Batko revealed why the Steelers coming to town is bad news for New Orleans. 

"The Steelers, they tend to travel well and have a home-field advantage -- or at least close to it -- wherever they go," Batko said. "I think that could be even more the case when you're in a foreign country. New Orleans, they might have shown up for this Saints team [at the] Superdome, so it would've been somewhat hostile, but I don't think it's going to be hostile in that way in Paris."

While there is that connection between France and New Orleans, it's unclear how many Saints fans reside in that area. What is clear, however, is the fact that Steeler Nation is all over the world. The fans showed out when they played in Dublin, Ireland in 2025. It would not be the least bit surprising to see Stade de France filled to the brim with black jerseys and Terrible Towels when this game kicks off. 

In most international games, the stands are packed without a true team affiliation. There are numerous fans of teams who are not playing in that game at the stadium just to take in the exciting experience of an NFL game. Because of that, there is typically no true home-field advantage. Stade de France may not be as packed with Steelers fans as Croke Park was, but with how they travel, it would be no surprise to see Pittsburgh have the advantage here.

Steelers Fans Have Strongly Influenced International Schedule

Teams who are hosting international games are allowed to "protect" two home games, which means they can tell the NFL that they refuse to play two teams overseas. The Saints may have messed up by not protecting the Pittsburgh contest. The Jacksonville Jaguars reportedly did exactly that recently, as they protected their home game against the Steelers. With how well they travel, teams know that the stands will be packed no matter which team has more fans in the building. 

In fact, this ability to gain home-field advantage anywhere could urge Owner and Team President Art Rooney II to request more "road" games overseas. If the speculation around Steeler Nation showing up and showing out in France turns out to be true, then it would be safe to say that Pittsburgh has the advantage in any neutral-site game across the entire Earth. Steeler Nation may actually be "Steeler World."

If the NFL gets their wish, then every single team will play in an international game in 2025. It will be much harder for teams to avoid playing the Steelers in another nation. Pittsburgh will likely make regular trips to Dublin, where it is already revealed that they have a strong following. No team should be able to benefit from this future endeavor by the league more than the Black and Gold brigade.

What do you think about the Steelers likely having home-field advantage in France against the Saints? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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