Bob Quinn and I are back to continue our predictions for the entire Pittsburgh Steelers record in 2022. If you missed last week’s article, Bob believes the Steelers will finish 3-1 through the team’s first four games, while I think they will finish 2-2. You can read the full breakdown here.
Remember to take part in our polls for every four games (found at the bottom of the article). We will randomly pick someone who has the best cumulative record to win a free shirt from the Pittsburgh Clothing Company. *Shirt price limited to no more than $25
Let’s continue!
Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker T.J. Watt tackles Buffalo Bills Quarterback Josh Allen and forces a fumble on September 21, 2021. The Steelers beat the Bills 23-16. CREDIT JAMIE GERMANO/ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Andrew’s Prediction for Week 5:
October 9 – Steelers at Bills
For the second year in a row, the Steelers will travel up to Orchard Park. Last year, they left with a surprising victory in first week of the season. This year, however, the outcome may be a little different. The Buffalo Bills are the current favorites to win the Super Bowl, and they have every reason to be with Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, and offseason acquisition, Von Miller to go along with All-Pro corner, Tre’Davious White.
As Lee Corso puts it so well, “Not so fast!” Head Coach Mike Tomlin will have the team ready to play, especially with it being Mitch Trubisky's homecoming. Last year, the Steelers blitzed the Bills at a record-low pace, blitzing on just two dropbacks in the entire game, per NFL.com. Will this same method work this time around? It’s possible! But I don’t see Teryl Austin, defensive coordinator, and Brian Flores, senior defensive assistant, dipping into that same well.
Look for T.J. Watt to record at least one sack and the defense to come up with multiple stops. Allen will find pay dirt, as expected, but the defense will hold him out when it matters the most. This will be one of those games where the Steelers aren’t supposed to win, but they somehow come out with a victory. The Steelers edge out a close victory in an ugly game to give Trubisky his homecoming win.
Steelers 12, Bills 7
Bob’s Prediction for Week 5:
The Steelers will be riding high in Week 5 off to a 3-1 start when they roll into Buffalo. The Steelers played the Bills tough in 2021 and it took some defensive fireworks and magic from Ben Roethlisberger in Week 1 last year. I think the defense will rise to the occasion, but Buffalo is extremely talented and will be looking to avenge the loss from last year. I do not have a good feeling about this game, and I think it could get out of hand early.
Bills 28 Steelers 13
Current Free Agent Joe Haden was emotional after play when covering New England Patriots Wide Receiver Chris Hogan on December 16, 20018. That was the last time Tom Brady visited Pittsburgh. CREDIT JOE SARGENT/GETTY IMAGES
Andrew’s Prediction for Week 6:
October 16 – Buccaneers at Steelers
Tom Brady will make his return to Heinz Field for the first time as a Buccaneer, where he’s won six out of nine contests in his career (including the playoffs) as a member of the New England Patriots. Brady is 12-4 against the Steelers all-time (including the playoffs), and the first time he’s visited Pittsburgh since 2018, where the Steelers won 17-10.
History tends to repeat itself, right? This will be a game that will be won in the trenches. Trubisky will be asked to manage the game and the team will lean on Najee Harris’ legs. Look for Harris to rush for over 150 yards and for Trubisky to make the throws when they matter the most.
Brady will score twice, but the defense holds and prevents him from making yet another game-winning drive. Brady’s record against the Steelers will fall to 12-5.
Steelers 23, Buccaneers 21
Bob’s Prediction for Week 6:
The national media should be abuzz, trashing the Steelers all week long as overrated, and the Bills game as proof. Brady will be rolling into Pittsburgh for likely his last ever visit. I think this game will feature some odd plays and strangely be close heading into the fourth quarter when Renegade will blast, and Cam Heyward and Watt wreck the game to send Brady home with bruises.
Steelers 27, Buccaneers 23
Former Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver Tyreek Hill celebrates after catching a touchdown in the 2021 AFC Wildcard game on January 16, 2022. CREDIT AP
Andrew’s Prediction for Week 7:
October 23 – Steelers at Dolphins
Through seven games, Trubisky will remain the starter, and that isn’t likely to change at this point in the season in such a high-caliber game that will be filled with emotions as Flores makes his return to Miami. Trubisky will continue to build a rapport with his receivers and get more comfortable with the offense.
The Miami Dolphins had a busy offseason, adding players such as All-Pro wide receiver, Tyreek Hill, Raheem Mostert, and Chase Edmonds, to name a few. It’s the latter two who will cause the most headaches for the Steelers along with Sony Michel, and Salvon Ahmed. The four-headed monster will rack up a combined 200 yards with three scores in what will be too much to overcome. And yes, Hill will find the end zone once again.
The Dolphins get the final laugh.
Dolphins 31, Steelers 17
Bob’s Prediction for Week 7:
Pittsburgh will be visiting Miami after an emotional home win and the Dolphins will be an improved team with Hill calling South Beach home. The Miami speed will be a huge concern, but the Steelers will take advantage of the fact that Tua Tagovailoa will be throwing bubble screens and slants, something the Steelers defense saw every day in practice the last two seasons. The Steelers get a big turnover early and hold off the Dolphins.
Steelers 23, Dolphins 14
Andrew’s Prediction for Week 8:
October 30 – Steelers at Eagles
In the battle of Pennsylvania, the Steelers will face a Philadelphia team that has speed and explosiveness, especially with A.J. Brown coming over from Tennessee to pair with second-year man, DeVonta Smith. The two beat our corners on a couple of deep passes and they combine for over 200 yards receiving.
After signing James Bradberry III, their secondary gets even more powerful, so I expect to see a heavy dose of Harris to open up passing lanes for Trubisky. The offense hangs in it through the whole game until late when Trubisky throws a costly interception to secure the win for the Eagles.
This is when talks of starting Kenny Pickett grow louder and louder, especially heading into the bye week.
Eagles 28, Steelers 21
Bob’s Prediction for Week 8:
Back-to-back road games are never a good thing in the NFL. The Steelers always struggle in Philadelphia and the Eagles will be fighting the Dallas Cowboys for the division. The Steelers will play hard, but the Philly jinx continues as the Steelers head into the bye week with a loss.
Eagles 24, Steelers 9
Andrew’s Final Take
I think this may be one of the toughest stretches of the season for the Steelers. At 3-5, Steeler Nation will grow restless, as will the media. Through eight games, I don’t think Pickett starts, but at two games below .500, it may be time to see what he can do for the team.
Bob’s Final Take
The Steelers will reach the halfway point at 5-3 and the fanbase should be excited. Close wins over Tampa Bay and New England will place them in the playoff hunt. The young offense should be ready to roll and have a more productive second half of the season. Coming off the worst loss of the season to the Eagles should finally reveal what the Steelers have to do as an offense to score enough points consistently to make the leap to a playoff team.
Stay tuned to next week’s predictions for Weeks 9-13.
#SteelerNation
