We’re less than 100 days away from the return of regular season football in the NFL. Rather than waiting for the excitement of game day, we are building the excitement with our predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2022 season.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve looked at each game on the schedule and predicted what we think will happen in each game. After last week, we stand at a cumulative record of 6-6 through 12 games with five games left – five games that could decide the team’s playoff hopes.
Prediction for Week 13
December 11 – Ravens at Steelers
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 06: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens scrambles under pressure from T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter during the game at Heinz Field on October 6, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)With all the talk of Lamar Jackson being an elite talent at quarterback, the Steelers never have a problem slowing him down. In five career starts against the Steelers, Jackson has posted a 2-3 record with only four touchdowns and six interceptions – equating to a QBR of only 79.3.
When the rivalry renews in Pittsburgh, you can expect similar results. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith will pester Jackson all afternoon on the outside while Cam Heyward will clog up the middle. Kenny Pickett remains the starter but doesn’t have to do anything else except manage the game.
The game will be close – AGAIN. The last five times Pittsburgh and Ravens have played, there was only one time when the game was decided by more than seven points; September 3, 2018, when Pittsburgh lost 26-14. This time, Pittsburgh get the last laugh.
Steelers 20, Ravens 16
Prediction for Week 14
December 18 – Steelers at Panthers
When the Steelers roll into Charlotte, it will be a battle. In some ways, the Panthers roster mimics that of Pittsburgh. Both teams have a young quarterback with a dominant running back and a young and explosive defensive. I expect this to be a game that is won in the trenches, and whichever team can win the turnover battle will win the game.
I give the edge to the more experienced quarterback room. Pickett will throw at least one more interception than Sam Darnold, which will be the nail in the coffin for Pittsburgh.
Panthers 23, Steelers 21
Prediction for Week 15
December 24 – Raiders at Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle, Cam Heyward (#97) lines up against the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 at Heinz Field. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
If there is one team Pittsburgh can’t figure out, it’s the Las Vegas Raiders. In the last five matchups, dating back to 2012, Pittsburgh is just 1-4 against the silver and black. Will Christmas come early this year for Steeler Nation? I predict it will.
Changing time is never easy in the NFL – especially on a shortened week, and for a team that is coming from a warm climate to Heinz Field in the winter.
Off-season acquisition, Davante Adams will find the end zone at least once, but the Raiders won’t have an answer for Harris as he’ll rack up over 150 yards from scrimmage and two scores.
Steelers 27, Raiders 20
Prediction for Week 16
January 1 – Ravens at Steelers
And just like that, the two AFC North rivals meet again. This time, Pittsburgh visits Baltimore, giving the Ravens the edge in this matchup. In Jackson’s career, he is 22-7 at home with a 95.2 QBR. He will hurt Pittsburgh's defense through the air and the ground, accounting for 400 total yards of offense.
Ravens 35, Steelers 20
Prediction for Week 17
January 8 – Browns at Steelers
Pittsburgh started the season on the road but will finish at home. And boy oh boy, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Going into this game, Pittsburgh will be 8-8 and will need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, if they’re still in the hunt at this point.
Will we ever see Deshaun Watson play in a Browns uniform this year? That’s still TBD. With or without him, this will be a game that will be full of emotion in front of Steeler Nation – and a game that Pittsburgh can win to continue Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s streak of non-losing seasons.
Pickett gets the season sweep on the Browns and ends the season on a strong note to potentially clinch his first playoff birth.
Steelers 27, Browns 18
Final Take
The media is full of doubters for Pittsburgh this year, but perhaps putting a chip on this team’s shoulders will help. Pickett shows his first round potential in multiple games this year, while the defense will finish inside the top 10 in total yards allowed. 9-8 isn’t pretty by any means, but it helps the team build confidence heading into the off-season.
The narrative has changed for the black and gold. Instead of an aging team whose Super Bowl window is closing, it’s a team that’s young, dangerous, and loaded with potential. The future is bright.
Steelers’ cumulative record: 9-8
How do you think Pittsburgh will do in 2022? Let us know in the comments, below!
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