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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Curt Popejoy

Where do the Steelers rank in the NFL for projected strength of schedule?

Now that we have had some time to not only pour over the Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 regular-season schedule but the schedules of the rest of the league, the news isn’t great for Pittsburgh. Based on projected win totals, the Steelers have what looks like the toughest schedule in the league.

1
Pittsburgh Steelers

CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 26: Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball past Chidobe Awuzie #22 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half of the game at Paycor Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Non-divisional opponents: Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Jets, Broncos, Raiders, Eagles, Commanders, Colts, Falcons

2
New England Patriots

Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) chases during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. New England won 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Texans, Colts, Rams, Seahawks, Chargers, Cardinals, Jaguars, 49ers, Titans, Bengals, Bears

3
Cleveland Browns

Jan 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) chases during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Dolphins, Broncos, Raiders, Eagles, Commanders, Jaguars, Saints

4
Baltimore Ravens

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 08: Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers sacks Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Non-divisional opponents: Broncos, Raiders, Eagles, Commanders, Bills, Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Texans, Buccaneers

5
Minnesota Vikngs

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 09: Ahkello Witherspoon #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers intercepts a pass intended for Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 09, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Non-divisional opponents: Cardinals, Texans, Colts, 49ers, Falcons, Jets, Jaguars, Rams, Seahawks, Titans, Giants

6
Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas., Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.

Non-divisional opponents: Packers, Vikings, Patriots, Jets, Bengals, Bills, Bears, Lions, Dolphins, Chargers, Commanders

7
Houston Texans

HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 01: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hits C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans after Stroud’s attempted pass during the third quarter at NRG Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Non-divisional opponents: Bills, Bears, Lions, Dolphins, Ravens, Packers, Vikings, Patriots, Jets, Chiefs, Cowboys

8
Denver Broncos

Dec 16, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) runs with the ball against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Falcons, Panthers, Browns, Steelers, Colts, Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Buccaneers, Jets, Seahawks

9
Las Vegas Raiders

Dec 18, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) gains yardage against the New England Patriots during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Falcons, Panthers, Browns, Steelers, Jaguars, Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Buccaneers, Dolphins, Rams

10
Buffalo Bills

Jan 15, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks the play th ball pressured by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) in the first quarter in a 2024 AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Cardinals, Jaguars, 49ers, Titans, Chiefs, Texans, Colts, Rams, Seahawks, Ravens, Lions

11
Dallas Cowboys

Sep 8, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and offensive guard Connor Williams (52) in action during the game between the Cowboys and the Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Buccaneers, Lions, Texans, Falcons, Panthers, Browns, Steelers, 49ers

12
Detroit Lions

Nov 14, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) sacks Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) in overtime at Heinz Field. The game ended in a 16-16 tie. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Jaguars, Rams, Seahawks, Titans, Buccaneers, Bills, Cardinals, Texans, Colts, 49ers, Cowboys

13
New York Giants

Sep 14, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) grabs the arm of New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Buccaneers, Vikings, Colts, Falcons, Panthers, Browns, Steelers, Seahawks

14
Green Bay Packers

Nov 12, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) gets sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) as defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) gets a hand on him during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Cardinals, Texans, Colts, 49ers, Saints, Dolphins, Jaguars, Rams, Seahawks, Titans, Eagles

15
San Francisco 49ers

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 10: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second quarter of a game at Acrisure Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Non-divisional opponents: Bears, Lions, Patriots, Jets, Cowboys, Chiefs, Bills, Packers, Dolphins, Vikings, Buccaneers

16
Los Angeles Rams

Oct 22, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Bills, Packers, Dolphins, Vikings, Eagles, Raiders, Bears, Lions, Patriots, Jets, Saints

17
Arizona Cardinals

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 03: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by Kyron Johnson #53 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Non-divisional opponents: Bears, Lions, Patriots, Jets, Commanders, Chargers, Bills, Packers, Dolphins, Vikings, Panthers

18
Seattle Seahawks

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 31: Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to pass during the fourth quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lumen Field on December 31, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)

Non-divisional opponents: Bills, Packers, Dolphins, Vikings, Giants, Broncos, Bears, Lions, Patriots, Jets, Falcons

19
Jacksonville Jaguars

Oct 29, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws a touchdown pass while under pressure from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Packers, Vikings, Patriots, Jets, Browns, Bills, Bears, Lions, Dolphins, Raiders, Eagles

20
Washington Commanders

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 07: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Football Team attempts to catch a pass against Joe Haden #23 and Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of their game at Heinz Field on December 07, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Non-divisional opponents: Falcons, Panthers, Browns, Steelers, Bears, Titans, Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Buccaneers, Cardinals

21
Kansas City Chiefs

Dec 26, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) rolls out to throw against Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Buccaneers, Texans, Falcons, Panthers, Browns, Steelers, Bills, 49ers

22
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 11: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to throw a pass in the direction of David Perales #40 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Non-divisional opponents: Broncos, Raiders, Eagles, Commanders, 49ers, Ravens, Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Lions

23
Carolina Panthers

Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Cardinals, Bengals, Broncos, Raiders, Eagles, Commanders, Bears

24
Philadelphia Eagles

Aug 12, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Falcons, Panthers, Browns, Steelers, Packers, Jaguars, Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Buccaneers, Rams

25
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill tries to slip a tackle by Bills Dane Jackson.

Non-divisional opponents: Cardinals, Jaguars, 49ers, Titans, Raiders, Texans, Colts, Rams, Seahawks, Browns, Packers

26
Indianapolis Colts

Dec 16, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) collides with Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Scheer-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Bills, Bears, Lions, Dolphins, Steelers, Packers, Vikings, Patriots, Jets, Broncos, Giants

27
Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks to pass against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023.

Non-divisional opponents: Broncos, Raiders, Eagles, Commanders, Patriots, Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Titans, Panthers

28
New Orleans Saints

Aug 27, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Isaiah Foskey (55) rushes against Houston Texans guard Tyler Beach (65) during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Broncos, Raiders, Eagles, Commanders, Rams, Browns, Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Packers

29
New York Jets

Dec 28, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) breaks up a pass intended for Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) during the second half during the first half at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Texans, Colts, Rams, Seahawks, Broncos, Cardinals, Jaguars, 49ers, Titans, Steelers, Vikings

30
Chicago Bears

Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55), left and safety Jessie Bates III (3) gang up to tackle Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) after a catch in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Jaguars, Rams, Seahawks, Titans, Panthers, Patriots, Cardinals, Texans, Colts, 49ers, Commanders

31
Los Angeles Chargers

Nov 15, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) warms up prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Buccaneers, Titans, Falcons, Panthers, Browns, Steelers, Patriots, Cardinals

32
Atlanta Falcons

Sep 17, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Non-divisional opponents: Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Seahawks, Steelers, Broncos, Raiders, Eagles, Commanders, Vikings

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