The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 season is shaping up to be a defining year for the franchise. Coming off a tumultuous 2024 campaign, in which coach Mike Tomlin hinted at significant changes coming to both the roster and coaching staff, the Steelers are walking into a big season for all involved. On the Steelers schedule are opponents that boast a combined 152-137 record in 2024, giving the Steelers one of the 10 most difficult schedules in the NFL based on last year’s win percentage of 0.526.
But while the numbers suggest a daunting path ahead, this schedule also offers the Steelers an opportunity to rebound, reinvigorate their identity, and perhaps shock some critics along the way.
Let’s break down the challenges they face both at home and on the road in 2025.
Home Games: A Mixed Bag of the Familiar and the Unknown
The Steelers’ home slate is headlined by divisional matchups that are always unpredictable.
- Baltimore Ravens: A matchup against the Ravens is always tough, especially in Pittsburgh. Regardless of how each season shapes up, you can expect these games to be hard-fought. With Lamar Jackson’s electrifying style of play and a defense that can keep you guessing, these divisional clashes are never a sure thing.
- Cincinnati Bengals: With Joe Burrow leading one of the league’s most potent offenses, the Bengals will be a formidable opponent. But despite their offensive firepower, the Bengals have been known to slip up in high-stakes games, which could provide the Steelers with an opening.
- Cleveland Browns: The Browns’ defensive prowess and the ever-changing situation at quarterback make them a team that Pittsburgh always needs to be wary of. Given their divisional history, anything can happen in these rivalry games.
Outside of the AFC North, the Steelers will face teams that could be playoff-caliber in 2025, starting with the Buffalo Bills.
- Buffalo Bills: Coming off a strong ongoing 2024 campaign, the Bills will very likely be a Super Bowl contender with Josh Allen at the point. With Allen, a strong running game and a solid defense, this game will be one of the toughest on the Steelers’ home schedule.
- Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, thanks to the connection between Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill. But their success hinges on consistency—if they can avoid injuries and maintain their high-powered play, this could be a nightmare matchup for Pittsburgh.
- Green Bay Packers: The Packers are in an interesting stage of transition. With Jordan Love taking over at quarterback, this game could be a significant test of whether Green Bay has successfully turned the page on the Aaron Rodgers era, which is still tough to fully submit an answer on.
- Minnesota Vikings: Despite a wild-card exit to the LA Rams, the Vikings finished the 2024 regular season with an impressive 14-3 record. The uncertainty surrounding their quarterback position, whether they stick with Sam Darnold, who had an MVP-caliber season, or transition to their 2024 first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy, adds a layer of intrigue to this matchup.
- Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are a team in flux, but their strong defense and solid young talent could be an obstacle. The Colts defeated the Steelers in Indianapolis this year, so believing that the Steelers will have this one circled is not far-fetched.
- Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks come to Pittsburgh with a dynamic offense and a defense that can hold its own. With Geno Smith continuing to be the starter and talent like DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, this game will be far from easy.
One of these home games is expected to be traded for a trip to Ireland, as the Steelers are planning to host an international game for the first time in 2025. The NFL has traditionally not forced teams to play divisional games overseas, which means one of the above five will likely be joining the Steelers in Dublin.
The Colts are playing a game as the host team in Germany in 2025, while the Packers played in Brazil and the Vikings played in England in 2024, so the Bills, who played in England in 2023, the Dolphins, who last played in Germany in 2023, and the Seahawks, who played there in 2022, are the most likely candidates.
Away Games: The Road to Redemption
Pittsburgh’s road schedule in 2025 will feature some tough teams, making this one of the most challenging parts of the Steelers’ campaign.
- Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals: These divisional games are a tough test on the road, where the atmosphere will be hostile and both teams have the talent to capitalize on any mistakes. Expect all three games to be high-intensity affairs.
- Chicago Bears: The Bears are in a rebuilding phase and still trying to find their identity. But with a promising young quarterback in Caleb Williams, they could pose an unexpected threat, especially if they find stability at head coach.
- Detroit Lions: With Dan Campbell, the Lions look poised to compete for a Super Bowl again in 2025. With Jared Goff playing at an elite level and a young, explosive roster, Detroit will likely be one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert and the Chargers will be a serious challenge on the road. With a dynamic offense and a defense that can shut down opposing teams, this game will require the Steelers to bring their A-game to Southern Cal.
- New England Patriots: New England’s offseason overhaul under new head coach Mike Vrabel has them on the rise. With a promising young quarterback in Drake Maye, the Patriots could surprise teams in 2025.
- New York Jets: A major question mark surrounds the Jets with Aaron Rodgers’ future in jeopardy. However, if Rodgers is still in the picture, this game could become a high-stakes contest. Traveling to New Jersey to play the Jets at MetLife has not been easy for the Steelers as of recently.
Final Thoughts: A Year of Uncertainty, but Potential
The Steelers’ 2025 schedule is tough to predict at this juncture, but it offers opportunities for growth and redemption. If Pittsburgh can find a stable quarterback, build chemistry with a revamped roster, and adjust to the competitive landscape in the AFC North and beyond, they could surprise the league.
However, with so many question marks — most notably at quarterback — Pittsburgh’s season will be defined by how well they can adapt to the changes that Mike Tomlin alluded to.