How will the Steeler do this season? Fan hosts and reporters give their two cents.
Colin Dunlap – Morning Show host
9-8
I would love to say the Steelers will have a 10-win season, but I’m not seeing it. Also, I’m not seeing this being Mike Tomlin’s first losing season. That said 9-8 seems about right for me. The one apprehension I do have (other than the offensive line of course) is Najee Harris’ ability to produce at a high level and withstand the rigors of 17 games. I do feel James Pierre will surprise many, however.
Chris Mack – Morning Show host
9-8, 3rd AFC Wild Card
Despite the league's toughest schedule, more questions than answers on the offensive line, and a lot to prove at corner, the Steelers will get to the bye at .500, 3-3. Then after a loss in Cleveland, as Najee Harris really gets rolling, Pat Freiermuth becomes a red zone godzilla, the OL starts to gel and the right mix is found in the secondary, a six-game winning streak will set the table at 9-4 for a gauntlet of a final month. Expect hell to be unleashed in December, but not in the way Steelers fans would prefer. They'll go winless in the final four weeks and back in to the final AFC Playoff spot, traveling to Kansas City and losing to the 2nd-seeded Chiefs.
Jim Colony – Fan Morning Show/ Reporter
8-9
The Steelers have a future Hall of Famer at QB, one the league's deepest receiving corps, a potentially great rookie running back and the same at tight end. But all that skill will mostly go to waste because of what may end up being the NFL's worst offensive line.
Even though the defense (with one of the league's best front 7's) and special teams (with a consistent kicker and solid coverage units) will keep them in games and win a few ... it's finally here.
Mike Tomlin's first losing season.
Matt Koll – Early Morning Show host/ Fan Morning Show producer
10-7
Maybe I'm just a stubborn yinzer. But I can't see this defense, along with the weapons at Ben's disposal, allowing this season to be the first that Mike Tomlin is below .500. There are obvious concerns in the secondary and with that offensive line. But I think the elite pass rush masks some of the secondary's inefficiencies and the line formulates enough chemistry as to not totally derail everything the offense tries to do.
I believe Ben has a lot more game left to him than most people seem to think, too. They may not be Super Bowl contenders, but they should be a playoff team.
Joe Starkey – Host of Cook and Joe
8-9
Too many questions, too tough a schedule
Jeff Hathhorn – Sports Director
10-7
I went back-and-forth on the record, but going high end and believe in Ben Roethlisberger. I do believe they will struggle at times, especially offensively. Going to believe their offensive line will improve considering their youth and also believe in Najee Harris. I think Pat Freiermuth will have a big year, especially in a Matt Canada offense. Defense will be solid and will get Tuitt back at some point. I think they might take a little time to establish roles, especially in the secondary, but a lot of playmakers out there.
Kraig Riley – Pirates Pre and Postgame host/ PM Team producer.
10-7
I have the Steelers are 10-7 and making the playoffs. I always thought this was a playoff team if only because of how good their defense is going to be, but I truly believe the offense will exceed everyone's expectations this year and pull their weight as well.
Josh Rowntree – Fan Reporter
9-8
This team has too much working against it, especially on the offensive line, which looks to be among the NFL's worst. They won't be able to run the ball, despite the addition of Najee Harris, causing Ben Roethlisberger to throw the ball over 40 times per game. It'll work some, but defenses will catch on, just like last season. Combine that with a difficult schedule, including a very solid AFC North, and Mike Tomlin will just barely continue his run of non-losing seasons.
Shelby Cassesse - 93.7 The Fan host/ KDKA Radio reporter
9-8
With questions surrounding the offensive line, secondary and Ben Roethlisberger's abilities, I believe the Steelers are in for a very average season. They have the potential to stay in the playoff picture until about Week 10 with key wins over Denver, Cleveland and Las Vegas, but like most people, trips to Buffalo, Green Bay and the whole back half of the season scare me. The AFC North is also only more competitive this year (though TBD on this Baltimore run game). I believe the Steelers do have some of the pieces in place to be better than what I'm predicting. They have an impressive group of receivers, a first-round pick in their running back and a front seven on defense that can be dominant, especially if Alex Highsmith can stay healthy and when Stephon Tuitt comes back. If the offensive line can be even somewhat better than what we think they are now and the Steelers can finally establish a more diverse offense, they may be able to pick up an extra win or two to push them into a wild card spot.
Cale Berger – Pitt Pre and Postgame host/ producer
9-8
While the Steelers may have the best collection of weapons in the AFC North, the uncertainty along the offensive line will again prevent this unit from reaching its full potential. As a result, I expect them to revert to the same tendencies that exposed them down the stretch last year.
The defense will remain elite, but not be benefited by the litany of subpar and backup quarterbacks they have seen over the last two seasons. Facing Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers and others, they’ll have a chance to prove just how good they are.
Andrew Limberg – 93.7 The Fan.com writer
10-7
Maybe it’s because we’re fresh off of the news of the all the injuries stacking up in Baltimore, but I can see the Steelers sweeping both the Ravens and Bengals this season and splitting with the Browns. That would give Pittsburgh a 5-1 record in the division. They’ll stack up five more wins in non-divisional games. I only see three games they will definitely lose, games against the Bills, Packers and Chiefs, all others could go either way. Of course the biggest question for the Steelers if the offensive line. If they can gel as the season goes on and give Ben Roethlisberger time and can open some holes for Najee Harris, this offensive will be dangerous, but that’s a big if. The defense will once again be in the top five in the NFL. They’ll finish second in the division behind Cleveland and will earn a Wild Card, and hopefully win at least one playoff game.