It is no secret that the AFC North has been one of the most ruthless and challenging divisions in the NFL over the last few seasons. The Steelers have kept pace with the competition, making the playoffs in two of the last three seasons, but have failed to win the division since 2020. Mike Tomlin, who has not had a losing season during his entire 17-year career with the Steelers, remains one of the most respected coaches in the NFL, but will have his work cut out for him in 2024.
The NFL released the official schedule for the upcoming season and the Steelers face a gruelling run of games.
Speaking via the Steelers’ official website, President Art Rooney spoke about the team’s demanding schedule.
“It’s probably not exactly how I would have drawn it up, but we’ve got to do the best we can,” said Rooney. “On the positive side, we’ve got some high-profile, marquee games with the Cowboys and the Chiefs on Christmas Day, a couple of other prime time games. We’ll be playing in front of a big audience most of the time, which is a good thing.
OUR 2024 SCHEDULE‼️ #HereWeGo @laurelhighlands | 📝: https://t.co/Exlf6IqHjQ pic.twitter.com/dibI8vVVij
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 16, 2024
Pittsburgh starts the season on the road against a talented Atlanta Falcons offense that includes Kirk Cousins, Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts. A tricky matchup in Denver is followed up by their first home game against Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3.
The Steelers will also have to face the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, 2022 NFC champions the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys, a team that has finished 12-5 over three-consecutive seasons.
Add to that the six games against divisional rivals the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, and this looks like one of the hardest schedules in the league.
