Pittsburgh Steelers 2013 Schedule: Early Game-by-game Predictions

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2013 schedule was released on Thursday and even though the 2013 NFL Draft has yet to occur and teams are still months away from heading to training camp, it’s never too early to look at the schedule and predict the Steelers fate.

The Steelers are coming off of a disappointing 8-8 campaign in 2012, but weren’t able to do much to improve that team as they experienced key losses at a few key positions.

Oct 11, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers punter Drew Butler (9) dives after the ball after his punt was blocked in the first quarter in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

The schedule also appears tougher on paper.

A year ago the Steelers 10 out of division opponents combined to post only a 69-91 (.431) record. This year’s 10 non-division opponents combined to go 76-84 (.475) in 2012.

With that being said, let’s take a look at how the Steelers should fare.

Week 1: Steelers vs. Tennessee Titans

Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM Eastern

Network: CBS

The Steelers open up at home for the first time since 2010 and meet a  familiar foe in the Titans, who they have played every season since 2008, posting a 3-2 record in that span.

The Titans defeated the Steelers last season, in what seemed to be a fluke at the time, but they won’t have that sort of luck in 2013.

Chris Johnson is always a concern, but this is a Titans defense that allowed 374.5 yards per game last season and didn’t improve much on paper at this point.

Ben Roethlisberger should have a field day in front of a loud and vocal Heinz Field crowd and the Steelers start the season on a good note.

Prediction: Steelers 27-17 (1-0)