Honestly, looking back at the Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 schedule, it felt like two completely different seasons mashed into one. You had the optimistic, defensive-heavy start where the vibes were high, and then you had that absolutely punishing gauntlet at the end. It was the kind of schedule that makes or breaks a team. And for the Steelers, it did a little of both.
Mike Tomlin somehow extended his "no losing seasons" streak to 21 years. That’s wild. Basically, he tied the NFL record held by the Cowboys from the '60s through the '80s. But man, the way they got there was a total rollercoaster. They finished 10–7, which sounds decent until you realize they started 10–3 and then completely hit a wall.
The Early Highs and the Russell Wilson Transition
The season kicked off with a lot of question marks at quarterback. Remember the Justin Fields vs. Russell Wilson debate? Fields actually started the first few games while Wilson dealt with a calf injury. It worked, mostly because the defense was playing like it was 1970.
They started 3–0, beating the Falcons, Broncos, and Chargers. In those three games, the defense didn't allow more than 10 points to anyone. It was vintage Pittsburgh. But things got weird in October. Losses to the Colts and Cowboys (that Week 5 Sunday Night game was a heartbreaker) made people wonder if the wheels were coming off.
Then Russell Wilson took the reigns in Week 7 against the Jets. The offense suddenly looked... competent? They blew out the Jets 37–15 and then took down the Giants on Monday Night Football. By the time the bye week hit in Week 9, the Steelers were 6–2 and sitting pretty at the top of the AFC North.
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That Late-Season Gauntlet
Everyone knew the back half of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 schedule was going to be a nightmare. All six division games were packed into the final eight weeks. It was brutal.
They actually handled the start of it well. They squeezed past the Commanders 28–27 in Week 10 and then beat the Ravens 18–16 in a typical "AFCN slugfest" where Chris Boswell basically won the game with his leg. Boswell was a First-team All-Pro for a reason.
But then, the fatigue or the injuries or just the sheer weight of the competition started to show.
The December Collapse
After a nice win against the Browns and a high-scoring 44–38 shootout against the Bengals in Week 13, the Steelers were 10–3. They looked like locks for a top seed. Then, everything broke.
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- Week 15: They traveled to Philadelphia and got handled 27–13. T.J. Watt got banged up, and the offense couldn't find a rhythm.
- Week 16: A trip to Baltimore for a Saturday game. The Ravens got their revenge, winning 34–17.
- Week 17: This was the Netflix Christmas Day game against the Chiefs. It wasn't much of a holiday gift for fans in Pittsburgh. The Chiefs won 29–10.
- Week 18: A home game against the Bengals that they really needed for momentum. They lost 19–17.
Four straight losses to end the regular season. It was painful to watch. They still made the playoffs as the 6th seed, mostly because they'd built up enough "house money" early on, but the momentum was gone.
The Playoff Reality Check
The Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 schedule finally ended in the Wild Card round. They had to go back to Baltimore to face the Ravens for a third time. Third time was definitely not the charm.
They lost 28–14. It was the sixth consecutive time the Steelers went "one-and-done" in the postseason. While the 10–7 record looks okay on paper, the exit felt familiar and frustrating for a fanbase that expects more than just "non-losing seasons."
Key Performers Worth Noting
Despite the late-season skid, some guys absolutely balled out. Cameron Heyward and Chris Boswell were First-team All-Pros. T.J. Watt, as usual, was a monster and a Second-team All-Pro. He was also the team MVP.
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The rookies were a bright spot too. Zach Frazier, the center from West Virginia, looked like a 10-year veteran from Day 1. He won the Team Rookie of the Year and played nearly 1,000 snaps. Mason McCormick and Payton Wilson also stepped up big time when the veteran depth started to thin out.
What This Means for the Future
If you're looking at what to take away from this season, it's that the defense is still elite but can't carry a stagnant offense forever. Arthur Smith's new system had flashes of brilliance, especially mid-season with Wilson, but the lack of a true #2 receiver alongside George Pickens really hurt when teams started doubling him in December.
Actionable Insights for the Offseason:
- Address the WR2 spot: The experiment of "maybe someone will step up" didn't work. They need a proven threat to take pressure off Pickens.
- Solidify the QB plan: Russell Wilson is 36. Justin Fields is a free agent. The Steelers have to decide if they're riding with Russ again or looking for the next long-term answer.
- Continue the O-Line rebuild: Frazier and McCormick were great hits. One more tackle to pair with Broderick Jones could make this unit top-tier.
The 2024 season was a testament to Mike Tomlin's ability to keep a team floor high, but it also highlighted how difficult it is to win in the modern NFL without a high-octane, consistent offense. The schedule was a gauntlet, and while they survived it, they didn't exactly thrive in the deep end.