The Pittsburgh Steelers just wrapped up a season that felt like a fever dream for anyone living in the 412. If you’re looking for a simple tally of the Steelers wins and losses, the math is easy: 10–7. But honestly, that number barely scratches the surface of what actually went down on the grass at Acrisure Stadium and across the road this year.
It was a year of "firsts" and "lasts." For the first time in nearly two decades, the Mike Tomlin era has reached its conclusion. After a decade of "Tomlinisms" and a bizarrely consistent ability to stay above water, the coach stepped down on January 13, 2026. This came right on the heels of a 30–6 thumping by the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round.
Breaking Down the 2025 Steelers Wins and Losses
The season was basically a rollercoaster with a broken brake line. They started hot, looked mediocre in the middle, and then pulled off a divisional miracle at the buzzer.
Pittsburgh actually won the AFC North this year. Let that sink in. They finished 10–7, edging out the rest of a brutal division to take the crown for the first time since 2020. They clinched it in Week 18 with a gritty 26–24 win over the Baltimore Ravens. It was a classic AFC North slugfest—hard hits, questionable officiating, and a lot of mud.
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Here is how the regular season actually shook out:
- Week 1: A wild 34–32 win against the Jets.
- The Mid-Season Slump: They dropped games to the Seahawks (31–17), Bengals (33–31), and Packers (35–25) in a stretch that had fans calling for everyone to be traded.
- The Late Surge: They somehow beat the Lions 29–24 in Week 16 and then took down the Ravens in the finale.
- The Playoff Heartbreak: Hosting a playoff game was supposed to be the "return to glory." Instead, they got dismantled 30–6 by C.J. Stroud and the Texans.
That loss was historic for all the wrong reasons. It extended the Steelers' postseason losing streak to seven straight games. They haven't won a playoff game since January 2017. For a franchise that measures success in "Lombardis," that’s an eternity.
Why the Record Tells a Lie
Stats are funny. If you just look at the Steelers wins and losses column, 10–7 looks respectable. It's a winning record! But the point differential tells a darker story. They scored 397 points and gave up 387. Basically, they were a break-even team that mastered the art of winning close games while getting absolutely blown out when they lost.
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The offense under Arthur Smith was... well, it was Arthur Smith. They leaned heavily on the run, with Kenneth Gainwell (the team MVP) grinding out yards behind a line led by rookie Zach Frazier. Aaron Rodgers, who joined the squad to play for Tomlin, had moments of brilliance but also looked every bit of 42 years old at times. He threw for 3,440 yards and 26 touchdowns, which isn't bad, but the 48 sacks he took probably didn't feel great on Monday mornings.
The Tomlin Legacy and the Final Tally
When Tomlin walked away, he left with a regular-season record of 193–114–2. That ties him with the legendary Chuck Noll for the most wins in franchise history. Think about that. In 19 seasons, the man never had a losing record. Not once.
But the "Tomlin Special" became a bit of a meme toward the end. The Steelers were winless (0–4–1) in their last five games against teams that were eight games or more below .500. This year, they lost 13–6 to a struggling Cleveland Browns team in Week 17. It’s those kinds of losses that drove the "Fire Tomlin" camp crazy.
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The defense, as always, was the T.J. Watt show. Despite having lung surgery earlier in the year, Watt returned to lead the pass rush. He, Jalen Ramsey, and Ben Skowronek were the only Pro Bowlers this year. Cameron Heyward made the All-Pro second team, proving that some guys just don't age like the rest of us.
What Happens Now?
The 2025 season is in the books. The Steelers wins and losses are etched in the record. But for the first time since 2007, the Steelers are looking for a new leader. Omar Khan and Art Rooney II are facing a massive crossroads.
Do they hunt for a young offensive guru? Or do they try to maintain that "Steelers Way" defensive identity? With Rodgers' future up in the air and a defense that is getting expensive, the 2026 off-season is going to be the most important one in a generation.
Next Steps for Steelers Fans:
- Monitor the Coaching Search: Keep an eye on names like Ben Johnson or even Mike Vrabel, as the Rooney family tends to prioritize stability and leadership over "flashy" hires.
- Draft Strategy: Look for the Steelers to target defensive line depth and a long-term solution at quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, especially given the age of the current roster.
- Salary Cap Watch: The team will need to navigate some tight cap space if they want to retain veterans like Jalen Ramsey while rebuilding the offensive interior.