The NFL schedule release is set for Wednesday at 8 PM EST. And while there will be several leaks between now and then, it’s always fun to speculate on what’s to come.

I did a mock schedule last year and it was actually a fun exercise, so let’s run it back and see how many we get right this year.

Week 1: at New York Jets

Last season, the Steelers started the year off with the Arthur Smith revenge game against Atlanta and what the NFL thought would be Russell Wilson’s return to Denver in Week 2. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Jets appear within the first few weeks of the season. Considering the Steelers rarely start the year at home, they go to New York in Week 1.

Week 2: vs. Cleveland Browns

Pittsburgh’s home opener is against Cleveland, whom they haven’t lost a regular-season game to in Pittsburgh since 2003.

Week 3: at Chicago Bears

The Bears have lofty expectations coming into this season with new head coach Ben Johnson leading the way. Pittsburgh hasn’t won in Chicago since 1995.

Week 4: vs. Minnestoa Vikings (Ireland)

The rumor is that Minnesota will be the team Pittsburgh faces. It’ll be the second time the two have faced off overseas.

Week 5: vs. Indianapolis Colts

We’ll see if the Steelers face Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones.

Week 6: at Detroit Lions

Detroit will have a lot to prove with Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson both leaving for head coaching jobs.

Week 7: at Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens defeated the “Can’t beat the Steelers” allegations in 2024. None of these matchups will be easy-going.

Week 8: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle is in an odd spot. They traded Geno Smith, but signed Sam Darnold. They won’t be great, but it’s doubtful they’ll be bad – they are in the same boat as the Steelers in many ways. This will also be the first time DK Metcalf faces his old team.

Week 9: BYE

A nice midseason bye would be perfect.

Week 10: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Steelers ended their regular season with a low-scoring loss to the Bengals in Pittsburgh last season.

Week 11: vs. Buffalo Bills

Welcoming in the defending MVP will be no easy task.

Week 12: at Los Angeles Chargers

Pittsburgh defeated Los Angeles early in the year last season. The last time they played the Chargers in SoFi Stadium, it was one of Ben Roethlisberger’s last big shootouts in a losing effort.

Week 13: vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Steelers have won four of the last five meetings with Baltimore in Pittsburgh.

Week 14: at New England Patriots

The Patriots are a team I expect to make a leap and be a wild-card team in 2024. This won’t be an easy trip for the Steelers. The last time they won a game in New England was in 2008 against Matt Cassel.

Week 15: at Cincinnati Bengals

The Steelers won a shootout in Cincinnati last season. Their defense doesn’t look much better, so we could see more fireworks.

Week 16: vs. Miami Dolphins

The weather will benefit the Steelers, as Tua Tagovailoa was 0-7 in games played in 45 degrees or lower as of November of 2024.

Week 17: vs. Green Bay Packers

Depending on what move the Steelers make at receiver between now and then, a former Packer could be playing his former team. Jordan Love is one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL, so Pittsburgh will have its hands full.

Week 18: at Cleveland Browns

The Steelers will likely need to win this game to get in the playoffs, if they are till mathematically alive.