Steelers Finally Expected To Put A Stop To An Embarrassing Streak

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't given the fan base much reason to be optimistic about the future as the organization has maintained the strategy of trying to win now while also setting the franchise up for the future. The team has some good young talent, but a team can only go as far as the quarterback can take them. This is why fans were a little upset when the franchise waited it out to re-sign veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the 2026 season, as many fans wanted to see the young quarterbacks on the roster get a chance to see the field. Many believe Rodgers gives Pittsburgh its best chance to win right now, but it's hard to foresee this team going on any meaningful playoff run.

The Steelers had a somewhat successful season with Rodgers at quarterback in 2025 as the team won the AFC North. Pittsburgh hosted a playoff game for the first time since the 2020 season, but got blown out and embarrassed by the Houston Texans. This added another year onto the count when it comes to how long it has been since the organization has won a playoff game, which has been a constant complaint from the fan base over the years. Former head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down following the loss to the Texans, and the franchise went out and hired Mike McCarthy.

It is safe to say that the Steelers improved during the 2026 offseason when it comes to the roster, and McCarthy's offensive perspective as a head coach is intriguing. He obviously has experience with Rodgers, and Adam Schein of Mad Dog Sports Radio believes this will be the year the Steelers can win a playoff game.

"I am here today to tell you that you are going to see Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers win a playoff game this year," Schein said. "I think that the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be a really good to great team. I expect them to finish in first or second in their division. I think the Green Bay Packers versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, monitoring the win total. It's going to be a real fun thing this year. Both playing very tough divisions. Very tough divisions, but I firmly believe that you will see Aaron Rodgers and you will see Mike McCarthy have more wins this year than Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur."

Schein not only predicts that the Steelers will advance in the playoffs, but he also believes Pittsburgh will be able to outperform the Green Bay Packers in 2026. This is relevant as McCarthy and Rodgers each spent the majority of their careers with Green Bay, and it will be a hard task for the Steelers to outperform the Packers.

Pittsburgh and Green Bay each play in very difficult divisions, and the Steelers won their division in 2025. That typically means the Steelers will have a harder schedule in 2026 due to how the league puts each team's schedule together. Pittsburgh will also have some sort of adjustment period once the regular season begins between McCarthy and the entire team. He is a new head coach for an organization that had the same head coach for 19 seasons, it won't be a completely seamless transition.

The Steelers certainly have what it takes to clinch a spot in the playoffs, but winning a playoff game is a whole different story. Hopefully it happens, but it is completely reasonable to have some doubts.

Steelers Will Probably Have A Harder 2026 Season Than Expected

It is fair to expect that both the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals will have better seasons in 2026 than they did in 2025. This will make it more difficult for Pittsburgh to make the playoffs.

Even if the Steelers do get into the postseason, it will probably be as a Wild Card team -- despite winning the division in 2025. The Steelers would likely have to play one of the better teams in the conference on the road, which typically does not go well.

What do you think of this prediction from Schein? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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