With the Pittsburgh Steelers collapsing down the stretch and having major question marks at the quarterback position, Pro Football Focus is very skeptical of the Black and Gold's chances to return to the playoffs in 2025.
Zoltán Buday of PFF recently did an exercise where he categorized 12 of this year's playoff teams in three categories for their odds to return to the postseason — low, moderate and high. The Steelers were the only team to receive a "low" chance. Given that the Steelers had a five-game skid to end the 2024 season, it's hard to disagree with that projection.
"The Steelers took advantage of a relatively easy schedule in the first half of the 2024 season but struggled down the stretch, losing their final five games against tougher competition. Their top priority this offseason should be finding a long-term solution at quarterback, though none of the potential options appear particularly promising for the future," Buday wrote.
The offensive side of the ball wasn't the only issue, as the defense got dismantled in the final five games to end the season. Miscommunication in the secondary and the inability to stop the run popped up on several occasions, especially in the Wild Card loss when Baltimore recorded 299 yards on the ground.
"Defensive issues also plagued Pittsburgh, particularly in the secondary. Of the nine defensive backs who played more than 100 snaps, only one earned a PFF overall grade above 70.0," Buday wrote.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin during a game against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 8, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Steelers would like to sign one of their two incumbent quarterbacks to a long-term contract this offseason, president Art Rooney II said during his annual press conference with local beat writers last Monday.
Rooney said that he think it's unlikely that the Steelers will sign both of them, and that his preference would be for more than the one-year deal both players played under in 2024.
"Defensive issues also plagued Pittsburgh, particularly in the secondary. Of the nine defensive backs who played more than 100 snaps, only one earned a PFF overall grade above 70.0."
Wilson or Fields at QB really isn't encouraging, especially in a conference loaded with top-tier quarterbacks — Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City , Josh Allen of Buffalo, Lamar Jackson of Baltimore, Joe Burrow of Cincinnati and C.J. Stroud of Houston . The Steelers have to deal with Jackson and Burrow twice a year, as well.
"To make matters more difficult, the Steelers play in one of the NFL's toughest divisions, competing with the Ravens , Bengals and Browns for a postseason spot," Buday wrote.
On the Steelers 2025 schedule are opponents that boast a combined 152-137 record in 2024, giving the Steelers one of the 10 most difficult schedules in the NFL based on last year's win percentage of 0.526.
Along with the three AFC North opponents — Baltimore Ravens , Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals — the Steelers' 2025 home schedule features games against the Buffalo Bills , Miami Dolphins , Green Bay Packers , Minnesota Vikings , Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks .
On the road, the Steelers will play the Ravens, Browns, Bengals, Detroit Lions , Chicago Bears , New England Patriots , New York Jets and Los Angeles Chargers .
The odds don't seem to be in the Steelers favor to return to the playoffs, but don't count out Mike Tomlin. The Steelers have went over their preseason betting total in fifth consecutive seasons . Pittsburgh has also made the playoffs in four of the last five seasons.
The problem is not making the playoffs, it's not winning once getting into the tournament. The Steelers haven't won a playoff game in eight years, losing six straight playoff games. The latter is tied for the longest streak in the NFL.
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