The Steelers have the toughest schedule in the NFL


… “Given Steelers' schedule, betting under 8.5 wins is tempting.”


Based on their preseason, some Pittsburgh Steeler fans are very optimistic. 


Until they see their 2021 schedule. According to data compiled by CBS Sports, the Steelers have a strength of schedule that is listed at .574, which is the toughest in the league. 


So, that brings back the naysayers who point out the woeful offensive line problems, among others. 


However, how valid are these strength of schedule numbers?


Steelers should wish for a 15-game season


According to the numbers, the Steelers will face a very tough schedule and that is particularly evident in their own division with the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens rated above them. 


Right now this looks brutal,


 if there's any team that's now regretting their vote for the expanded season, it's probably the Pittsburgh Steelers, and that's because they're slated to face the league's most difficult strength of schedule in 2021. 

Based on the final standings from 2020, the Steelers will be going into 2021 with a strength of schedule of .574, which not only gives them the most difficult schedule for the upcoming season, but it makes them one of only two teams in the NFL -- along with the Ravens -- that will have a strength of schedule above .550. 


The Steelers better get their offensive line situation figured out quickly, because they'll be facing a brutal schedule that will include 10 games against playoff teams from last season. Of those 10 games, three will come against teams that played in either the AFC or NFC Championship games last year as the Steelers will be playing the Chiefs, Bills and Packers. 


John Breech, “2021 NFL strength of schedule ranking for all 32 teams heading into the

 inaugural 17-game season,” CBS Sports, August 25, 2021


The only positive for the Steelers is that the Ravens have the second toughest schedule and the Browns are ninth. 


The top ten


1. Steelers 155-115-2 .574

2. Ravens 152-118-2 .563

3. Bears 149-122-1 .550

4. Packers 147-124-1 .542

5. Vikings 144-127-1 .531

6. Bengals 144-128 .529

6. Lions 142-127-2 .529

8. Raiders 142-128-2 .526

9. Browns 140-130-2 .518

10. Rams 140-132 .515


This is why I saw this headline today on the TribLive website,


“Given Steelers' schedule, betting under 8.5 wins is tempting.”


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