The 2025 NFL schedule is formally set. Whereas groups knew who they had been taking part in, now in addition they know when these video games will happen. Final yr, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ schedule was brutal. This yr, it nonetheless appears daunting, nevertheless it shouldn’t be as taxing. Chris Simms believes that the start of the Steelers’ schedule is favorable, particularly if they’ve Aaron Rodgers.
“This isn’t dangerous,” Simms stated Thursday on Professional Soccer Speak. “If [Rodgers] goes to be the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers like we count on and like we heard the proprietor mainly allude to as effectively, this can be a schedule I’d take a look at as a quarterback and go, ‘Okay, it’s not simple, however we will get our toes beneath us right here.’
“The Jets are gonna be new and numerous shifting components there. The Seahawks are new, too, with out their receivers.”
The Steelers are set to open their season in opposition to the New York Jets, Rodgers’ former staff. Even when he doesn’t be a part of Pittsburgh, there ought to be some pleasure concerned with that sport. Justin Fields is the Jets’ new quarterback, so he ought to be further motivated dealing with the Steelers. Including Rodgers to the equation would make the sport much more fascinating after his messy breakup with the Jets.
Whereas the Jets have a proficient roster, they do have a brand new regime in cost there. In 2024, the Steelers additionally opened their season on the highway in opposition to a staff with a brand new head coach and quarterback within the Atlanta Falcons. They managed to seize victory there, so possibly historical past will repeat itself this yr. The Jets would possibly want time to jell.
Week 2 sees the Steelers play the Seattle Seahawks, who additionally underwent some important modifications this yr. They reduce receiver Tyler Lockett, who had been a constant presence for them. Additionally they have a brand new starter beneath middle in Sam Darnold, signing him after buying and selling Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. Darnold was wonderful final yr, however now he has to show that wasn’t a fluke.
Moreover, Seattle traded DK Metcalf to the Steelers. That may make that sport slightly extra private for him. Whereas Metcalf didn’t appear too damage by the commerce, he’ll wish to carry out effectively in opposition to his former staff.
Following that, the Steelers will play the New England Patriots, who had been one of many worst groups within the league final yr. Nonetheless, the Patriots have a younger, proficient roster, and Mike Vrabel, their new head coach, has been a distinction maker earlier than.
Lastly, the Steelers’ final sport earlier than their bye week will see them journey to Eire to play the Minnesota Vikings. Whereas touring abroad would possibly introduce new challenges, the Vikings must take care of the identical points. Additionally, J.J. McCarthy, their quarterback, has but to play in an everyday season sport. That inexperience might work within the Steelers’ favor.
Whereas no sport within the NFL is simple as a result of everyone seems to be knowledgeable, the Steelers might face a worse opening run. The top of their season appears far much less pleasant. Nonetheless, if they’ll handle enterprise to start out the yr, they need to be higher positioned to climate any storms they might face later within the yr.
