In just a matter of days, the Pittsburgh Steelers will begin their 2024 season with the Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Steelers are coming off a 2023 campaign in which they went 10-7 and made the playoffs despite having a messy situation at the quarterback situation. There is optimism that Pittsburgh can at least match and quite possibly surpass that in 2024 thanks to the additions of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, both of whom should provide upgrades over Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky.
Of course, many out there have their doubts about both Wilson and Fields because of their lackluster runs with their previous teams. Adding to that, the wide receiver group has major question marks behind George Pickens.
If nothing else, the defense should be Pittsburgh's strength once again this year. A lot of the same unit is returning, but the team also made a huge addition to the linebackers room with the signing of Patrick Queen.
So, are experts optimistic about the Steelers going into Week 1? Let's find out now as we take a look at where they have the Steelers in their NFL power rankings.
Pittsburgh Steelers NFL power rankings Week 1
Frank Schwab, Yahoo Sports: 20 (-5)
Schwab: "The Steelers chose Russell Wilson as their QB1, and that made it seem like the outcome of the so-called competition was predetermined. Either way, Wilson now has a chance to write a different narrative and salvage his legacy after two horrible Broncos seasons."
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 19 (no change)
Prisco: "They will be a perfect example of a team that can do a lot of things, but one that is held back by the quarterback play. Russell Wilson isn't the savior."
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: 21 (-8)
Davis: "QB2 Justin Fields came in second during a positional battle he probably should have won. The team came in second in a bid to land Aiyuk ... that always felt a little far-fetched. Close but no cigar already seems to be defining this squad."
Bleacher Report: "There are question marks in Pittsburgh, too. The wide receivers behind George Pickens aren't especially imposing, and the offensive line has been an issue for years. But with solid quarterback play, the Steelers could be right back in the thick of the AFC North race.
"If they don't get it from Wilson in short order, it won't take long for fans to start blowing up call-in lines to ask when Fields will get his shot."
Josh Kendall, The Athletic: 20
Kendall: "The Steelers are acting like the Browns this preseason. I’m sorry, Pittsburgh fans, I know that hurts. The Steelers have an old quarterback cast off by another team (Russell Wilson) and a young quarterback cast off by another team (Justin Fields). They held a quarterback competition in name at least, and then declared Wilson the starter while leaving the door open for Fields to get playing time. It all feels a little squishy for the Steelers, who have prided themselves on being resolute throughout their history."
Wirth: "They have had a pretty balanced roster the last couple of years, but have been devoid of competent quarterback play. Russell Wilson is not the player he once was but still is lightyears better than Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky."
Pamela Maldonado, Sharp Football Analysis: 17 (no change)
Maldonado: "Russell Wilson‘s integration into the Steelers’ offense has been a focal point. His experience is expected to be a stabilizing factor for the offense, which is adapting to new coordinator Arthur Smith‘s system. Smith is bringing a run-heavy approach, similar to his previous work in Tennessee and Atlanta. This strategy is expected to benefit running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, who are poised to be key contributors in the ground game."
Lee: "Some teams in the NFL have a play style that only their fan bases could love, and that could be the case in Pittsburgh this season. Arthur Smith will bring a run-heavy offense that aligns with the retooled offensive line, but there are major questions about how quarterback Russell Wilson will make things work in a passing game that asks its quarterback to throw in the middle of the field. While George Pickens fits the receiver archetype that Wilson likes to feed targets to, the remaining guys in the skill-position group aren’t ball winners or high-level route runners. Even if the defense plays at its best, there’s a real chance that Mike Tomlin won’t be able to squeeze any more blood out of this stone."
