The 2023 NFL Season is here, and the Music City Drive In is getting you ready. Check back each day from now until September 3 as we look at each team and make award and playoff predictions. Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments.

The Steelers entered a new era in 2022 as Kenny Pickett, a rookie, took over at quarterback. Prior to the season, many thought the Steelers would take a step back. Most even thought the team would finally suffer its first losing season under Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Instead, the Steelers finished 9-8 and remained in the playoff race to the end. What can they do with Pickett in year two?

Off-Season Changes

The Steelers saw several veterans head out this off-season. Devin Bush, the linebacker, signed with the Seahawks, while Cam Sutton, a corner, moved on to the Detroit Lions. Linebacker Malik Reed moved to the Dolphins while safety Terrell Edmunds signed with the Eagles. But the Steelers reloaded through free agency, too.

The team signed corner Patrick Peterson and linebacker Kwon Alexander. The Steelers also brought in linebacker Marcus Golden, linebacker Nick Kwiatkowski and safety Keanu Neal. In the draft, the Steelers added corner Joey Porter, Jr., and defensive tackle Keanu Brenton. The team also spent its First-Round pick on tackle Broderick Jones, bolstering the offensive line, and spent a Fourth-Round pick on tight end Darnell Washington. The team also traded for veteran receiver Allen Robinson, to bolster the passing game.

Fantasy Impact

As a rookie, Pickett started 12 games and threw for 2,404 yards, seven touchdowns and nine interceptions. That left him as QB28. He’ll need to improve on that for the Steelers to be in the hunt in a crowded AFC.

In the backfield, the Steelers are led by third year back Najee Harris. He finished as RB14. His carries and targets were reduced last season, likely owing to some injuries, but he toughed it out for 17 games. I like him as a low-end RB1. Jaylen Warren impressed as an undrafted free agent, rushing for 379 yards and catching 28 passes. He could get more carries, but right now he feels like a handcuff with upside.

In the passing game, the Steelers have four options with veteran receivers Diontae Johnson and Robinson, second-year receiver George Pickens and third-year tight end Pat Freiermuth. I like Freiermuth as a low-end TE1. He’s been especially proficient in the Red Zone. Among receivers, it will be a lot of competition for targets in what could still be a low volume passing offense. I still like Johnson the best, but as a high-end WR3. That’s where he finished in 2022, as he ended as WR28.

Prediction

I’m not counting Mike Tomlin out, but this still doesn’t feel like an incredible team. The Steelers outplayed expectations last year and could well do it again. Still, an eight-to-10-win range feels right. I think they’ll again narrowly miss the playoffs.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.