Preseason AFC North Predictions: Pittsburgh

Part 2 of my 4 part series on the AFC North Preseason Predictions click here for part 1

at Cleveland: W
Even thought Cleveland gives the Steelers one good game each year, they serve as both an automatic "W" and the AFCN whipping boy.

Buffalo: W
No Willis McGahee makes Buffalo look like a bunch of NFL Europe rejects

San Francisco: W
This one would be tougher outside of the friendly confines of Heinz Field, but the 49ers young defense isn't ready yet. Although I think Roethlisberger could lose the game on turnovers here. Steeler fans pray that he throws to more Black & Yellow than Red & Gold

at Arizona: W
Arizona and SF are two teams with enormous potential for upsets but the battle of the old Steelers (Wisenhunt) vs. the new Steelers (Tomlin) goes to the newbie

Seattle: L
the 4-0 start gets to Big Ben's head as he tries to do too much against a good team. Wake up guys your schedule is about to get messy.

BYE WEEK

at Denver: L
On the road in Mile High after a bye week, this becomes the war of attrition. Which QB can turn the ball over the least. The answer is Jay Cutler, but he has Champ Bailey and Dre Bly to thank for that.

at Cincinnati: L
The hits just keep on coming, in a battle of 4-2 teams, this match up defines the rest of each team's season. Cincinnati wins and uses it as motivation to close out the year, Pittsburgh loses while looking forward to Monday night against the Ravens.


Baltimore (Monday Night Football): L
Closer than you may think, but Baltimore is the new elite in the AFCN and they show why here. McGahee pounds the Steelers on the ground and the veteren Baltimore D raises questions about Ben's decision making abilities.

Cleveland: W
um, next...

at NY Jets: W
The J-E-T-S show why they were a flash in the pan last year.

Miami (Monday Night Football): W
The Porter return to Miami doesn't mean much as the Steelers roll. Showing the Dolphins that the AFC East is the second worst division in the NFL.

Cincinnati: W
Ok, just so I'm not accused of being too much of a Bengals homer... Cincy loses in Pittsburgh.

at New England: L
New England has its eyes set on another deep playoff run and they don't care that Pittsburgh is on a 4 game win streak or that Mike Tomlin really wants to win.

Jacksonville: L
Jacksonvile finishes here where they couldn't against the Steelers last year. Their defense is enough to shut down Pittsburgh's shaky new offense

at St. Louis: W
While fierce at home (*snicker*) the rams don't have an answer on defense for Willie Parker, especially in the fast dome

at Baltimore: L
Season ends in Baltimore, the Ravens crush the Steelers hopes of a 10 win first season under Mike Tomlin.

9-7 on the couch in January