The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, boasting a rich history of success and consistent postseason appearances. With six Super Bowl titles, countless division championships, and a legacy of Hall of Fame players, the Steelers are synonymous with playoff football. However, the modern NFL landscape is highly competitive, and the question looms over Steelers Nation: Can the Steelers make the playoffs in 2024?
1. The Steelers’ Recent Performance
Before diving into the prospects for the 2024 season, it’s crucial to evaluate how the Steelers have performed in recent years. Under head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have never experienced a losing season, a remarkable feat in a league where parity often prevails. Tomlin’s leadership and consistency have helped the team maintain competitiveness, even during transitional periods such as the post-Ben Roethlisberger era.
In the 2023 season, the Steelers finished with a respectable record, though they narrowly missed the playoffs. Despite strong defensive performances and flashes of offensive brilliance, inconsistencies, particularly on offense, hindered their ability to string together enough wins to secure a postseason berth. Nevertheless, there were signs of progress, and many analysts believe that the Steelers are poised to return to playoff contention in 2024.
2. Offseason Moves and Roster Additions
The 2024 offseason was crucial for the Steelers, as the front office made a series of strategic moves to address key weaknesses. General Manager Omar Khan prioritized bolstering the offensive line, enhancing the secondary, and adding depth to the wide receiver and linebacker positions.
- Offensive Line Improvements: In recent years, the Steelers’ offensive line had become a point of concern, with an aging unit struggling to protect the quarterback and establish a strong running game. In 2024, the Steelers invested in both the draft and free agency to revitalize the O-line. The addition of young talent through the draft, combined with the acquisition of a veteran Pro Bowl guard, has the potential to dramatically improve the trenches.
- Wide Receiver Depth: With Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and the versatile tight end Pat Freiermuth, the Steelers’ receiving corps is formidable, but depth was an issue. To address this, the Steelers added a speedy slot receiver through free agency, giving quarterback Kenny Pickett more weapons to spread the ball around and keep defenses guessing.
- Defensive Upgrades: The Steelers’ defense has always been the backbone of the franchise, and 2024 is no exception. While stars like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick continue to lead the unit, the team addressed secondary depth in the draft and added a solid cornerback to strengthen their pass defense. A strong defense is essential in today’s NFL, and Pittsburgh’s ability to get to the quarterback and create turnovers remains one of their best assets.
3. The Development of Kenny Pickett
The Steelers’ 2024 playoff hopes largely rest on the shoulders of quarterback Kenny Pickett, the team’s first-round pick from 2022. Pickett showed glimpses of promise during his rookie season, but also experienced the growing pains typical of young quarterbacks adjusting to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses.
Entering his third season, Pickett is expected to take a significant step forward. He now has a full year of experience as a starter under his belt, and the Steelers’ revamped offensive line and receiving corps should provide him with better protection and more opportunities to make plays downfield. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada has emphasized tailoring the playbook to Pickett’s strengths, including his ability to make quick decisions and extend plays with his mobility.
Pickett’s development will be key to determining whether the Steelers can push past their offensive struggles and become a more balanced, explosive team capable of competing with high-powered offenses in the AFC. If Pickett can elevate his play to a Pro Bowl level, the Steelers will have a legitimate chance at making the postseason.
4. The Competitive AFC North
One of the biggest challenges facing the Steelers in their quest for the playoffs is the sheer strength of the AFC North. Widely regarded as one of the toughest divisions in football, the AFC North features perennial contenders like the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns.
- Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals, led by superstar quarterback Joe Burrow, have quickly become one of the top teams in the AFC. Their explosive offense, combined with a steadily improving defense, makes them the favorites to win the division. Beating the Bengals in head-to-head matchups will be crucial for the Steelers, especially considering Burrow’s dominance in recent seasons.
- Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens are always a formidable opponent, thanks to their strong defense and dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson. Injuries have hampered Baltimore in the past, but when healthy, they are a playoff-caliber team capable of winning the division. The Steelers will need to split or win both games against Baltimore to keep their playoff hopes alive.
- Cleveland Browns: The Browns are somewhat of a wild card in 2024. After years of inconsistency, they’ve assembled a talented roster, particularly on defense, and quarterback Deshaun Watson is expected to return to his Pro Bowl form. If Cleveland lives up to its potential, the AFC North could feature four teams with legitimate playoff aspirations.
The Steelers’ path to the playoffs may very well hinge on their performance within the division. Sweeping their divisional games or at least securing a winning record in the AFC North will significantly boost their postseason chances.
5. Strength of Schedule
The Steelers’ 2024 schedule will also play a pivotal role in their playoff aspirations. Pittsburgh faces a relatively tough slate of opponents, including non-divisional games against AFC powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins. These matchups will test the Steelers’ ability to compete with the best in the conference.
Fortunately, the Steelers also have several winnable games against teams with weaker rosters or undergoing rebuilds. Capitalizing on these opportunities is critical, as dropping games against lesser opponents could be the difference between making the playoffs or falling just short once again.
6. The Steelers’ Formula for Success
For the Steelers to make the playoffs in 2024, they will need to follow a familiar formula: dominant defense, efficient offense, and sound special teams play. The defense, led by Watt, Fitzpatrick, and veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, has the potential to be one of the best in the league. Creating turnovers, getting to the quarterback, and winning the field position battle will be paramount to the team’s success.
On offense, Pickett’s continued growth will need to be complemented by a strong running game, led by Najee Harris. A balanced attack that controls the clock and minimizes turnovers will help keep games close and give the Steelers a chance to win in the fourth quarter—something they’ve historically excelled at.
Lastly, special teams, often an overlooked aspect of the game, could play a major role in the Steelers’ playoff push. A reliable kicker, consistent punting, and strong return coverage are essential in close games, which the Steelers are likely to find themselves in throughout the season.
Conclusion
The Steelers’ playoff hopes in 2024 are very much alive, but they face several challenges along the way. The development of Kenny Pickett, the improvement of the offensive line, and the continued dominance of the defense will be key factors in determining their fate. The AFC North’s competitiveness and the strength of the Steelers’ schedule also add layers of difficulty.
That being said, with Mike Tomlin at the helm and a strong, balanced roster, the Steelers are well-positioned to make a serious playoff run. If Pickett takes the next step, and the defense stays healthy, Pittsburgh could very well find themselves back in the postseason, adding yet another chapter to their storied history. Whether they make a deep run or face an early exit will depend on their ability to rise to the occasion in pivotal games throughout the season.
