The 2019 season has not been anything as expected for the Pittsburgh Steelers with the rash of injuries to key starters and a terrible 1-4 start. At the beginning of camp, BTSC took the Steelers’ slate of games one-by-one and predicted an 11-5 record. With the bye week here, the 2-4 Steelers have a chance to flip the script and salvage the year. With that being stated, BTSC looks back on what we said then and revamps it for the Steelers’ current situation. Let’s take a look...

Week 8

Miami Dolphins

Monday 10/28/2019 8:15 PM EDT (ESPN)

Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

• Head Coach: Brian Flores
  Record: 0-5
• Offensive Rank: 31 (234.2 ypg)
  Passing: 31 (176.0 ypg)
  Rushing: 31 (58.2 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 32 (8.2 ppg)
  Passing Leader: Ryan Fitzpatrick - 435 yards, 57.5%, 2 TD, 4 INT
  Rushing Leader: Kenyan Drake - 153 yards, 0 TD
  Receiving Leader: Preston Williams - 232 yards, 1 TD
• Defensive Rank: 32 (439.8 ypg)
  Passing: 26 (270.2 ypg)
  Rushing: 31 (169.6 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 32 (36.0 ppg)
  Tackling Leader: Jerome Baker - 35
  Sacks Leader: Taco Charlton - 2
  Passes Defensed Leader: Eric Rowe - 4
  Interceptions Leader: Bobby McCain - 1

What BTSC thought before the season:

Miami is one of those teams that you would rather play at home than on the road. It’s on MNF at home and that’s typically a good omen for the Steelers. Prediction: Steelers (4-3)

What BTSC thinks now:

Miami is definitely in tank mode. With more players, like Kenyan Drake, on the trade block, the Dolphins look nothing like they did at even the start of the season. This could and should be a “get back on track” game for the Steelers. Prediction: Steelers (3-4)

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Week 9

Indianapolis Colts

Sunday 11/3/2019 1:00 PM EDT (CBS)

Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

• Head Coach: Frank Reich
  Record: 3-2
• Offensive Rank: 23 (344.0 ypg)
  Passing: 27 (202.0 ypg)
  Rushing: 4 (104.0 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 15 (22.6 ppg)
  Passing Leader: Jacoby Brissett - 1,062 yards, 64.7%, 10 TD, 3 INT
  Rushing Leader: Marlon Mack - 470 yards, 2 TD
  Receiving Leader: T.Y. Hilton - 232 yards, 4 TD
• Defensive Rank: 16 (355.2 ypg)
  Passing: 17 (242.0 ypg)
  Rushing: 19 (113.2 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 16 (23.0 ppg)
  Tackling Leader: Anthony Walker - 36
  Sacks Leader: Denico Autry - 2.5
  Passes Defensed Leader: 4 Tied - 1
  Interceptions Leader: Malik Hooker/Clayton Geathers - 1

What BTSC thought before the season:

The Steelers have had the number of the Colts lately, but that hasn’t been against Andrew Luck. This was a playoff team last season and will be a challenge. But I’m still picking the Steelers to rise up against Indy. Prediction: Steelers (5-3)

What BTSC thinks now:

The Colts upset Kansas City in Week 5 and completely stifled Pat Mahomes in the process with a solid defensive plan. This will be a tough test, but I’m still thinking the Steelers take that leap at home. Prediction: Steelers (4-4)

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Week 10

Los Angeles Rams

Sunday 11/10/2019 4:25 PM EDT (FOX)

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

• Head Coach: Sean McVay
  Record: 3-3
• Offensive Rank: 12 (370.8 ypg)
  Passing: 6 (272.5 ypg)
  Rushing: 22 (98.3 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 11 (25.5 ppg)
  Passing Leader: Jared Goff - 1,727 yards, 62.2%, 7 TD, 7 INT
  Rushing Leader: Todd Gurley - 270 yards, 5 TD
  Receiving Leader: Cooper Kupp - 522 yards, 4 TD
• Defensive Rank: 12 (346.8 ypg)
  Passing: 14 (241.3 ypg)
  Rushing: 16 (105.5 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 25 (25.7 ppg)
  Tackling Leader: Corey Littleton - 55
  Sacks Leader: Clay Matthews Jr. - 6
  Passes Defensed Leader: Corey Littleton - 7
  Interceptions Leader: John Johnson/Marcus Peters (traded to Bal) - 2

What BTSC thought before the season:

If this game against the Rams just happened to be in Los Angeles, it would be a different story. I’m just not sure how damaged Todd Gurley is and I think this can indeed be a shootout. I’m just thinking the Steelers will play up to the high caliber of the competition and prevail. Prediction: Steelers (6-3)

What BTSC thinks now:

Todd Gurley is a lot more damaged than originally thought, but stopping Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods may prove too tough. Add Jaylen Ramsey to Clay Matthews on that defense and this could be a rough day. Prediction: Los Angeles (4-5)

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Week 11

at Cleveland Browns

Thursday 11/14/2019 8:20 PM EDT (FOX, NFL Network, Amazon)

• Head Coach: Freddie Kitchens
  Record: 2-4
• Offensive Rank: 19 (351.2 ypg)
  Passing: 21 (231.3 ypg)
  Rushing: 13 (119.8 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 21 (20.0 ppg)
  Passing Leader: Baker Mayfield - 1,496 yards, 56.6%, 5 TD, 11 INT
  Rushing Leader: Nick Chubb - 607 yards, 6 TD
  Receiving Leader: Odell Beckham Jr. - 436 yards, 1 TD/Jarvis Landry - 439 yards, 0 TD
• Defensive Rank: 24 (373.3 ypg)
  Passing: 8 (219.3 ypg)
  Rushing: 29 (154.0 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 24 (25.7 ppg)
  Tackling Leader: Joe Schubert - 62
  Sacks Leader: Myles Garrett - 9
  Passes Defensed Leader: Damarious Randall - 3
  Interceptions Leader: 4 Tied - 1

What BTSC thought before the season:

Cleveland will definitely be rocking on Thursday Night and I just don’t have a good feeling about this one. With a revamped lineup and high hopes, the rivalry returns to prominence on TNF. Prediction: Cleveland (6-4)

What BTSC thinks now:

If the Steelers have righted the ship at this point, then they could get past the Browns in Cleveland, But this game still doesn’t feel right. Prediction: Cleveland (4-6)

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Week 12

at Cincinnati Bengals

Sunday 11/24/2019 1:00 PM EDT (CBS)

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

• Head Coach: Zac Taylor
  Record: 0-6
• Offensive Rank: 7 (307.7 ypg)
  Passing: 12 (251.2 ypg)
  Rushing: 22 (56.5 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 11 (16.2 ppg)
  Passing Leader: Andy Dalton - 1,647 yards, 61.7%, 7 TD, 5 INT
  Rushing Leader: Joe Mixon - 252 yards, 1 TD
  Receiving Leader: Tyler Boyd - 416 yards, 1 TD/ John Ross III - 328 3 TD
• Defensive Rank: 31 (426.0 ypg)
  Passing: 15 (241.5 ypg)
  Rushing: 32 (184.5 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 26 (26.5 ppg)
  Tackling Leader: Nick Vigil - 51
  Sacks Leader: Sam Hubbard - 3.0
  Passes Defensed Leader: Dré Kirkpatrick- 4
  Interceptions Leader: William Jackson III - 1

What BTSC thought before the season:

On the road in Ohio once again this week, the healing begins with a win over a decimated foe. Prediction: Steelers (7-4)

What BTSC thinks now:

This could be a dangerous game against a lesser foe, but the Bengals could still be winless and in tank mode. I look for the run to redemption starting here. Prediction: Steelers (5-6)

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Week 13

Cleveland Browns

Sunday 12/1/2019 4:25 PM EDT (CBS)

Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

• Head Coach: Freddie Kitchens
  Record: 2-4
• Offensive Rank: 19 (351.2 ypg)
  Passing: 21 (231.3 ypg)
  Rushing: 13 (119.8 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 21 (20.0 ppg)
  Passing Leader: Baker Mayfield - 1,496 yards, 56.6%, 5 TD, 11 INT
  Rushing Leader: Nick Chubb - 607 yards, 6 TD
  Receiving Leader: Odell Beckham Jr. - 436 yards, 1 TD/Jarvis Landry - 439 yards, 0 TD
• Defensive Rank: 24 (373.3 ypg)
  Passing: 8 (219.3 ypg)
  Rushing: 29 (154.0 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 24 (25.7 ppg)
  Tackling Leader: Joe Schubert - 62
  Sacks Leader: Myles Garrett - 9
  Passes Defensed Leader: Damarious Randall - 3
  Interceptions Leader: 4 Tied - 1

What BTSC thought before the season:

The Steelers get revenge against Cleveland for the Week 11 loss and serve notice that the tide has not turned all the way brown. Ben Roethlisberger and James Conner put the team on their backs, while the defense stands tall. Prediction: Steelers (8-4)

What BTSC thinks now:

This Browns team is indeed improved, but Baker Mayfield has greatly been underwhelming. Neutralize Nick Chubb and double-team Myles Garrett and the Steelers could again reduce Cleveland rocks to pebbles. Prediction: Steelers (6-6)

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Week 14

at Arizona Cardinals

Sunday 12/8/2019 4:25 PM EDT (CBS)

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

• Head Coach: Kliff Kingsbury
  Record: 2-3-1
• Offensive Rank: 9 (376.8 ypg)
  Passing: 11 (254.2 ypg)
  Rushing: 12 (122.7 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 16 (22.3 ppg)
  Passing Leader: Kyler Murray - 1,664 yards, 64.3%, 7 TD, 4 INT
  Rushing Leader: David Johnson - 298 yards, 5 TD
  Receiving Leader: Larry Fitzgerald - 427 yards, 2 TD
• Defensive Rank: 30 (414.0 ypg)
  Passing: 30 (281.2 ypg)
  Rushing: 26 (132.8 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 29 (28.5 ppg)
  Tackling Leader: Jordan Hicks - 63
  Sacks Leader: Chandler Jones - 4.5
  Passes Defensed Leader: Byron Murphy - 5
  Interceptions Leader: None

What BTSC thought before the season:

This team has a long rebuild in the desert. Even though the Steelers aren’t sterling out west, they will handle the Cardinals for their third straight win. Prediction: Steelers (9-4)

What BTSC thinks now:

The Cardinals are slowly building a fast team for the future, but the Steelers are in “fight or flight” mode. Look for a narrow escape in the desert. Prediction: Steelers (7-6)

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Week 15

Buffalo Bills

Sunday 12/15/2019 1:00 PM EDT (CBS)

Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

• Head Coach: Sean McDermott
  Record: 4-1
• Offensive Rank: 10 (372.4 ypg)
  Passing: 29 (232.8 ypg)
  Rushing: 6 (139.6 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 25 (18.0 ppg)
  Passing Leader: Josh Allen - 1,122 yards, 62.6%, 5 TD, 7 INT
  Rushing Leader: Frank Gore - 333 yards, 2 TD
  Receiving Leader: John Brown - 390 yards, 1 TD
• Defensive Rank: 3 (275.0 ypg)
  Passing: 3 (187.2 ypg)
  Rushing: 7 (87.8 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 4 (14.0 ppg)
  Tackling Leader: Tremaine Edmunds - 35
  Sacks Leader: Jordan Phillips - 4.0
  Passes Defensed Leader: Tremaine Edmunds - 5
  Interceptions Leader: TreDavious White - 2

What BTSC thought before the season:

The Steelers are hitting their stride and the improved Bills don’t quite have enough to beat Pittsburgh at Heinz Field at this particular juncture. Prediction: Steelers (10-4)

What BTSC thinks now: At some point, the Steelers will need to beat a good team and the Bills currently fit that description. However, the Buffalo defense is carrying them and their passing game is abysmal. So, I’m not sure how long they will sustain their early rise. Stop the running game here, score at least two TDs and the Steelers will win a close one at home. Prediction: Steelers (8-6)

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Week 16

at New York Jets

Sunday 12/22/2019 1:00 PM EDT (CBS)

Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

• Head Coach: Adam Gase
  Record: 1-5
• Offensive Rank: 32 (222.0 ypg)
  Passing: 32 (156.0 ypg)
  Rushing: 30 (64.0 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 31 (12.6 ppg)
  Passing Leader: Sam Darnold - 513 yards, 69.9%, 3 TD, 1 INT
  Rushing Leader: Le’Veon Bell - 256 yards, 2 TD
  Receiving Leader: Jamison Crowder - 272 yards, 1 TD
• Defensive Rank: 19 (357.8 ypg)
  Passing: 21 (262.0 ypg)
  Rushing: 13 (95.8 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 22 (24.6 ppg)
  Tackling Leader: Neville Hewitt - 34
  Sacks Leader: Neville Hewitt/Jordan Jenkins - 2.0
  Passes Defensed Leader: Jamal Adams - 4
  Interceptions Leader: 4 tied at 1

What BTSC thought before the season:

While my gut says that Le’Veon Bell is injured and doesn’t play in this game, I’m seeing this as a road loss at the hands of Sam Darnold. Prediction: Jets (10-5)

What BTSC thinks now:

Sam Darnold is back and this team is much better with him behind center, but the Steelers will win another tough road game. Prediction: Steelers (9-6)

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Week 17

at Baltimore Ravens

Sunday 12/29/2019 1:00 PM EDT (CBS)

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

• Head Coach: John Harbaugh
  Record: 4-2
• Offensive Rank: 1 (450.7 ypg)
  Passing: 14 (245.7 ypg)
  Rushing: 1 (205.0 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 2 (30.7 ppg)
  Passing Leader: Lamar Jackson - 1,507 yards, 65.1%, 11 TD, 5 INT
  Rushing Leader: Mark Ingram III - 424 yards, 7 TD/Lamar Jackson - 460 yards, 2 TD
  Receiving Leader: Mark Andrews - 410 yards, 3 TD
• Defensive Rank: 12 (346.8 ypg)
  Passing: 14 (241.3 ypg)
  Rushing: 16 (105.5 ypg)
  Points-per-game: 25 (25.7 ppg)
  Tackling Leader: Patrick Onwuasor - 30
  Sacks Leader: Matt Judon - 4.0
  Passes Defensed Leader: Marlon Humphrey - 7
  Interceptions Leader: Marlon Humphrey - 2

What BTSC thought before the season:

Sure the Steelers don’t always light the world on fire at M&T, but there are two possibilities here. The first one is with the Steelers needing to win to capture the division which I think they would adjust after seeing Jackson the first time around. The second would be a scenario where the North is clinched and Mason Rudolph gets a start with an opportunity to impress. I’m just feeling the Steelers here. Prediction: Steelers (11-5)

What BTSC thinks now:

I’d like to think that the Steelers could go to Baltimore and beat the birds to win the division and they very well can. I just think that the Ravens are a strong team and the Steelers, though improving, are not quite there. Prediction: Baltimore (9-7)

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After a 1-4 start, a finish of 8-3 and a winning record would be a success. While this may not include a playoff berth, this would signify that Mason Rudolph can help move the team to the future, that the Steelers trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick wouldn’t hinder the team’s growth by losing a Top 5 selection and that the defense as emerged as a strength of the team. But the bottom line remains that the Steelers need to take the remainder of the season one game at a time.