PITTSBURGH – As the regular season enters its final stretch, the Pittsburgh Steelers sit at 7–5 under head coach DK LaFleur, right in the thick of the AFC playoff race. It has been a season defined by grit, growth, and revival, and a tale of a team rediscovering its identity and fighting for respect in one of the toughest divisions in the Premier Madden League.
Now, with just five games remaining, the road ahead is not for the faint of heart. The Steelers’ upcoming schedule features two meetings with the Baltimore Ravens, a divisional clash with the Cleveland Browns, and two matchups against opponents desperate to play spoiler in the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions. Every game from here on out carries playoff implications.
LaFleur has made it clear to his players that the mission is simple: survive, advance, and make a statement.
Week 14: Baltimore Ravens (7–5, Coach Mark)
The Steelers’ playoff march begins with a high-stakes divisional rematch against Coach Mark’s Baltimore Ravens, who also enter at 7–5. This matchup is more than just a rivalry, as it is a battle for positioning atop the AFC North. The first meeting between these two heavyweights could determine who takes control of the division heading into the home stretch, as the Browns will also be in the mix.
The Ravens bring physicality, discipline, and a balanced attack led by quarterback Lamar Jackson. His ability to extend plays and punish overaggressive defenses has long been a thorn in Pittsburgh’s side and the AFC North as a whole. For the Steelers, containing Jackson will be the top priority. T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Patrick Queen will need to maintain rush lane integrity while the secondary must stay disciplined in coverage.
Offensively, Desmond Ridder and rookie sensation Nate Carter must keep the chains moving. Baltimore’s defense thrives on chaos, so ball security will be key. LaFleur has said all season that these are the types of games where leaders emerge. With both teams sitting at 7–5, the atmosphere will feel like a playoff game in December.
Week 15: Miami Dolphins (4–7, Coach Jonny Loud Pockets)
After the divisional war with Baltimore, the Steelers travel to face the Miami Dolphins, a team better than their record suggests. Coach Jonny Loud Pockets’ squad features explosive playmakers and a high-octane passing attack that can catch any defense sleeping.
For Pittsburgh, this is a classic trap game. Miami may not be in the playoff picture, but they are dangerous when overlooked. LaFleur will likely lean on a steady dose of Nate Carter and a controlled offensive game plan to keep the Dolphins’ offense on the sidelines. Defensively, the focus will be on limiting big plays over the top and forcing Miami to earn every yard.
A win in Miami would be massive for maintaining momentum heading into the final three weeks, especially given the brutal divisional gauntlet waiting at the end of the schedule.
Week 16: Detroit Lions (4–7, Coach Nef)
The Lions, led by Coach Nef, have endured an inconsistent season but are known for their scrappy, never-quit mentality. Despite their struggles, Detroit remains a team with offensive firepower capable of testing any defense.
The Steelers will need to handle business here to avoid slipping in the wild card race. Historically, teams coached by LaFleur play their best football in December, and this will be another chance to prove that. The matchup also offers a great test for the Steelers’ defense, which has shown improvement since midseason but continues to strive for consistency.
On paper, Pittsburgh will be favored, but this league has proven time and again that nothing comes easy, especially against a cerebral coach like Nef.
Week 17: Cleveland Browns (6–5, Coach Dot)
Circle this one in red ink. When the Steelers meet Coach Dot’s Cleveland Browns, playoff implications will almost certainly be on the line for both teams. The Browns’ physical style of play mirrors Pittsburgh’s, making this matchup one of grit, heart, and line-of-scrimmage warfare.
Cleveland’s defense, anchored by Myles Garrett, will challenge Pittsburgh’s offensive line, while the Browns’ offense looks to pound the rock and control time of possession. The chess match between LaFleur and Dot could be one of the most entertaining coaching battles of the season.
For Pittsburgh, this game is personal. The Steelers dropped a heartbreaker to the Browns earlier in the year and have not forgotten it. Expect LaFleur to have his team laser-focused for this rematch. A win here would not only boost their playoff standing but also reaffirm that Pittsburgh has reclaimed its place among the division’s elite.
Week 18: Baltimore Ravens (7–5, Coach Mark)
As if one Steelers–Ravens matchup was not enough, the season finale brings a second showdown that could potentially determine everything in the division title, playoff seeding, or even survival in the postseason race.
By Week 18, both teams could very well have identical records again, setting up what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the regular season. These late-season clashes are what legends are made of, and both LaFleur and Mark know the weight of this rivalry.
It will come down to execution, discipline, and resilience. The team that makes fewer mistakes will likely walk away victorious.
The Road to January
At 7–5, the Steelers are in control of their own destiny. They have proven they can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the league, but the margin for error is razor thin. The AFC is crowded, and every win matters.
Coach LaFleur has instilled a mentality of focus and accountability since taking over. “We are not looking ahead,” he said this week. “We are looking at the next opponent. That is it. One week at a time, one game at a time.”
The Steel Curtain may still be under construction, but this team has already built something equally valuable — belief. And as the stretch run begins, belief might be exactly what carries Pittsburgh into January.
– Forged In Steel Times
