Defense Is the Best Unit
Pittsburgh's identity starts with a pressure defense built around T.J. Watt and a front.
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79.1PFM Team Scorei
PFM Verdict
Why PFM Ranks the Steelers Here
The defense can create pressure without giving away coverage numbers because it has T.J. Watt. Mike McCarthy can protect Aaron Rodgers with heavy personnel and play action, but the offense does not have enough big-play juice to scare defenses out of crowding the line. Age at quarterback and another system change make the floor less secure than the defense suggests.
NFL Rank#18Current PFM ranking
AFC Rank#10Among AFC teams
QB Stability#25Aaron Rodgers · QB Limbo
Season OutlookIn the Playoff Mix
Head coachMike McCarthy
Offensive coordinatorBrian Angelichio
Defensive coordinatorPatrick Graham
PFM Team DNA
View all NFL team rankingsPittsburgh Steelers Team DNA
Quarterback Floor
Aaron Rodgers is the swing factor because the offense changes with his level of play. The pressure point is age and durability at quarterback behind an offense changing systems again.
Pittsburgh Is Nearly Even, but the Defense Is Safer
T.J. Watt and the pass rush give Pittsburgh the slightly more trustworthy side. The 5.8-point difference is almost nothing, which puts even more weight on Aaron Rodgers staying healthy and efficient in a new system.
Pittsburgh Is Not Finding Enough Big Plays
Pittsburgh sits 25th in explosive-play ability. Aaron Rodgers with Michael Pittman Jr. and the receiving group still need more gains that change the field in one snap.
PFM ROAD AHEAD
2026 Pittsburgh Steelers Strength of Schedule
Pittsburgh has one of the league’s more favorable schedules at No. 27, with opponents averaging 78.5. Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos and Houston Texans still give the schedule a real test, but 4 games against current top-10 teams keep the full road from looking as heavy as most.
Difficulty Rank#27No. 1 is toughest
Opponent PFM Avg.78.5Average across opponents
Next 3 Avg.80.7Upcoming opponents
Top-10 Matchups4Games vs. current top 10
Away games left8
Top-10 road opponents2
vs. Atlanta Falcons76.6 PFM · #22
Sep 13 · 1:00 pmHome
at New England Patriots86.0 PFM · #7
Sep 20 · 1:00 pmAwayTop 10
vs. Cincinnati Bengals79.4 PFM · #16
Sep 27 · 1:00 pmHome
Toughest remaining opponent: 
Philadelphia Eagles at 86.2 PFM.
PFM Reporter
How much does Aaron Rogers have left in the tank?
Rogers has already stated this will be his final year playing. Does he have another playoff run in him?
Newly acquired Michael Pittman Jr. Should help free up DK Metcalf for more explosive plays.
Analysis updatedJune 22, 2026
Around the League
League Context
Closest Team DNA Match
Built Like Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota VikingsMatch distance: 2.73 rating points
Shared profile: Roster Strength and QB Stability.
Pittsburgh gets answers across the field from the offensive line, while Minnesota gets answers across the field from the offensive line. QB Stability and Roster Strength line up because the quarterback has usable protection, route answers and a second option when the preferred matchup disappears. Explosiveness is the main separator because Minnesota gets more drive-changing chances from the offensive line.
Where they separate: Explosiveness. Vikings hold the stronger current rating.
Division Pressure
AFC North
Supporting Team Information
More About the Team
Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl Era
Pittsburgh is 6–2 in the Super Bowl and last won in Super Bowl XLIII in 2009.
- Super Bowl Titles
- 6
- Super Bowl Appearances
- 8
- Super Bowl Record
- 6–2
- Last Appearance
- 2011 Super Bowl XLV
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