Steelers must navigate brutal 2nd-half stretch to pose legit AFC playoff threat
The first half of the 2024 NFL season was just a warm-up, and the Pittsburgh Steelers had better be ready for what's next -- because it's a doozy.
The Steelers have this Week 9 bye to regroup and recoup before an onslaught of games that includes the resurgent Washington Commanders, all three AFC North opponents twice, the Philadelphia Eagles and reigning Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. These next nine games are as close as it'll get to playoff football until the real thing.
Despite a below-average offense, the Steelers have made it to their bye with a surprising 6-2 record, thanks to their top-10 defense and a best-on-the-block special teams unit. The NFL schedule makers gave Pittsburgh a layup to start the season. However, the team faces the 2nd-toughest schedule going forward.
For the Steelers to pose a legitimate threat in the AFC, they must navigate this brutal remaining schedule as flawlessly as possible.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers must navigate brutal 2nd-half stretch to pose legit AFC playoff threat
