Steelers 2012-2013 Regular Season Prediction Special

Its about this time of the year before the preseason starts that I like to look at the upcoming schedule and make my predictions.  What I'm going to do is give you a W or L (no score predictions until the week before the particular game) and a small caption as to why the Steelers might Win or Lose that game.  Here goes nothing:

Week
1 - @ Denver Broncos - W - The Steelers will be fired up for a chance to get a win in Mile High.  Even though Tebow isn't there, the Steelers have always played well against Peyton Manning (and he doesn't have the weapons he used to).

2 - vs New York Jets - W - The Steelers open up their season at home against the New York Jets.  The Jets are a team that I think is nothing more than a media hype machine.  They don't have anyone on the outside besides Santonio Holmes, their running game is average at best, and Mark Sanchez is overrated.  The Steelers open up Heinz Field in a big way!

3 - @ Oakland Raiders - W - A long a tough road trip to Oakland.  This game will be alot closer than most people think, but I go back to the fact that the Steelers own Carson Palmer and have the run defense to take McFadden out of the equation.  I like the Steelers to go 3-0 heading into the bye.

4 - BYE - I hate early season byes, but the Steelers typically have good years when the BYE comes early.

5 - vs Philadelphia Eagles - L - Coming off a bye won't be enough for the highly talented Eagles to come into Heinz Field and give the Steelers their first loss.  This game will be close and could go either way, but I see the Steelers dropping this one.

6 - @ Tennesee Titans - W - The Steelers rebound nicely by shutting down CJ2K once again and getting after the Titans QB (whoever it is...Hassleback or Locker).

7 - @ Cincinnati Bengals - W - Big Ben loves to play in his home state of Ohio.  In his career he only has a couple losses on the state.  The Bengals will play the Steelers tough, but the defense will be all over Andy Dalton...if Dalton can't throw AJ Green remains in check.

8 - vs Washington Redskins - W - RGIII will need to look at Dick Lebeau's record against Rookie QBs against his defense.  The Redskins defense will keep them in the game early, but the Steelers will prevail.

9 - @ New York Giants - L - If this game were played in Pittsburgh, I'd take the Steelers, but in NY it will be a tough place for the Steelers to travel.  I think the Giants win a tight one aided by some poor Shaun Suisham kicking...just a hunch.

10 - vs. Kansas City Chiefs - W - The Cheifs almost beat the Steelers last year under Todd Haley.  Haley knows his former team better than anyone.  They will come out smoking hot on MNF in Pittsburgh!

11 - vs. Baltimore Ravens - W - The Steelers get revenge for Joe Flacco's 92 yd game-winning drive by beating the Ravens in a similar fashion. 

12 - @ Cleveland Browns - W - Trent Richardson and Weedon will quickly realize what this rivalry is all about.  Even though the Browns vs Steelers isn't the Ravens' rivalry, it is still fun to watch the Steelers beat up on the browns.  It is in Cleveland (the mistake by the lake) and the weather could play a factor, but it won't matter.  Mr. Weedon, Dick Lebeau doesn't like rookie QBs...ask Mr. McCoy.

13 - @ Baltimore Ravens - L - Even though I said that I think the Steelers will sweep the Ravens on my podcast, I still figure they will split with their arch-rivals.  The Steelers could pull out a win in this one, but I'll give the nod to the Ravens in Baltimore.

14 - vs. San Diego Chargers - W - The Chargers never play well in Pittsburgh.  It will be cold and the weather plays right into the Steelers' hands.  I love the home team when the visiting team has to travel across the country.  Look for the Steelers to hand Phillip Rivers a L before he heads back to the beach.

15 - @ Dallas Cowboys - L - The Steelers are a team that has that one game every year where they let an opponent sneak up on them, and I think that game is against the Cowboys. 

16 - vs. Cincinnati Bengals - W - Andy Dalton will have to do some homework to beat the Steelers defense and Big Ben.  I think the book is out on Dalton...don't look for teams to overlook him this year.

17 - vs. Cleveland Browns - W - See Week 12.

Regular Season Record - 12-4 (5-1 Division)

I will have an AFC North preview as to where I think the rest of the division will finish compared to the Steelers.  You have a different prediction?  Leave it in the comments below! The season can't get here fast enough!