The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been one of the most followed franchises in American football, and 2025 is proving no different. For UK fans, the Steelers’ schedule this season offers a fascinating mix of classic rivalries, tough road trips, and intriguing home fixtures — all adding to the drama of an evolving NFL campaign.
With growing British interest in the NFL, especially following successful London Games in recent years, the Steelers’ fixtures have attracted strong viewership across the UK. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to American football, this breakdown of the Steelers’ 2025 schedule will help you understand what’s at stake, who the key opponents are, and how this season could shape the team’s playoff hopes.
A Look at the Steelers’ 2025 Schedule
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2025 NFL season looking to bounce back from an inconsistent 2024 campaign. Their fixture list this year offers both opportunities and serious challenges. The schedule, released earlier this year by the NFL, has sparked plenty of conversation among UK-based fans and pundits who follow the sport closely.
The Steelers’ 2025 season features:
- 17 regular season games spread across 18 weeks
- Nine home games at Acrisure Stadium
- Eight away fixtures across the United States
They’ll face all their AFC North rivals — the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals — twice, as usual. But this season also includes key inter-conference clashes against the NFC East, which means meetings with the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders.
Key Fixtures Every UK Fan Should Know
Steelers vs Ravens — The Rivalry Renewed
There’s no matchup quite like Steelers vs Ravens. This rivalry has defined the AFC North for two decades and remains one of the NFL’s fiercest. Their Week 9 clash at Acrisure Stadium is already one of the most anticipated games of the season.
Both sides boast elite defences, and UK fans tuning in on Sky Sports or NFL Game Pass can expect a physical, old-school contest. The return fixture in Baltimore later in the season could have playoff implications if both teams are still in contention.
Steelers vs Bengals — Joe Burrow Test
Facing Joe Burrow and the Bengals will again test the Steelers’ defence. The Bengals’ fast-paced offence contrasts sharply with Pittsburgh’s grind-it-out approach under head coach Mike Tomlin. Their Week 13 encounter in Cincinnati could prove decisive for AFC North standings.
Prime-Time Games and UK-Friendly Kickoffs
The NFL’s growing UK fanbase means more matches are being scheduled at UK-friendly times. The Steelers have two Sunday prime-time fixtures, one Monday Night Football game, and a late-season Thursday Night Football matchup.
While these late kick-offs typically start around 1:20 a.m. UK time, several of the Steelers’ Sunday afternoon games — especially early-season fixtures — fall into the 6:00 p.m. or 9:25 p.m. BST slots, perfect for British viewers.
International Fans and the Steelers’ Growing UK Following
The Steelers’ black-and-gold brand has found surprising popularity in the UK, thanks in part to their rich history and dedicated global fan club. The team has long been supported by UK Steelers Nation, one of the NFL’s largest British fan communities.
Interest has also grown through UK sports coverage of American football. Publications like Sky Sports, BBC Sport, and Birmingham Journal have played a vital role in bringing the NFL to a wider British audience.
Just as fans follow updates on topics such as Jeremy Hunt’s net worth or the latest Strictly Come Dancing news, the Steelers’ fixtures have become part of a broader UK sports culture that embraces global sports beyond football and tennis.
The Steelers’ Preseason and What It Revealed
Before diving into the regular season, the Steelers’ 2025 preseason gave fans an early glimpse into the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
New quarterback Kenny Pickett showed steady improvement, connecting well with rising star George Pickens, while the offensive line — a major concern last season — appeared more cohesive.
Defensively, veteran T.J. Watt continued to anchor the pass rush, reminding fans why he remains one of the league’s most feared players. Analysts believe if Watt stays healthy, the Steelers could boast a top-five defence this year.
Midseason Challenges: A Critical Stretch
From Weeks 7 to 11, the Steelers face one of the toughest stretches in the NFL. They’ll go head-to-head with the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens within five weeks — four teams that finished last season with winning records.
Such runs often define playoff hopes. UK-based analysts from The Guardian and The Independent suggest that even going 3–2 during this period could keep Pittsburgh in playoff contention. The Steelers’ ability to win close games will again be critical.
Playoff Prospects and Predictions
Pittsburgh missed out on the playoffs in 2024 by a narrow margin, finishing 9–8. For 2025, expectations remain high but measured. According to NFL data released in September, the Steelers’ projected win total stands at 9.5, placing them just behind the Ravens and Bengals in divisional odds.
ESPN UK’s early simulations give the Steelers a 42% chance of making the playoffs, depending on key divisional results. Much of this will hinge on the progress of the offence — particularly whether Pickett can take the next step as a consistent playmaker.
Star Players to Watch
Kenny Pickett — Quarterback
Still developing, Pickett’s growth remains the biggest storyline of Pittsburgh’s season. His composure under pressure improved last year, and he’s showing more confidence in leading the offence.
Najee Harris — Running Back
Harris is entering his prime years and remains crucial to the Steelers’ ground game. His ability to control possession could prove decisive in close contests.
T.J. Watt — Linebacker
No discussion of the Steelers is complete without Watt. A Defensive Player of the Year contender every season, his leadership and intensity set the tone for the team.
Injury Concerns and Squad Depth
The Steelers have had their fair share of injury setbacks in recent seasons. The 2025 campaign started with concerns over linebacker Cole Holcomb’s knee injury, though early reports suggest a midseason return. Depth in the secondary remains an issue, prompting speculation that the team may look to the trade market later in the year.
Steelers insider reports from the US hint that Mike Tomlin may prioritise defensive reinforcements before the midseason trade deadline if injuries persist. UK-based NFL correspondents have echoed similar expectations, noting that maintaining squad depth will be vital for playoff ambitions.
Fan Reaction and UK Coverage
The Steelers’ passionate fanbase remains one of the most vocal in world sport. Across social media platforms, British fans regularly engage in discussions, live reactions, and game analyses. The Steelers UK Fan Club hosts watch parties in cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and London, often coinciding with NFL events.
British sports fans, known for following diverse sports — from Misfits Boxing to the Champions League — are showing growing enthusiasm for the NFL’s drama-filled weekends. The blend of athleticism, strategy, and spectacle has drawn comparisons to big football nights like Barcelona vs PSG.
Steelers’ Late-Season Push
If the Steelers can navigate their difficult midseason period, the final five weeks of the season offer a chance to make a playoff surge. They’ll face weaker opposition, including the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets, before finishing with a tough home game against the Cleveland Browns.
Many analysts believe this closing stretch could determine whether Pittsburgh sneaks into the playoffs. Mike Tomlin’s record of never having a losing season remains one of the most impressive in the NFL — and maintaining that streak in 2025 will require resilience.
Expert Insight: Mike Tomlin’s Leadership
Mike Tomlin, one of the longest-serving coaches in the NFL, continues to command respect across the league. Despite changes in personnel and offensive strategy, his focus on discipline and mental toughness keeps the Steelers competitive every year.
In a recent interview with NFL Network, Tomlin emphasised the importance of team chemistry, saying, “Talent wins games, but cohesion wins seasons.” It’s a philosophy that resonates strongly, particularly with UK sports fans who value team unity, as seen in British football and rugby.
How the Steelers Fit into the Global Growth of the NFL
The NFL’s increasing presence in the UK — through the London Games and growing television coverage — has turned teams like the Steelers into global brands.
British fans now regularly tune in to watch live games, often gathering in pubs and fan zones across the country. The Steelers, with their storied history and loyal fan culture, represent the classic NFL experience — grit, tradition, and competitive spirit.
The growing intersection of British and American sports cultures means coverage of teams like the Steelers appears alongside articles on Cameron Norrie’s girlfriend or Graziano Di Prima’s latest performance, highlighting how international sport has become part of UK popular media.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When does the Steelers’ 2025 season start?
The Steelers’ regular season began in early September 2025, following a three-game preseason in August.
2. How can UK fans watch Steelers games live?
Games are available on Sky Sports NFL, BBC iPlayer for selected fixtures, and NFL Game Pass via streaming.
3. Who is the Steelers’ key player this season?
Linebacker T.J. Watt remains the most influential player, anchoring one of the league’s top defensive units.
4. Do the Steelers have a chance to make the playoffs?
Yes, analysts predict a strong playoff push if the team stays healthy, with around a 40–45% playoff probability.
5. Will the Steelers play in the UK anytime soon?
While no London fixture has been announced for 2025, the team remains a top candidate for future NFL International Series games.
Final Thoughts
The Steelers’ 2025 schedule offers everything fans could hope for — fierce rivalries, defining tests, and the promise of redemption. For British followers of American football, Pittsburgh remains one of the sport’s most captivating teams to watch.
As the season unfolds, the question is whether Tomlin’s men can convert potential into results and secure another shot at the postseason. One thing is certain — win or lose, the Steelers continue to embody the passion and resilience that define the sport.
And as UK fans grow more invested in the NFL, the black-and-gold of Pittsburgh will remain a familiar sight in British sports culture — much like how local fans rally behind Premier League clubs or iconic global events.
