The NFL is set to release its 2020 schedule on Thursday, which is always an exciting date for fans. It gives us the opportunity to debate game predictions and win-loss records.
While league brass is discussing contingencies for alterations to the schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are currently planning for a normal season.
Commissioner Roger Goodell sent out a memo this week, which calls for teams to give a full refund to any fans who paid for tickets for any game that might be canceled.
The Pittsburgh Steelers ended the 2019 season with a record of 8-8. While that could mean less primetime games for some teams, that’s usually not the case for the Steelers, who are always a draw for TV ratings regardless of record. The team averages five games in primetime annually.
The Steelers are 13-4 in primetime matchups the last four years.
Let’s take a gander at which five games the Steelers could be playing in primetime this season.
Steelers vs./at Browns
The last time these rivals met up in primetime, it concluded with the craziest debacle in all of NFL history. It’s always a bloodbath between the Steelers and Browns, which makes a night game all the more probable.
The Browns didn’t get to face quarterback Ben Roethlisberger last season, so Cleveland will be extra thirsty this time.
Steelers vs. Eagles
In this in-state, interconference rivalry, unofficially nicknamed “The Battle of Pennsylvania,” the Eagles have the Steelers number. In 79 meetings, Philadelphia leads the series 48-28-3. In fact, the last time they went head-to-head in the regular season, the Steelers were embarrassed 34-3 in Philly.
Steelers vs./at Bengals
Who wouldn’t want to see a nationally televised game between the two division adversaries? All eyes will be on rookie quarterback Joe Burrow, especially to witness how he will fare versus one of the most fierce defenses in the league.
Steelers vs. Jaguars
While the Steelers and Jaguars are no longer divisional foes, there is still plenty of bad blood between the franchises. Their last meeting came in a 2018 playoff nailbiter that resulted in a heartbreaking 45-42 loss. The Jags lead the regular-season series 12 games to 11. You’ll have to go back to 2014 for the last time the Steelers beat the Jags, 17-9.
Steelers at Cowboys
This matchup needs no introduction. Should the two play the Hall of Fame game this year, this will be the second meeting of the season. The Ben Roethlisberger-Dak Prescott affair is sure to be a thrilling contest.
