Steelers Set To Face Five Of NFL’s 10 Best Quarterbacks From ESPN’s Position Rankings

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 schedule presents a significant challenge primarily due to the number of elite quarterbacks they will face. Based on ESPN.com's anonymous survey of executives, scouts, and coaches ranking NFL quarterbacks, the Steelers are scheduled to play against five of the top 10 quarterbacks on that list.

This includes two games each against Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson (ranked No. 4) and Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow (ranked No. 3), both within AFC North play (Ravens: Weeks 14 & 18; Bengals: Weeks 7 & 11). They will also face single matchups against Detroit Lions' Jared Goff (No. 8) in Week 16 at Ford Field, Los Angeles Chargers' Justin Herbert (No. 7) in Week 10 on the road, and Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen (No. 2) in Week 13 at Acrisure Stadium. In total, this amounts to seven games against these top-tier quarterbacks.

Historically, the Steelers have struggled against these quarterbacks. They hold a 1-3 record against Josh Allen (including playoffs), with Allen accumulating 1,071 passing yards, 8 TDs, 3 INTs, plus 142 rushing yards and a TD in those games. Against Justin Herbert, they are 1-1; Herbert left their last meeting early due to injury. Jared Goff is 0-1-1 against Pittsburgh, including a tie in 2021.

Notably, Goff is coming off a strong 2024 season (4,629 yards, 37 TDs), helping elevate the Lions to contender status. An AFC executive described Herbert as a consistently "top-5-8 QB" who is accurate, athletic, and a sound decision-maker, suggesting he is underrated. Allen is highlighted as a unique challenge due to his blend of size, strength, mobility, and powerful arm.

While the Steelers have bolstered their defense with additions like Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, and rookie Derrick Harmon, and hired new secondary coach Gerald Alexander, facing these elite quarterbacks remains a major hurdle. The rebuilt secondary may be vulnerable early in the season as communication issues are addressed.