Add another national media skeptic to the growing list of doubters surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers entering the 2026 season.
While appearing on The Arena podcast, longtime sports analyst and former ESPN and FS1 personality Skip Bayless made it clear that he doesn’t believe Pittsburgh will return to the postseason this year.
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Bayless pointed to the Steelers’ late-season struggles and disappointing playoff performance as reasons for his skepticism.
“They stumbled into the backdoor of the playoffs thanks to a missed 40-yard field goal by the Baltimore Ravens,” Bayless said. “And they lost at home 30-6, and Aaron Rodgers stunk in that game.”
Bayless also questioned whether Pittsburgh has done enough to keep pace in what many consider one of the NFL’s toughest divisions.
“And now you’re telling me they’re just gonna magically be back in the playoffs in that division?” Bayless asked. “The Bengals are going to be way better. The Ravens are going to be way, WAY better. And the Steelers are the odd man out.”
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It’s a sentiment that has become increasingly common among national analysts this offseason. Despite Pittsburgh making several notable moves, including adding veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and acquiring wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to pair with DK Metcalf, many projections have the Steelers finishing third in the AFC North.
Much of the optimism surrounding the division centers on Cincinnati. The Bengals have been a popular breakout pick after addressing defensive concerns and adding star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. However, predictions of a Bengals resurgence have become an annual offseason tradition, and the results have not always matched the hype.
Meanwhile, Baltimore remains the division favorite in many circles. The Ravens spent the offseason reshaping portions of their coaching staff and are expected to once again contend for the AFC North crown after another strong season.
For Pittsburgh, the challenge will be proving the doubters wrong. The Steelers have heard plenty of criticism throughout the offseason, particularly after their one-and-done playoff appearance a year ago. Now, with Rodgers returning for what could be his final NFL season and a revamped offense around him, they’ll have an opportunity to show that national projections don’t always tell the full story.
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Whether Bayless is right remains to be seen, but for now, the Steelers continue to be viewed by many outside Pittsburgh as the third-best team in their own division.
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