The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't missed the playoffs since 2022.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been tabbed as a "living on the bubble" playoff team for 2026 by NFL analyst Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report.
Pittsburgh hasn't missed the playoffs since 2022.
"They're always in the thick of it, and Aaron Rodgers has enough support to keep it that way in 2026," Gagnon wrote. "Unless he completely falls off a cliff—which is certainly possible in his age-43 season—the Steelers should be good for between eight and 11 wins."
The Steelers went 10-7 last season and won the AFC North.
However, Pittsburgh lost to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round.
The Steelers hired former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy this offseason after Mike Tomlin stepped down from his post. Pittsburgh also re-signed Aaron Rodgers, the oldest active starting QB in the NFL.
2003. That's the last time the Steelers finished below .500. It would certainly be wild to see Pittsburgh having a losing record in Year 1 of the McCarthy era. It all depends on how Rodgers performs.
In Year 1 of the McCarthy era, the Steelers face the Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans.
One of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, Rodgers finished with 3,322 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2025. He completed 65.7% of his passes.
McCarthy and Rodgers won Super Bowl XLV against the Steelers as members of the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers hasn't won a playoff game since the 2020 season, while the Steelers haven't won a postseason game since the 2016 season.
It will be intriguing to see how Rodgers and Co. perform in 2026. A four-time MVP, Rodgers will retire from the NFL after next season. Will he go out on top or lose to Father Time?
"I think we were close last year," Rodgers said. "I think we added some good pieces. I felt like we needed a lineman probably at some point, drafted a guy in the first round that I like. I thought we needed somebody who could work in the slot. Obviously, Germie (Bernard), being picked there, is a guy they think can do it. Bring in (Michael) Pittman, was obviously a good addition. Rico Dowdle, Jamel (Dean) on defense. (Jaquan) Brisker as well, so a lot of good pieces added to the mix."
