2013 NFL PREDICTIONS!!! (TYLER)

THE STILLAS....UH... STEELERS.

For Day 8 of my 2013 NFL Predictions we are going to take a look at the PITTSBURGH STEELERS!

The Steelers are one of the most intriguing teams in the NFL, kind of like the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA, the Steelers i counted out years ago as an old team that didn't have anything left in the tank, but for one reason or another they keep winning games, and not just a couple of them. I've been very impressed with what Head Coach Mike Tomlin has been able to do with this team. QB Ben Roethlisberger is still a solid QB in the league, and safety Troy Polamalu (when healthy) is a game changing defender.But just like every year i have to question how much do they have left? WR Mike Wallace is gone to Miami, LB James Harrison is gone also. Can the offensive line protect Big Ben long enough? Can an almost new defensive line hold when they need to? All good questions waiting to be answered.

First let's take a look at the Steelers latest Draft Class.

Round 1: Jarvis Jones OLB (Georgia)

Round 2: La'Veon Bell RB (Michigan State)

Round 3: Markus Wheaton WR (Oregon State)

Round 4: Shamarko Thomas SS (Syracuse)

Round 4: Landry Jones QB (Oklahoma)

Round 5: Terry Hawthorne CB (Illinois)

Round 6: Justin Brown WR (Oklahoma)

Round 6: Vince Williams LB (Florida State)

Round 7: Nick Williams DT (Samford)

I think the Steelers had one of the best drafts in the first four rounds. Jarvis Jones will probably start Game 1,  La'Veon Bell will get a lot of playing time his rookie season. I think one of the biggest steals was the pick of WR Markus Wheaton in the 3rd round, i really like how he plays and he will be making a name for himself year 1. I was a little disappointed that the Steelers didn't try to address their offensive line, but overall i would be very pleased with this draft if i was a Steelers fan.

Now before i show you my prediction for the Steelers take into account that i analyze not only the Steeler's schedule (including byes/extra rest/home vs away games etc...), and their opponents schedule. Here you go!

OPPONENTS                                         W/L

TENNESSEE                                            W

@ CINCINNATI (MONDAY)                       L

CHICAGO                                                W

@ MINNESOTA                                       L

BYE WEEK

@ NEW YORK JETS                              W

BALTIMORE                                            W

@ OAKLAND                                          W 

@ NEW ENGLAND                                L

BUFFALO                                               W

DETROIT                                                W

@ CLEVELAND                                     W

@ BALTIMORE (THURSDAY)               W

MIAMI                                                       W

CINCINNATI                                             W

@ GREEN BAY                                       L

CLEVELAND                                          W

FINAL RECORD                               12 - 4

Analysis: Your silence is deafening..... now breathe and look at this with me closer. The Steeler's toughest games are at home minus a trip to New England, Green Bay, and Cincinnati. Home games against Chicago/Cincinnati/and Baltimore are going to be tough, but the Steeler's are tough at home. What works out well for Pittsburgh is games on the schedule like.. at Minnesota, at Jets, at Oakland, Both Cleveland Games, then Buffalo, Detroit, and Miami at home. That's eight games right there that should be no problem. If the Steelers can stay healthy enough they will win double digit games and make it to the Wild Card fairly easily. Now can they do it?

Now it's your turn to tell me where you think i'm right or wrong. And yes Casey you may comment also.