Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly forecasts either 12 wins or 5 wins for the team in 2026, ruling out a middling record.
Kaboly made the comments Tuesday on his Kaboly + Mack podcast. He said the Steelers will either finish 12-5 or 5-12.
Kaboly noted the team won 10 games last year and added offensive pieces including Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard and Rico Dowdle. He also pointed to new play caller Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham as potential positives.
At the same time Kaboly cited McCarthy’s history of slow starts in Green Bay and Dallas. He said an almost entirely new coaching staff means the group may need time to jell around quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Players appear happy with the new staff so far, Kaboly added, but the outcome remains uncertain.