Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly outlined the number of wins the team requires in the first half of the 2026 season to remain in contention for the AFC North title.
Kaboly stated on 93.7 The Fan’s The PM Team that the Steelers must win five or six of their first eight games to position themselves for a repeat as division champions. He emphasized the importance of a fast start from the offensive line, noting that two-thirds of the games before the bye week appear winnable.
The team signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers for another season and adjusted its offensive line, with Zach Frazier anchoring the center position. Mason McCormick and Troy Fautanu shifted to the left side, while questions remain at right guard and right tackle.
Kaboly highlighted a challenging schedule after the bye week that includes the Cincinnati Bengals and four teams that reached the playoffs in 2025. New offensive line coach James Campen was described by analyst Brian Baldinger as a significant upgrade.