One thing we know about the Steelers is that they tend to play down to their competition and rise when they are underdogs.
Mike Tomlin's record as an underdog is better than as a favorite, and that likely wont be changing in 2024.
So in between a set of big games in primetime, one game stands alone as a trap:
The #Steelers official schedule for the 2024 #NFL season pic.twitter.com/rNTAZGU6sc
— Rob Gregson (@NFL_Rob) May 16, 2024
The Steelers will face the Cowboys in a primetime spot on Sunday Night Football, the week before in Week 5, and then have back-to-back games against the New York Jets and Giants, both of which are also in primetime via Sunday and Monday Night Football respectively.
That leaves a lowly Raiders team that is projected to be one of the lesser talented squads in the league just sitting there as a prime trap game in Week 6.
The honeymoon phase of the season will have worn off and a big battle between two of the league's Titans the week before will have a major impact on the preparation of Pittsburgh.
And sure, they are professionals and every game matters, but these are humans in the end, and if you think the team won't be breathing a sigh of relief comes Raiders week, think again.
Meaning, if Pittsburgh slips up even the slightest, the Raiders will pounce.
And we know Pittsburgh has a history of letting that happen. Take one look at the recent records of the team and you will them win against opponents they shouldn't, yet get cakewalked by inferior opponents.
Last year is a perfect example. The team went on the road to beat the Seahawks in a must-win game with both battling for playoff positioning. But the Steelers were only in that situation because they got beat by a lowly Patriots team on Thursday night after letting a largely talentless Cardinals squad come into Acriusre and win against their will.
So trap games for Pittsburgh are a little different than everyone else. Yea, human nature is to get complacent when you see something easy, but for Pittsburgh, it's almost as if they take the week off before playing a bad opponent.
But when you have as many good teams to play as they do, any shot at making the playoffs goes out the window with losses that on paper should be wins.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!