Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet sits on an equipment trunk during the game against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been the feel-good story of the NFL this season.

After being picked by most experts to finish last in the AFC North, the Steelers are 6-2, first in the division, and tied for 2nd place in the conference behind the Kansas City Chiefs. Quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson have both contributed to Pittsburgh’s hot start, but it looks like things are going to get a lot harder for the pair moving forward.

According to PFF, the Steelers have the hardest remaining schedule in the NFL, followed in order by the Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears.

Fans reacted to the news that the teams would be facing uphill climbs on social media.

“Steelers gonna finish 9-8 per usual. Ravens gonna run the north again,” one fan predicted on Twitter.

“No way the 49ers aren’t at the top of that list,” one fan added.

“Good thing my browns set ourselves up for success with the easy part of our schedule before we get to the tough part!!” one fan added sarcastically.

“No schedule is hard when the clowns are there twice,” one fan added, referring to the Steelers getting to play the Browns two times down the stretch.

“If the Steelers won majority of these games I don’t want anyone to say we didn’t play anyone,” one fan added.

“We’re about to find out how good the bears really are,” one fan added.

“If you want to win in January, it’s good to be battle tested by a hard schedule beforehand. Bring it on,” one Steelers fan added.

It’ll be interesting to see how things played up, but a storied franchise like the Steelers will probably find a way to navigate the treacherous waters ahead.

About Qwame Skinner

Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. At Next Impulse, Qwame covers sports with the same enthusiasm he brings to his recreational basketball and softball leagues.