The Pittsburgh Steelers typically flaunt more substance than flash, so fans of high-octane NFL action may not always appreciate their ability to win ugly. Perhaps they’ll transform into a more exciting watch in 2025.
USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz ranked all 32 teams based on their entertainment value this season. Two division rivals bookend the list, as the Baltimore Ravens received the No. 1 spot while the Cleveland Browns are last.
Meanwhile, the Steelers reside at No. 12. They still trail the Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals (No. 8), but Middlehurst-Schwartz feels Aaron Rodgers will provide more intrigue in the Steel City.
“Given how the Jets debacle went down, any football fan might be wary of investing too much energy in following how Aaron Rodgers will mesh with yet another team looking for a quick fix behind center,” Middlehurst-Schwartz wrote. “Yet there’s something unquestionably delectable in seeing how master chemist Mike Tomlin will handle his most volatile concoction yet, with the four-time NFL MVP making for a strange fit at quarterback alongside fellow marquee offseason addition DK Metcalf in Arthur Smith’s typically rigid offense. Something eventually has to give, and swarms of people will be waiting to see what it will be.”
Steelers fans will hope Rodgers and Metcalf put on a show with a more explosive offense. They haven’t finished outside the bottom 10 of total yards since Ben Roethlisberger amassed 5,129 yards in 2018.
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Yet others may anticipate more gripping drama befitting a soap opera. The Steelers will want Rodgers’ play to provide more entertainment than his recurring interviews with Pat McAfee and the accompanying media discourse.
The league must also consider the Steelers a must-watch team in 2025, as they’re scheduled for four primetime games and the NFL’s first trip to Ireland. Fans can get their popcorn ready for when Rodgers returns to MetLife Stadium to play Justin Fields and the New York Jets in Week 1.
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