The Pittsburgh Steelers open training camp in one month’s time, and were are inching closer and closer to football being back in full capacity. With that in mind, there will certainly be aspects of the season that don’t go the way we initially think. So, as prediction season continues, let’s get bold.

Nick Herbig will outplay Alex Highsmith

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Herbig is a better pass rusher than Highsmith, but Highsmith will give you a bit more when it comes to stopping the run. That said, more and more in today’s NFL, winning largely comes down to two things:

How good is your quarterback?
How often can you get to the other team’s quarterback?

That’s not to say that nothing else matters, but I’d argue those are the two most important aspects of the game. Herbig saw his snap percentage on defense jump from 17 percent to 50 percent, and I’d expect to see that number continue to grow. I’ll take it a step further – he’s the No. 2 starting edge rusher in 2026.

Minkah Fitzpatrick will have five interceptions

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The three-time All-Pro hasn’t topped five picks in a season since 2022. That said, with the most complete defensive back room the Steelers have had in quite some time, Fitzpatrick may be able to get back to being the splash play artist everyone grew to love.

With Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay on the boundary, and DeShon Elliott getting extended after a terrific season, Fitzpatrick can do a bit more ball-hawking and playmaking.

The Steelers will win 11 games

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Not since 2020 have the Steelers won more than 11 games. However, with the addition of four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, an improved offensive line, and a defense that added playmakers, Pittsburgh is capable of getting that extra win and landing the top wild-card spot in the AFC. Should they accomplish that and draw the AFC South winner, they can go on the road and defeat whomever that team is to end the playoff drought.