Dan Orlovsky predicts double-digit losses for Steelers

TL;DR

Dan Orlovsky predicts the Pittsburgh Steelers could face double-digit losses in the 2026 season, citing a tough schedule and uncertainty with the new coaching staff. He believes the team may struggle to secure wins after their bye week.

Key points

Dan Orlovsky predicts Steelers could have five to six wins in 2026
Orlovsky cites a tough schedule and coaching uncertainty
New head coach Mike McCarthy aims to modernize the offense
Steelers added veteran players Michael Pittman Jr. and Rico Dowdle
Orlovsky's past predictions about the Steelers have been inaccurate

Mentioned in this story

Dan OrlovskyMike McCarthyAaron RodgersMichael Pittman Jr.Rico Dowdle

Pittsburgh Steelers

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: ESPN Broadcaster Dan Orlovsky speaks before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium on September 22, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images Former NFL quarterback turned ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky doesn’t appear to be buying into any hype surrounding the revamped Pittsburgh Steelers heading into the 2026 season. During ESPN’s NFL schedule release coverage, Orlovsky gave a brutally pessimistic outlook on Pittsburgh’s chances this season, particularly once the schedule turns difficult after the bye week. “Find a win after the bye week,” Orlovsky said. He then doubled down with an even harsher assessment of the Steelers’ late-season stretch. “Find a win after the bye week. If you’re Pittsburgh, find the win. Cincy? You’re not beating Cincy at Cincy. You’re not beating Philly at Philly. You’re not beating Denver. You’re not beating Houston. You’re not beating Jacksonville. You’re not beating Baltimore. I understand seven of their first nine are non-playoff teams, but I sit here and look at this Steelers team, and we don’t know who they’re gonna be under Mike McCarthy and if Aaron’s gonna be the guy.” Orlovsky continued by predicting the Steelers could be headed toward one of their worst seasons in decades. “I continuously believe he will. Five, six wins… They’ve had two top 10 picks since 1990. It’s not normal. But if you go into that bye week and you don’t have a banked set of wins, that’s a brutal final nine… I don’t see easy wins early on. I don’t see any wins late.” This also isn’t the first time Orlovsky has gone out on a limb with a bleak prediction involving Pittsburgh. During last year’s schedule release, he famously said, “I think they’re looking at 0-6 with Mason,” referring to quarterback . That prediction obviously didn’t come close to materializing – and was before officially entered the fold. The Steelers enter 2026 with numerous changes and uncertainty, yet also havelegitimate reasons for optimism. New head coach Mike McCarthy takes over as the franchise looks to modernize its offense. Pittsburgh also added veteran playmakers and this offseason, while most draft analysts viewed the team’s rookie class favorably. Still, Orlovsky clearly believes the combination of a brutal second-half schedule, a new coaching staff, and questions surrounding Rodgers’ level of play could make for a rough year in Pittsburgh. Whether that prediction proves accurate or becomes another cold take remains to be seen, but Orlovsky certainly isn’t afraid to stake out an unpopular position when it comes to the Steelers. ***Let us know what you think in the comments***. ***Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!***

Q&A

What did Dan Orlovsky predict for the Steelers' 2026 season?

Dan Orlovsky predicted that the Steelers could end up with five to six wins, suggesting they might face double-digit losses.

Why does Orlovsky believe the Steelers will struggle this season?

Orlovsky points to a challenging second-half schedule, uncertainty with the new coaching staff, and questions about Aaron Rodgers' performance as reasons for the Steelers' potential struggles.

What changes have the Steelers made heading into the 2026 season?

The Steelers have a new head coach, Mike McCarthy, and have added veteran playmakers like Michael Pittman Jr. and Rico Dowdle to their roster.

How did Orlovsky's previous predictions about the Steelers turn out?

Last year, Orlovsky predicted the Steelers would start 0-6 with Mason Rudolph, which did not materialize, highlighting the uncertainty of his current predictions.