Pittsburgh Steelers fans expected to receive a rare Week 1 occurrence in Pittsburgh following the latest 2026 NFL schedule leak

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) reacts after a play during the second half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Steelers are reportedly going to have a Week 1 game that has become a rare occurrence over the years in Pittsburgh.

For years, the city of Pittsburgh has dealt with a scheduling conflict in the fall. With the Pittsburgh Steelers beginning their season in early September and the Pirates often ending their season (perhaps that changes this year), the NFL schedule makers would send the Steelers on the road to start their season.

In fact, the Steelers have played just two home games to open the season since 2014, often due to the Pirates being in a home series and the city not being able to handle both venues at the same time. Well, that may be changing this year.

Steelers 2026 season facts

• First time without Mike Tomlin since 2007.
• Will have a first-place schedule after winning the AFC North in 2025.

Steelers reportedly playing Week 1 home game against Falcons

The Steelers recently started their season against the Falcons, traveling to Atlanta in 2024 when took over the game and dominated and the offensive line to kick off what would be a 10-7 season.