Steelers fans will hate 2026 prediction under Mike McCarthy

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been good enough to make the playoffs over the past decade, but not good enough to actually do something once they got there.

With Mike Tomlin out and Mike McCarthy in, some fans have dreaded that move, with the thought of another so-so season very much alive. Will Aaron Rodgers return? Who knows, and if he does, this mediocre cycle likely starts again.

And if Steelers fans don't like that, then they won't like Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport's realistic expectations for Pittsburgh in 2026.

It is right where you think -- the middle of nowhere with a 10-7 record.

"McCarthy inherits a team that won 10 games to become the AFC North champions in 2025. They haven't had a losing season in over two decades," Davenport wrote. "The Steelers are the model of stability. 

"Aaron Rodgers or not, the Steelers don't have a quarterback that makes them a legitimate Super Bowl contender—and there's no clear path to that guy in the short-term. The more things change, the more they stay the same."

More: Analyst offers horror prediction for Browns fans under Todd Monken

Steelers expectations nightmare fuel

I can't speak for Steelers fans, but looking at this from a wider lens, going 10-7 and being average again isn't something I would like.

Either bottom out completely and rebuild, or go chase a Super Bowl. 

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like Pittsburgh is going for either option. Instead, option three is to be good enough to make the playoffs, but not good enough to win.

And in turn, you never get that top draft pick that can change your franchise's trajectory.

Davenport is right. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

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