The 2011 schedule is set up for another successful Steelers season

As talks that the NFL lockout is getting closer and closer to being resolved, I am really starting to get excited for next season.

Looking at the Steeler’s schedule, I think the team is set up well to make another run for a division title, and a possible trip back to the Super Bowl.

There are three key moments in the schedule that will make or break the upcoming season for the black and gold.

Right out of the gate, the Steelers will face bitter rival the Baltimore Ravens in an early AFC North battle. Other than silencing the banter that has taken place between the two teams this offseason, this week 1 battle will send a clear message as to which team will set the pace in the division for the rest of season.

Weeks 3-6 will be a very important stretch in the season. In consecutive weeks the Steelers will play each team from the AFC South. Following a Sunday night matchup against the Indianapolis Colts in week 3, the Steelers will travel to the Houston Texans, and then come home to face the Titans and Jaguars in consecutive weeks.

The AFC South has given the Steelers problems as far back as I can remember, especially the Jaguars and Colts. This stretch of games will give the black and gold a chance to rack up a lot of AFC wins, and a chance to make an early case for the best team in the AFC.

The Steelers have a bye scheduled for week 11, and I think that is a great thing. A late bye week can only help a veteran team like the Steelers. After a tough first 10 weeks, it will be a nice chance to get healthy for the final stretch of the season.

The third key moment of the season will be coming out of the bye. The Steelers will travel to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in week 12. Looking to avenge a tough loss the last time the Steelers traveled to Kansas City, I believe both teams will be battling for AFC supremacy.

If the Steelers can get past the Chiefs, which will be another Sunday night game, the rest of the schedule should be a breeze. The Steelers will not play a team that had a winning record in 2010 through week 17.

The Steelers will face the Browns twice down the final stretch of the season, and will take on two teams from the NFC West. Having the NFC West on the schedule is a blessing for any team, as last years division winner in the NFC West was not over .500

Prediction: With the way the Steeler’s schedule works out, I think the team could finish 13-3, and earn the top seed in the AFC. If that is the case, the black and gold will set themselves up well to make another run at the Super Bowl.