Steelers: 3 possible games for Kenny Pickett’s first start

1. Week 10: vs. New Orleans Saints (Sunday, Nov. 13)

Death, taxes and rookie quarterbacks getting their first career starts after their team’s bye weeks. The Steelers’ annual bye comes in Week 9 at playing the Philadelphia Eagles on the road. With an extra week to prepare, the Steelers could look to make the switch at quarterback ahead of their Week 10 home game vs. the New Orleans Saints. Jameis Winston, Taysom Hill, it does not matter.

This is about as late into the year one could make the switch at quarterback for the Steelers and think they have a decent shot at the postseason. There are several winnable games to follow, as the Steelers play the bulk of the NFC South games once the weather changes. Since the Saints are no longer the Saints from yesteryear, this is a very winnable game for the Steelers at Heinz Field.

Though the Steelers still have to play the Baltimore Ravens twice after this game, there are wins to be had if Pickett and Pittsburgh are up for it. How they play at the Indianapolis Colts and vs. the Las Vegas Raiders may decide if this team is playoff-bound or not. The manner in which Pickett plays in Week 10 vs. the Saints may be the second-half spark this team needs to get over the top.

A lot can change between now and then, but this entry point gives Pickett a good shot at success.