The Pittsburgh Steelers have the toughest schedule in football -- by far.
One eight-game span might be the toughest eight-game stretch any team has ever faced.
Starting on Oct. 5 with a game at Jacksonville against the Jaguars, the Steelers face six games against playoff teams and two others against division-rival, Cincinnati.
After Jacksonville, the Steelers schedule looks like this: Bye, at Cincinnati, home against the New York Giants, at Washington, then three home games against Indianapolis, San Diego and Cincinnati before a game at New England followed by a home game against Dallas.
That stretch includes both Super Bowl teams, another (San Diego) that joined them in the Championship Games and four division winners (Dallas, New England, San Diego and Indianapolis.
If the Steelers can get through that at 5-3, they probably take it right now. It would also mean they're a heck of a football team.
Surviving that eight-game stretch will be a test for Mike Tomlin in his second season as coach.
