The Pittsburgh Steelers have a tough schedule in 2019, but they have a hungry roster seeking redemption after failing to reach the postseason in 2018.

The Steelers have been the center of dramatic events at every turn, but now the team can only moving forward after finally parting with both Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell.

The Steelers open up the season against their biggest rival outside of their division as they head to New England to face off against the reigning Super Bowl champs.

Pittsburgh has several key matchups this season against some fantastic teams, but these five could be the most important.

5. at New England Patriots (Week 1)

Tom Brady, Patriots

This is a great way for the Steelers to open up their season, and they can set the tone early on with a win on the road against the reigning champs.

Quarterback Tom Brady seems to get better with age, and the Steelers defense will be tested right out of the gates against a lethal pass attack and much-improved run game in New England.

The key to this game will be the defense getting pressure on Brady, and linebacker T.J. Watt could be the guy for the job as he showcased his pass-rush skills in a big way last season.

Last season the Steelers got the better of New England after their defense came together and stopped Brady when they needed to most.

More of the same needs to happen in Week 1 if Pittsburgh wants to prove all the doubters wrong after losing key players and bounce back after all of the adversity.

4. at Los Angeles Chargers (Week 6)

Philip Rivers, Chargers

This was the one that got away for Pittsburgh last season and after last season's loss, this game has redemption written all over it for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh let this game slip out from their grips after they lead for a majority of the game and then allowed Philip Rivers and Chargers offense right back into the game.

Ultimately the matchup was a great one, but the Steelers beat themselves in this one. This will undoubtedly be a great game as both teams are seeking to prove their relevance in the AFC.

This will likely be a battle of the defenses as both teams possess fantastic offenses and potentially elite defensive units.

3. vs. Indianapolis Colts (Week 9)

Andrew Luck

The Colts and Steelers matchup will be a shootout and has the potential to be a game similar to that of the Rams-Chiefs Monday Night showdown last season.

The Steelers and Colts are nearly neck-and-neck as far as potential goes so this will be a close matchup and could be one of the season's best games.

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Andrew Luck and Colts offense will showcase their pass-heavy attack and force the Steelers secondary to step up which is something that the defense needs to do drastically in 2019. The secondary for Pittsburgh is susceptible to big plays and the Colts are known for making big plays.

This will be a big-time matchup and should live up to expectations.

2. vs. Los Angeles Rams (Week 10)

Aaron Donald, Rams

The Steelers have not faced off against the Los Angeles Rams since Jared Goff has taken over the starting job, so the offense Pittsburgh is going to face will be drastically different.

Todd Gurley has proven to be an absolute game wrecker for opposing defenses no matter how much game planning a team will do in hopes of stifling him.

In regards to the Steelers offense, the line will have their work cut out for them in stopping reigning Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald from ruining Ben Roethlisberger's day.

The Rams are going to be the Steelers toughest test as far as NFC teams go, so this game will be one to watch this upcoming season.

1. at New York Jets (Week 16)

Le'Veon Bell, Jets
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While the Steelers last matchup with the Jets ended heavily in Pittsburgh's favor, but the Steelers also had Le'Veon Bell at their disposal who now plays for New York.

Bell left the Steelers in a controversial manner, but he has already noticed this date on the schedule as he will hope to put on a show against his former team.

New York is in the midst of an obvious rebuild, but the potential is there especially with Bell entering the season as the team's not-so-secret weapon.

Bell is a game-changer, but Pittsburgh knows him better than anyone so it could be a long game for the Jets workhorse back.