Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers had another winning season in 2021, making the playoffs at 9-7-1.
But as Steelers and NFL fans and people in Pennsylvania gambling know, they came up short in the playoffs, blown out by the Kansas City Chiefs, 42-21.
With the season on the horizon, PennStakes.com takes a look at the Steelers’ roster and how the team is perceived by oddsmakers onPennsylvania sports betting apps.
Going into the 2022 season, it's a new era for the Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger has retired and they are moving forward with Mitchell Trubisky and Kenny Pickett at quarterback.
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HOW ODDSMAKERS VIEW STEELERS
FanDuel Sportsbook Pennsylvania has the Steelers ranked 22nd of the 32 NFL teams, tied with the Washington Commanders, with +7000 odds to win the Super Bowl.
What’s more depressing for Steelers fans is FanDuel has the Steelers last in the AFC North, with +950 odds, after the Baltimore Ravens (+160), Cincinnati Bengals (+180) and the Cleveland Browns (+280).
FanDuel has the Steelers over-under win total at 7.5.
BetRivers Sportsbook Pennsylvania also has the Steelers tied with the Commanders at 22nd for winning the Super Bowl, but at longer +8000 odds. In the AFC North, you can get the Steelers at +700 to win the division, longer odds than the Ravens (+165), the Bengals (+190) and the Browns (+333).
Here are the NFL betting odds to win the Super Bowl from FanDuel, listing the top 10 and where the Steelers fit in among the 32 teams.
CURRENT ROSTER IN LOWER HALF OF NFL?
A major national media outlet ranked the Steelers’ talent below the midpoint of the NFL’s 32 teams, which is quite unusual for Pittsburgh over the years. ESPN, using data provided by Pro Football Focus, also ranked a franchise normally rich in talent at No. 22.
Pittsburgh does have three elite defenders on defense, including the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year in T.J. Watt. In addition, Cameron Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick are both All-Pro level players, which makes them one of the most talented defenses in the NFL.
However, the Steelers didn't always play to that level last year as they finished as the No. 20 scoring defense in the league, allowing 23.4 points per game. Pittsburgh has the most expensive defense in NFL history going into the 2022 season and they desperately need that unit to play better if they want to have any chance at competing in the AFC.
The defense should be fine. They should stay healthier and have added more veteran depth to help out on the defensive line and at linebacker.
CONCERNS ARE ON OFFENSE
The bigger issue for the Steelers will be on offense. Pittsburgh has one of the NFL's youngest offenses, which is a good thing. They all will have time to develop and grow together. The bad news is they lack proven talent.
The offensive line for the Steelers is one of the worst in the NFL and the only quality starter is recently signed James Daniels. The other four positions, including both tackles spots, are well-below average compared to the rest of the NFL.
Pittsburgh does have an established receiver in Diontae Johnson, but the rest of the unit is young and unproven. George Pickens and Chase Claypool are second-round picks by the team, but their games are a bit redundant and lack refinement. Tight end Pat Freiermuth had a nice rookie season, but he isn’t an overly dynamic player and his consistency was lacking in Year 1.
And then there is the quarterback issue in Pittsburgh. The Steelers signed Mitchell Trubisky to likely be their 2022 starter, but Kenny Pickett also factors into the discussion. No matter who starts, the Steelers will have one of the worst starters in the AFC heading into the season.
FINAL ASSESSMENT ON STEELERS
Pittsburgh is a pretty young team with some superstars on defense.
They likely will be somewhat competitive again this season as Mike Tomlin never has had a losing record. But this roster is undoubtedly among the weaker ones in the conference and the AFC North. The Steelers need several young players to make giant leaps in 2022 to be a serious contender in 2023 and beyond.
