The oddsmakers in Las Vegas have the Pittsburgh Steelers’ win total set at 8.5 games.
I think they’re wrong. Not because the Steelers are suddenly the best team in the AFC, but because I believe they’re a better football team than many people realize.
For starters, I like the running back room. In today’s NFL, everybody wants to talk about quarterbacks and wide receivers, but teams that can consistently run the football still have an advantage, especially when the weather turns cold in Pittsburgh. I also think the Steelers have more offensive weapons than they’re being given credit for. They have a solid No. 2 receiver and one of the better tight ends in football in Pat Freiermuth. For years, Steelers fans have been asking to see Freiermuth become a bigger part of the offense. This could be the season that finally happens.
Another reason for my optimism is the offensive scheme. At times, the offense felt outdated and predictable. There were too many heavy formations and jumbo packages that allowed defenses to anticipate what was coming. In today’s NFL, creativity and flexibility matter. If Pittsburgh becomes more balanced and more willing to attack defenses in different ways, the offense could take a significant step forward.
Defensively, I believe the Steelers have an opportunity to evolve as well. Mike Tomlin has built his reputation on defense, but the NFL isn’t the same league it was in 2008. The best defenses today are aggressive, multiple, and willing to disguise coverages and pressure packages. If Pittsburgh adapts to the modern game, it could make life much more difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
That doesn’t mean the road will be easy. The AFC North remains the toughest division in football.
The Baltimore Ravens are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the league’s best quarterbacks in Joe Burrow and can beat anyone when healthy. Even Cleveland is rarely an easy out.
Every divisional game will feel like a playoff game. That’s why I understand why many analysts are predicting eight or nine wins. I just think they’re underestimating Pittsburgh.
The Steelers don’t need to dominate the division to reach 11 wins. If they split with Baltimore and Cincinnati, handle business against Cleveland, and win the games they’re supposed to win outside the division, 11 victories is very realistic.
The Steelers have been one of the NFL’s most consistent organizations for decades. Every year people predict their downfall, and every year they find a way to stay competitive.
Maybe this isn’t a Super Bowl team. Maybe it is.
But I believe they’re better than an 8.5-win football team, and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Pittsburgh finishes the season with 11 wins and a playoff berth.