How are the Steelers’ playoff odds looking for the upcoming NFL season?
The Pittsburgh Steelers had quite a disappointing ending to the 2023 NFL season following a defeat to the Buffalo Bills in the first round of playoffs, losing 31-17.
Of course, the Steelers aren’t strangers to Super Bowl success. However, Steelers fans have had few opportunities to celebrate since the team has had a lack of playoff success since the 2016 season. There is plenty of pressure on Head Coach Mike Tomlin to bring the glory days back to Pittsburgh during the upcoming 2024 season.
Part of that plan is in motion as Tomlin scheduled joint practices with the Bills as an opportunity for some additional team-building activities. According to Tomlin, joint practices offer young players a chance to participate in more intense sessions before the season officially starts. Coincidentally, the last time the Steelers engaged in joint practices was in 2016 when they hosted the Detroit Lions.
The team also held a joint practice with the Bills back in 2014, so the upcoming session won’t be a first for the two teams.
Meanwhile, experts and fans alike continue to speculate on the Steelers’ playoff chances for the upcoming season. Pittsburgh made a number of roster changes during the offseason, which keeps sportsbooks cautious about their chances. The Steelers have a tough division to get out of, which includes games late in the season versus against Super Bowl contenders such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Philadelphia Eagles.
In this column, we’ll take a closer look at how fans can try to keep up with the Steelers’ playoff odds coming into the new season.
Choosing a reliable betting platform
Today, sportsbooks can be reliable sources for a team’s playoff odds and insights. Of course, it’s important to know where to look. Thanks to the Internet and the rise of digital devices, there are lots of betting alternatives available. However, it’s important to choose reliable betting platforms for a more secure and safer experience.
Online and cryptocurrency betting platform Thunderpick is a reliable option, offering top odds on a variety of sports, from the NFL to tennis, hockey, and more. The platform also boasts a world-class player experience and fast, fee-free payments. On Thunderpick, fans and bettors can also access real-time odds and betting lines, providing updated insights — like the Steelers.
Reviewing active and benched players
Another crucial tip for keeping up with the Steelers’ odds for the upcoming season is by taking the time to review the team’s active and benched players. Of course, seasonal stats and other performance-related insights are a must and can help inform the team’s playoff odds. It also helps to track star players even during offseason.
It goes without saying that the Steelers typically struggle when T.J. Watt is out of the lineup. The team also struggled with major injuries to the linebackers last season, but was still able to overcome the odds and make the postseason despite playing street free agents such as Myles Jack and Mycal Walker.
In a previous post, we also highlighted some notable Steelers we were most in love with towards the end of the 2023 season, including Joey Porter Jr. and rookie nose tackle Keeanu Benton. Both were among the top 50 picks in last year’s draft and should continue to grow as they enter their second season as pros.
Another great source for player stats and insights is by looking at college football, where you can speculate on offseason roster moves and recruits that can impact a team’s results. While we can’t track offensive linemen for stats, middle round selections in this year’s draft such as Roman Wilson and Payton Wilson could carry their college prowess into the pros. For the most part, however, sourcing this kind of information doesn’t apply to the Steelers most recent draft picks.
Considering the Steelers’ playoff history
Finally, it’s also important to consider the team’s playoff history. As explained in the introduction, the team is no stranger to success despite its slump since 2016. The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL’s Super Bowl era. The team has won the most number of Lombardi Trophies alongside the New England Patriots.
Looking at the Steelers’ playoff history also constitutes taking the time to review the team’s previous matchups with other teams and rosters, which can help inform you on the Steelers’ playoff odds. While the Steelers have fallen short of winning the playoffs, the odds of them making it are really good. The Steelers are one of the highest percentage teams with playoff appearances, making 33 trips to the postseason in the modern era. (Since 1970.)
Currently, the Steelers postseason odds are as follows:
- Odds to make the playoffs: +185
- Odds to miss the playoffs: -235
- Odds to win the AFC North: +800
- Odds to win the AFC Championship: +2800
- Odds to win the Super Bowl: +5000
Consider the team finished with a 9-7 record last season and still made the postseason despite starting three different quarterbacks. With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields added to replace the previous trio – and considered a sizeable upgrade to those players – Pittsburgh may not be a betting favorite to win the Super Bowl, but they should always be in the mix of teams with great odds of at least making the playoffs.
It has become cliché for fans but important for bettors to note that Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season in the NFL. That means the odds are almost always in his favor when it comes to keeping his teams relevant at the end of the season.
