Can the Steelers break their playoff losing streak?
Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers came off a hot streak of playoff wins with an offense that appeared ready to take the next step. Unfortunately, as we look back at 2023, that didn’t materialize. The Steelers overcame several key injuries throughout the campaign, including playing street free agents and practice squad players on defense, to make the postseason.
However, that wild card berth fell flat, as the the Buffalo Bills swiftly eliminated Pittsburgh from the playoffs.
Although Pittsburgh has maintained a winning record throughout head coach Mike Tomlin’s tenure, they have not won any postseason games since the 2016 season. There is an expectation that this year will bring about change, with an offseason that saw the team alter their plans from the previous one.
Gone are last season’s quarterbacks – Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph. They were replaced with veterans Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Along with hiring a new offensive coordinator, and using three picks in this year’s draft, there’s optimism that the offense will finally turn the corner.
The defense returns some familiar faces while adding a prime free agent in Patrick Queen to alleviate the inside linebacker position that has been an Achilles heel for the team over several seasons. This should aid a team that has the task of playing in the fiercely competitive AFC North and aims to secure a division title: a feat not achieved since 2020. Securing a home playoff game would be quite significant, yet the Steelers will probably need to finish with a better record compared to last season’s 10-7 performance.
Can Pittsburgh reach the postseason and win in 2024? Let’s find out.
Quarterback Room
The winds of change are in Pittsburgh as former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson looks for redemption in what could be his last shot at NFL glory. The nine-time Pro Bowler should have plenty of gas left in the tank at 35 years of age, but just in case, the Steelers added former Chicago Bears first-round pick Justin Fields in a trade earlier this spring.
Despite what some media outlets are saying, the two passers are not engaged in a quarterback duel to determine who will ultimately be chosen as the starting quarterback. Wilson took a backseat for a supposed calf injury during training camp, allowing Fields to take a majority of the “first team” reps in practices. However, it was Wilson who was brought in to be the starter and Fields who was later added when Pickett requested a trade. That is the pecking order for now.
Tomlin & The Steelers 2024 Betting Odds
- Steelers To Make Playoffs +150
- Steelers To Win AFC North +800
- Steelers Win Total: Over 8.5 +120
The Steelers are not getting significant recognition in the futures market. They are now in the lowest position regarding their chances of winning the AFC North. That is logical, considering they are in a challenging division with the Ravens, Bengals, and Browns. However, it also indicates the bookmakers’ confidence in their prospects.
Usually, with a strong playoff contender like the Steelers, top NFL sports betting promos would be used to bolster the available odds. Still, this time, oddsmakers don’t have much confidence in their chances of making the postseason, thus providing plus-money odds across multiple future wagers.
It is uncommon to see the Steelers with unfavorable odds of qualifying for the playoffs and a win total over/under of 8.5. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has never experienced a season with more losses than wins since he began his tenure in 2007, and to date, he’s made 11 appearances in the playoffs, winning seven division crowns and one Super Bowl.
It’s doubtful that Tomlin’s streak is coming to an end anytime soon: the 2023 proved that to be true when he won with three different subpar quarterbacks.
Offensive Line Ranking
The Steelers’ offensive line rating, now ninth, is the most impressive they have achieved in a considerable period. Consequently, if there is any potential for improvement in the offense, it mostly hinges on the offensive line’s performance.
The last two NFL drafts used consecutive first-round selections to choose tackles: Broderick Jones at pick 14 in 2023 and Troy Fautanu at pick 20 in 2024. Additionally, they allocated a second-round pick in this year’s draft to acquire center Zach Frazier, and a fourth-round pick to select Mason McCormick.
These additions pair well with previous free agent acquisitions Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels, showcasing that the Steelers front office is determined to fix the offensive line and win in the trenches.
Defensive Line Positives
It is quite plausible that the Steelers will have a top-five defense in 2024.
Pittsburgh possesses the most exceptional defensive player in the league in T.J. Watt. Watt’s counterpart, Alex Highsmith performs exceptionally well as he swiftly moves from Watt’s side. In 2023, Highsmith had a PFF grade of 90.3, ranking him the 10th highest among all edge rushers. Furthermore, Watt achieved a grade of 91.9, the sixth highest.
Second-year pass rusher Nick Herbig had an impressive showing last season, as well as during this year’s preseason.
They join a front seven that includes the aforementioned Queen, veteran Elandon Roberts, and their backup, underrated rookie linebacker Payton Wilson. The defensive line returns the ageless Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi and second-year pro Keeanu Benton. Benton is primed for a breakout year after an impressive 2023, giving Pittsburgh a force to be reckoned with upfront.
Can the Steelers win a playoff game?
If the Steelers aim to surpass their performance from last year, they must decide on who’s the superior-quality quarterback. The new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, is expected to provide more innovation than his predecessor, Matt Canada, but his primary objective is to establish a more efficient and easily controlled offensive strategy.
Suppose nobody seizes the quarterback position and demonstrates leadership and top-tier performances. In that case, the Steelers will once again depend on their running game and defensive abilities to get victories throughout this season.
Will that be enough to win a playoff game? That will depend on matchups and how they handle their own division. The AFC North is highly competitive, and Pittsburgh faces the third most difficult schedule, determined by the winning percentage of teams in 2023 (.533). However, Tomlin’s team went 5-1 in the division last season, given their setbacks – all of which should be upgraded heading into this season.
The determining factors may come in who they face, should the Steelers make the playoffs. Winning the division would mean hosting a home playoff game, which would come as a huge advantages. However, if they have to go on the road again to play in Buffalo or venues such as Kansas City, it could prove to be a difficult task. Yet, hosting a home playoff game against the New York Jets or Miami Dolphins might be the cure to end the winless streak.
