Can the Steelers continue to buck the odds?
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the big surprise NFL teams this year. That surprising start ran through a six-game stretch with Justin Fields leading the team to a 4-2 record before Mike Tomlin made a controversial quarterback change to veteran Russell Wilson, who has now led the team to four straight victories. (Sometimes against teams that analysts didn’t pick Pittsburgh to win.)
Mixing vets with new faces, the Steelers remain just about as unpredictable as any team in the league. The big question for fans and bettors alike is: can the Steelers continue exceeding expectations? One huge question for followers of any NFL predictions and betting line as the Steelers prepare to play the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football.
Recent Steelers performance trends
This season, the Steelers’ strengths center on a strong defense and an increasingly talented core of young offensive talent. The defense, led by the more experienced talents of T.J. Watt, has been a force—a unit that can continually harass quarterbacks and force turnovers. On the other hand, the offense has been a little more hit-and-miss, slow to get started early this season but showing glimpses of its promise in the last few games.
Injuries to key contributors have impacted betting lines, particularly at the offensive line. However, an evolving chemistry between the Steelers’ veteran quarterback and his receiving corps has given fans reason to believe the offense is starting to click. Recent performance and upward trajectory have created new betting opportunities, and the Steelers will be an exciting and challenging bet. Projected as underdogs coming into their next matchup with the Browns, their hot winning streak suggests that they might continue to buck the trend.
To date, the Steelers are 4-1 at home and also 4-1 on the road. Like their current record, they are also 8-2 against the spread.
Their resilience against higher-ranked opponents and generally low-scoring style set up well for the under to hit. It may be wise to take them against the spread in games where they are underdogs since they generally keep games close, even against tough opponents.
Playoff prospects
Pittsburgh’s path to the playoffs appears to be much clearer than in previous seasons. Leading the AFC North by 1.5 games, a win in Cleveland on Thursday Night Football would get the Steelers to nine total wins for the 2024 season. With some other heavy hitters on the schedule, including games against the Ravens, Bengals, Chiefs and Eagles, a win against the Browns would mean the Steelers gain a substantial command of their division and would likely win it by securing two additional victories (to climb to 11 wins on the season).
The path to a first-round bye isn’t out of the question either. The Steelers will have to overcome two teams ahead of them currently: the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs suffered their first loss of the season against the Bills last Sunday, leaving Buffalo with a critical tie-breaker. However, the Steelers could control their own destiny on Christmas Day by taking care of business from now until then, and then challenge the Chiefs head-on for what could be the AFC’s top spot.
At any rate, the Steelers will have to be more efficient on offense and keep the fire burning on defense come playoff time. As mentioned, these games against divisional foes will be big, especially with one more clash with the Baltimore Ravens still on the schedule.
Expert picks and betting strategies for Steelers games
Here are some wagering ideas for betting on the following several Steelers games:
- Bet the under: With the Steelers, the trend seems to be the low-scoring nature of the games. Once totals sit in that 40-45 range, it becomes enticing for gamblers, especially against high-scoring teams because the defense could change everything.
- Take the points with the Steelers: When set up as underdogs, the bet on the Steelers against the spread has been a frequent cash-in. Their ability to hang tough against superior opponents makes this a rewarding choice this season.
- Be on the lookout for defensive player props: Players like Russell Wilson and George Pickens have become game-changers this season, so tending toward bets on individual achievements can pay dividends. Yards, touchdowns, and receptions are stats to watch for Steelers offensive players.
- Consider team props on turnovers: Pittsburgh’s defense has been excellent this season, contributing to a +11 turnover margin in 2024: the second best in the league. A prop bet on turnovers, especially in divisional games, can be a good choice.
Tthe Steelers could see a postseason run that is going to amaze many fans and bettors alike. From spread betting to over/under and individual player props, knowing the trend for the Steelers and their key players provides a tab on your NFL betting strategies.
