Week 1 Review – vs. the Atlanta Falcons
The Steelers got an excellent 10-18 win over the Falcons with an excellent defensive display in the last two quarters, not allowing the locals to score. That is good news after the injury to starting QB Russell Wilson, which would be a blow to any NFL team. Deputy Justin Fields was solid, although unimpressive, while Pittsburgh got the upper hand last Sunday relaying in a great rushing game.
Their next challenge will be against the Broncos, who lost in a tight game against the Seahawks in Seattle. Justin Fields is expected to start again, and he hopes to keep his level and, maybe, challenge Wilson in the future, injured or not.
Team Overview
The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering their 92nd season in the NFL, with Mike Tomlin at the helm for his 18th year as head coach. After a 10-7 record in the previous season, the Steelers aim to build on that success and make a deeper playoff run. The team has made significant roster changes, including acquiring veteran quarterback Russell Wilson and young talent Justin Fields, to bolster their chances in the competitive AFC North.
The Steelers have undergone a substantial transformation in their roster during the offseason. Key additions include quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, linebacker Patrick Queen, and cornerback Donte Jackson. The team also focused on strengthening their offensive line through the draft, selecting tackle Troy Fautanu and center Zach Frazier with their early picks[6]. Despite losing key players like Kenny Pickett and Diontae Johnson, the Steelers are optimistic about their revamped squad’s potential.
Offensive Line Analysis
Pittsburgh’s offensive line has been a focal point of their offseason strategy. The team invested heavily in the draft, selecting three linemen in the first four rounds. This includes Troy Fautanu, who is expected to compete for a starting tackle position, and Zach Frazier, who has a clear path to becoming the starting center. The Steelers aim to improve their offensive line’s physicality and consistency, which should help in establishing a strong ground game.
Defensive Line Analysis
The Steelers’ defensive line remains one of their strengths, anchored by T.J. Watt, who is a consistent force in pass-rushing. Alex Highsmith complements Watt on the opposite side, forming a formidable duo. While Cameron Heyward’s performance showed signs of aging last season, the overall unit is ranked eighth in the league, indicating a solid defensive front that can pressure opposing quarterbacks effectively.
Odds to Win Division and Super Bowl
Odds to Win AFC North: The Steelers are currently listed at +800 to win the AFC North, indicating they are not the favorites but still have a competitive chance in a tough division.
Odds to Win the Super Bowl: With odds at +5000, the Steelers are considered long shots for the Super Bowl, ranking 18th in the league. This reflects a 2% chance of winning the championship.
Predictions
Overall Record: The Steelers are projected to finish the season with a 9-8 record, placing them fourth in the AFC North. This prediction considers the team’s challenging schedule and the recent roster changes.
Playoff Chances: With a 35% chance to make the playoffs, the Steelers are seen as a fringe playoff team. Their success will largely depend on the performance of their new quarterbacks and the revamped offensive line.
Super Bowl Chances: Given their current odds and the competitive landscape of the AFC, the Steelers’ chances of winning the Super Bowl remain slim. However, if Russell Wilson can regain his form and the defense performs at a high level, they could exceed expectations.
In conclusion, while the Pittsburgh Steelers face an uphill battle in the 2024/2025 NFL season, their strategic offseason moves and strong coaching could position them as a surprise contender in the AFC. Their performance will hinge on the effectiveness of their new acquisitions and the ability to navigate a challenging schedule.
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Gambyl Nation Editorial Team: Author
The Gambyl Nation Editorial team are made up of industry betting professionals and sports fans from across North America, Latin America and South America.
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