Pittsburgh Steelers Win at Total Odds: Over/Under Predictions for 2023
The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to return to the playoffs after missing out in 2022. We’re here to share our NFL Odds series, as well as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ over-under win total predictions and picks for the 2023 season.’
The Steelers went 9-8 in 2022 for the first season without Ben Roethlisberger in nearly 20 years and missed the playoffs for the third time in five seasons. Now, they want to make a comeback and maintain an impeccable record.
Coach Mike Tomlin is entering his 17th season and has never had a losing record. Still, they haven’t won a playoff game in six years. But he showed last season how good a coach he is, and there is hope. Ultimately, the Steelers started the season 1–4, which included losses to the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns. But the Steelers saved their season with a shocking win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Subsequent losses to the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles put them at 2–6. In addition, they also suffered a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, taking themselves to 3–7. The Steelers then went 6–1 to finish the season and put themselves in the playoff race. However, the only playoff team in those games was the Baltimore Ravens.
The Steelers added cornerback Patrick Peterson in free agency. Yes, he is 33 years old. But he will serve as an advisor to Joey Porter Jr. It is worth mentioning that he had five interceptions last season for the Minnesota Vikings.
There were also some losses. Unfortunately, they lost Cam Sutton, who was a valuable tool in the secondary and played outside corner and slot. They also lost linebackers Devin Bush and Myles Jack. In addition, safety Terrell Edmonds was also gone. Jack led the team in tackles with 104, while Bush was third with 81.
It’s here nfl oddsCourtesy of FanDuel.
NFL Odds: Win Over/Under Total Odds
Wins Over 8.5: -150
Under 8.5 Wins: +120
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Why can Pittsburgh win 8.5 games?
The Steelers probably have the greatest coach of all time not named Bill Belichick. Amazingly, he helped coach a team that started 3-7 and somehow maintained its amazing undefeated record.
The Steelers want to crush the Rock. Hence, Najee Harris will once again be the best player as he looks to replicate his numbers from 2022. Harris rushed 272 times in 2022 for 1,038 yards and seven touchdowns. Now, he hopes to keep the momentum going.
Defensive lineman Cam Hayward is still throwing the ball at age 34. In addition, he had 10.5 sacks last season. Larry Ogunjobi is excellent against the run and makes things difficult for anyone trying to run the ball.
The linebackers are excellent, as TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith can both explode down the sideline. Amazingly, Highsmith had 14.5 sacks in 2022. Watt suffered from injuries and had only 5.5 sacks, not reaching double-digit sacks for the first time since his rookie season. But now he is healthy.
The Steelers will have a brand new secondary. Therefore, free agents Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts must compensate for the departures of Jack and Bush. How quickly these players adjust will determine how well the back half of this defense performs.
If the Steelers’ defense continues to play at a high level, they will win nine games. In addition, the offense must generate some attraction.
Why can’t Pittsburgh win 8.5 games?
Quarterback Kenny Pickett will have to improve. Unfortunately, his performance in 2022 has been mixed. Puckett threw for 2,404 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions during 12 games. However, his comebacks against the Las Vegas Raiders and Ravens gave the Steelers some hope that he could move on.
The Steelers have a great receiving corps. In addition, the Steelers need more from Dionte Johnson, who had 86 catches for 882 yards without a single touchdown. George Pickens had 52 catches for 801 yards and four scores. Similarly, tight end Pat Freiermuth had 63 receptions for 732 yards and two touchdowns.
The offensive line needs improvement. Thus, they drafted Broderick Jones in the first round to help with this. The Steelers also signed left guard Isaac Seumalo to a three-year, $24 million contract. Can they open the lanes? Harris averaged 3.8 yards per carry, so the offensive line should be doing a better job.
Special teams were terrible in 2022. Somehow, kicker Chris Boswell only converted 20 of his 28 field goals. Punter Pressly Harvin also struggled to get anything inside the 20-yard line. Special teams have to improve.
The Steelers would not win nine games because Pickett was not a good quarterback. Apart from this, special teams also have to work.
Final Pittsburgh Steelers Over/Under Win Overall Predictions And Picks
The Steelers excelled in 2022 despite several injuries. So, expect them to at least touch the nine-win mark.
Final Pittsburgh Steelers Over/Under Win Total Predictions & Picks: Over 8.5 Wins: -150
