The 2020 season saw one particular division get insanely competitive. The AFC North had three teams with at least 11 wins, one of whom was the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers beat the rest of the division with a 12-4 record, with the Ravens and Browns closely behind.
Some would say that this was due to a resurgence by Ben Roethlisberger, while others would credit the coaching. Whoever you’d like to credit, the fact remained the same, and the Steelers improved from their 8-8 2019 season.
This culminated in a playoff trip for the Steelers that saw them go against a division rival. They set off to face the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card Game. Both of these teams were familiar with each other, but it was the Browns who got the upper hand.
Although Roethlisberger threw for 500 yards, the Steelers lost the game, 48-37. After being eliminated from the playoffs, fans awaited a retirement announcement from Roethlisberger. However, no such announcement came, and Ben Roethlisberger will enter his 17th year in the NFL. The next question is, what can we expect from the Steelers in 2021?
2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Futures Betting Odds
Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl Champion Odds: +2500
Pittsburgh Steelers AFC Champion Odds: +1200
Pittsburgh Steelers Win Totals Odds: Over 8.5 (-130) / Under 8.5 (+100)
Pittsburgh Steelers AFC North Champion Odds: +500
To say the Steelers have a chance to make the playoffs is quite the understatement. They’re easily one of the premier teams in the AFC and have a seasoned coach/quarterback duo. This is a team that could’ve likely won more Super Bowl titles had Roethlisberger stayed healthy.
One of the questions constantly surrounding the team is whether or not Roethlisberger can play a full season. For example, in his nearly 17-year career, Ben Roethlisberger has only played four full seasons. This brings into question how much you can trust the Steelers in 2021.
Another question lingering is how they’ll be able to contend with the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens. Both of those teams nearly matched the Steelers’ record, and the Browns eliminated them from the playoffs. There’s a tide change coming in the AFC North, and the Steelers look to be on the wrong side. Concerns have been addressed on both sides of the ball, though, so the Steelers should have a strong 2021.
2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Offseason Grade: B-
Key Additions: (OLB, Melvin Ingram), (OG, Trai Turner), (RB, Najee Harris)
Key Departures: (TE, Vance Mcdonald), (C, Maurkice Pouncey), (LB, Vince Williams)
The Steelers took the offseason to address some concerns they had at the linebacker position. The signing of Melvin Ingram will prove to be an incredible signing once the season starts. Aside from the Ingram addition, the most notable is the draft of Najee Harris.
Harris was a superstar running back at Alabama and will be the immediate starter for Pittsburgh. He’ll be backed up by Benny Snell Jr., making for a strong duo.
The losses the Steelers suffered were mostly due to retirements, which isn’t a strange occurrence. What’s a little odd about it was how many players decided to retire during the offseason. The biggest hit to the team is the loss of center Maurkice Pouncey.
Not only was Pouncey a great center, but an incredible teammate and friend to Roethlisberger. With him gone, there’s no question the offensive line will lose some strength.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2021 Preview
It’s tough to predict how the Steelers will fare this season. On one hand, they could run the division all over again. On the other, they could be forced to a third-place spot due to the talented teams surrounding them.
Last season, we saw them get eliminated by a team in their division. The same could happen in 2021. The Baltimore Ravens are one of the league’s strongest teams.
The Cleveland Browns look ready to win the AFC North for themselves. How the Steelers fit in is all up to the health of Ben Roethlisberger.
Pittsburgh Steelers Futures Best Bets
For starters, you should take the over on the Steelers’ win totals. 9 games is a no-brainer. The big questions start to get asked when you think of them winning the AFC North. Roethlisberger nearly missed the entire 2019 season, and if he does get injured, there goes the bet. The same could be said for the AFC Championship and a 2022 Super Bowl Championship.
The team is definitely talented enough to do it, but the quarterback’s health is questionable. This is why we’d likely leave any of those “uncertain” bets for other teams. The Steelers’ entire season relies on one person staying healthy, a person that’s only played four full seasons in a 17-year career.
