At first glance, the Steelers’ 12-4 season and AFC North Division championship was an impressive feat. But a 48-37 betting on an NFL home playoff loss to the Cleveland Browns exposed Pittsburgh as a pretender. In particular, the Steelers’ inability to run the ball left quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the defense exposed. But help is on the way. First-round draft pick Najee Harris of Alabama is the running back that the Steelers have needed since LeVeon Bell’s defection. With Harris, Big Ben, and the Steel Curtain defense, Pittsburgh could have one more Super Bowl left in them.
2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Odds
| Steelers | Odds |
|---|---|
| Odds to win Super Bowl: | +4200 |
| Odds to win AFC Conference: | +2200 |
| Odds to win AFC North Division: | +424 |
| 2021 Regular Season Win Total: | 8.5 |
2021 Pittsburgh Steelers SBG Odds Overview
Fashion that the masses see the Steelers as yesterday’s news. Casual gamblers were furious with their playoff flop against the Browns. Counter to that is a different online wagering perspective from sharps. Wise Guys love the Najee Harris selection. Sharps believe that Harris can take the heat off the defense and Ben Roethlisberger.
2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Team Overview
On the whole, the Steelers are a model pro sports franchise that emphasizes stability and professionalism. Since 1969, Pittsburgh has had only three head coaches. But fans are getting restless, with Pittsburgh’s last Super Bowl appearance in the 2010 campaign. Following their fourth Lombardi Trophy in six seasons in 1979, Pittsburgh has only two championships (2005 and 2008).
Despite no help from the backfield, Ben Roethlisberger still managed a 94.1 quarterback rating and 33/10 TD/INT ratio. After his lost 2019 season, it was quite a comeback for Big Ben, age 39. Second-year wide receiver Diontae Johnson enjoyed a considerable increase in production from his rookie campaign. Johnson improved from 59 to 88 catches, 680 to 923 in yards, and five to seven for touchdowns.
Meanwhile, rookie wide receiver Chase Claypool totaled 62 receptions for 873 yards and nine touchdowns. Also, JuJu Smith Schuster helped supplement the lack of a reliable running game with 97 catches, 831 yards, and nine touchdowns. In 2018 he caught 111 passes for 1426 yards and 7 TDs. Smith Schuster and Roethlisberger are a tandem of trust.
Of course, the hopes of Steel City rest with Najee Harris. While with Alabama, he played in a near-identical version of the Steelers offense. Harris is the feature back that will force opposing defenses to play honestly.
Last season, Pittsburgh’s defense ranked third in the NFL for both points allowed and overall. Linebacker TJ Watt dominated with 15 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, seven passes defended, one interception, and two forced fumbles. And then defensive end Stephon Tuitt added 11 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick led with four interceptions, 11 passes defended, and a touchdown.
Head coach Mike Tomlin has been in his current role since 2007. He is only the third Pittsburgh head coach since 1969. Of course, in 2008, Tomlin led the Steelers to the Super Bowl title. To summarize, Tomlin has never had a losing season and missed the playoffs just five times.
Week three brings a potential Betting on the NFL Super Bowl matchup at the Green Bay Packers. In turn, Week 13 and 18 matchups with the arch-rival Baltimore Ravens will likely decide the AFC North title. And a week 17 Monday Night game at the Cleveland Browns will loom large as well.
2021 Pittsburgh Steelers SBG Best Bet: Steelers over 8.5 Wins.