At the onset of the offseason was a lot of skepticism about the Steelers with the NFL odds. Franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger retired and will be enshrined in Canton on the first ballot. But in his place was expected to be Mitchell Trubisky. Of course, Trubisky had his career utterly discredited during his time with the Bears. Pittsburgh picked him up as a stopgap until they could find something better. Subsequently, on Draft Night, they did just that. Heisman Trophy finalist Kenny Pickett was Pittsburgh’s top selection. Judging from the reaction of fans and gamblers, it’s a popular pick.
2022 NFL Draft – Pittsburgh Steelers
| Date and Time: | Season Opens on September 8, 2022 |
|---|
2022-23 Super Bowl Championship Odds at SBG
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Bills | +675 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | +762 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | +925 |
| Green Bay Packers | +1025 |
| Los Angeles Rams | +1125 |
| San Francisco 49ers | +1425 |
| Denver Broncos | +1575 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | +1600 |
| Cleveland Browns | +1625 |
| Dallas Cowboys | +1625 |
| Baltimore Ravens | +2100 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | +2100 |
| Indianapolis Colts | +2375 |
| Arizona Cardinals | +2550 |
| Tennessee Titans | +2525 |
| Miami Dolphins | +3375 |
| New England Patriots | +3875 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | +4125 |
| Minnesota Vikings | +4250 |
| New Orleans Saints | +4250 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | +4625 |
| Washington Commanders | +6150 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | +6775 |
| All Other Teams | +9000 or Higher |
SBG Odds Overview – Shiny New Steel Replaces Gutted Rust
Last season the Steelers finished with a sportsbook record of 9-7-1 and 8-9 against the spread. Pittsburgh would not have made the post-season if not for the expanded playoff. Further, the Steelers didn’t deserve to be in the playoffs. To make that point, Kansas City routed Pittsburgh 42-21 in the wild card round.
Overall, the Steelers had the metrics of a sub-.500 team. Pittsburgh ranked 23rd for total offense, 21st for scoring offense, 24th for total defense, and 20th for points allowed. It was a lackluster end to the career of future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
A New Pickett Fence
Namely, Kenny Pickett drew national attention in 2021 by leading Pittsburgh to the ACC Championship Game. Pickett set records at Pitt that put him on the same level as Dan Marino. In fact, Pickett was so good he nearly won the Heisman Trophy.
During his time at Pitt, Pickett established contacts with the Steelers. Cause by both teams share the same training facilities. Additionally, the Steelers had an advantage that no other team could match. Steeler coaches and Pitt coaches would often collaborate as to Pickett’s ability. The Steelers were able to observe Pickett’s worth ethic and practice habits. Also, the Steelers brass could easily watch all of Pickett’s games in person. Pittsburgh developed unrivaled knowledge on Pickett for the 2022 NFL Draft.
To be exact, nobody wanted Mitchell Trubisky as the Steelers starting quarterback. Fans and gamblers had zero faith in the former Bears loser. Pickett has given the Steelers franchise that they have a strong starting quarterback for the next two decades.
Picket has graded well for his football IQ and throwing ability. Overall, he, rates as a more traditional quarterback than Malik Willis. Willis better fits the Russell Wilson mode. Pickett is expected to be an immediate starter with the smarts to develop into a top NFL quarterback. NFL Scouts love his accuracy, efficiency, and work habits. And then Steeler fans love that he is not Mitchell Trubisky.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 NFL Draft Assessment
In sum, the Steelers solved their biggest problem with the NFL betting odds heading into the 2022 season. However, the AFC North is not for the faint of heart, as among the best divisions in the NFL.