Sports bettors are bullish on the Steelers’ prospects heading into the 2024 NFL season.
After opening with a total of 7.5 wins, Pittsburgh’s preseason over/under is being wagered up to 8.5 wins at BetMGM Sportsbook, with the over still being heavily evaluated.
The Steelers with 8.5+ wins are the most bet on BetMGM’s board, ahead of the Panthers (4.5+) and Bears (8.5+).
94 percent of BetMGM’s tickets and 97 percent of its handles come from the Steelers winning nine or more games.
Although they haven’t won in the playoffs since 2016, the Steelers have an outstanding ability to hit above .500 under head coach Mike Tomlin.
During Tomlin’s 17 years with Pittsburgh, the team never lost, with just one losing season (2003) in the 21st century.
The Steelers traded away Kenny Pickett and are entering a new era at the quarterback position.
Pittsburgh acquired Russell Wilson in free agency in March, then traded Bears signal-caller Justin Fields and a conditional sixth-round pick a few days later.
After a series of moves, Tomlin acknowledged that Wilson was expected to be the team’s Week 1 starter at quarterback, but that Fields was open to taking the job.
“We’ve been very transparent about the standings, at least initially,” Tomlin said at the time, according to ESPN. “I think this makes it clear for everyone involved. Russell is a veteran. He has a proven preparation process. He’s been in this league a long time. He has the ability to rally tight ends, running backs, and more.
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“He’s gained a lot of experience over a 12-month calendar in terms of what it takes to be a man, and I think that’s something a young guy like Justin can learn from.”
Wilson is currently a -720 favorite at FanDuel Sportsbook and is expected to be behind center when the 2024 season begins, despite acquiring Fields. Fields is a +450 long shot to take Wilson’s starting spot.
