The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the signing of quarterback Russell Wilson for 2024 earlier this offseason. Did Wilson's signing affect the Steelers' chances of making the Super Bowl? Wilson will now compete with Justin Fields for the starting position.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields (2) and Russell Wilson (3) in 2024 OTAs.
Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl Odds in 2024
The odds of a Pittsburgh Super Bowl are fascinating since some major sportsbooks have different odds than others. You can find Steelers in the +7000 to +8000 range and at +4000 in jiliko. They are on top of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and ahead of their division rival Cleveland Browns.
Overall, Wilson's arrival made little difference. DraftKings Sportsbook posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the Steelers' odds remained constant even after the signing of Wilson. Unsurprisingly, you can expect Wilson to earn the starting role this season over Fields.
In addition, the Steelers were a strong contender to land Wilson pending his release from the Denver Broncos. Thus, DraftKings' decision to install them as odds-on favorites probably baked any perceived increase in their odds into the calculations.
Wilson Was A Smart Acquisition By The Steelers
Wilson is a captivating acquisition for the Steelers. According to Pro Football Focus, his passer rating was 98.0 and he ranked in the top 10 in passing touchdowns (26) in 2023. Additionally, he tied Geno Smith for the league's best fourth quarter comebacks (four) and was third in passing touchdown percentage (5.8).
He had a pass completion rate of 43.3%, just marginally ahead of Mac Jones and Sam Howell, however. With a QBR of 50.7, Wilson ranked 21st on ESPN's QBR. In terms of total expected points added, he ranked 19th at 48.5.
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Russell Wilson looks up at the scoreboard during a game with the Denver Broncos.
Fans’ Expectations
The numbers above seem mixed considering what fans expect from Wilson. Yet, it's hard to get many statistics showings where Kenny Pickett completed above him last year. With an injury, Pickett lost time and had to be benched down the stretch for (eventually) backup Mason Rudolph.
Of course, Pickett is young and you can expect him to continue developing, but he's now in Philadelphia via trade. Wilson pops up as an upgrade due to his experience and resume. He could continue benefiting if Arthur Smith dials up a game plan to let him become a bit aggressive.
Steelers Have A Better Chance
Despite not being at his best, Wilson's passer rating regularly exceeded 100 and his QBR consistently exceeded 60, despite the team's lack of consistency over the past two seasons in Denver.
Statistically, Wilson has a much better touchdown rate than Pickett, who has a career touchdown rate of less than 2%. It appears that the acquisition will increase the likelihood of Mike Tomlin continuing his 500-or-better streak in the coming seasons.
-544x306.jpg "Steelers Mike Tomlin")
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
By signing Wilson, the Steelers are more likely to make the playoffs and then win some games in them. A double-digit win season seems more possible than a month ago (+1100 at FanDuel) or winning at least one playoff game.
