Steelers Are Projected To Have First Ever Losing Season Under Mike Tomlin

The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to have many pieces of their puzzle filled out for 2024. Of course, quarterback is the big question mark, but the rest of the team seems to be all but set, especially the starters. With all the tricks that the Steelers appear to be getting used for, they will have to prove that they can keep their mind off of that and just focus on winning games. It will be a tough task, but if anyone has proven their ability to win with the bleakest of conditions in and out of their control, it's the Steelers. 

Erin Kate Dolan made an appearance on ESPN's SportsCenter to talk about what she thinks would be good bets to make for the 2024 season. When the Steelers came up, she made the same prediction that many "analysts" make during the offseason, and they have all been wrong so far. 

"This schedule is going to be daunting for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yes, last year, we saw them end with 10 wins, and that was great. They went 5-1 in the division, but I do think Cleveland [Browns] and the Cincinnati Bengals are going to be much healthier this season, and it's not even [just] that. Look at this schedule. The last eight weeks, they're going to play Baltimore [Ravens] twice, Cleveland twice, Cincinnati twice, and you sandwich in there [the fact that] they're going to have to play at Philadelphia, oh and by the way, they're also going to have to face the Kansas City Chiefs. This is a very difficult schedule, and one that I think is going to be incredibly difficult to be able to get nine wins."

It's no secret that the Steelers have the toughest stretch of games in the league. On top of that, they will have three short weeks in that eight-week span, including a game on Christmas Day against the Kansas City Chiefs, which is on a Wednesday. To keep adding on to that, cameras will be all over this team throughout the month of December for an in-season edition of HBO's Hard Knocks. 

It's true that the AFC North is the toughest division in football, especially since all four teams had winning records in 2023. It's also true that the Steelers will have every single obstacle thrown at them in the final eight weeks of the season. It will take a lot for this team to get through it and force their way to another nine-win season. 

Dolan also mentioned that betting the under for the 8.5-win total does not pay out a lot, as the line would be -155. That means if you want to make a $100 profit, you will have to wager $155. There is no value in a bet that has not happened since the NFL moved to a 17-game season, and if you're betting on the losing season; that hasn't happened in the last 20 seasons. 

Bet On Steelers' History, Not On Fears

As long as history repeats itself, the Steelers will at least go 9-8. While that can be very maddening to Steeler Nation, there is still a good chance that happens, and there is great value on that. Dolan never said what the line was for over 8.5 wins, but judging by the under, it will be something around +130, which means you would profit around $130 if you bet $100.

Also based on history, Lamar Jackson has struggled mightily against the Steelers. He has just one win against them in his career. As long as he stays healthy, you can bet that the Steelers win at least one game against the Baltimore Ravens. The Cleveland Browns are also good for at least a win per year as well, so that helps. The Steelers will find a way to win nine games. They always do.

What do you think about Dolan's advice for betting the under for the Steelers' win total? How many wins do you think they will get in 2024? Let us know in the comments.

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