Steelers Receive Massive Disrespect Over Betting Odds: "It's All Anti-Aaron [Rodgers]"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are attempting to go "all in" on the 2025 season while also keeping all of their draft picks for 2026. They had an offseason that numerous insiders and analysts consider "un-Steelers-like," as they went out and made multiple splash moves, including acquiring star receiver DK Metcalf. The team brass believes the time is now to make a push.

While the Steelers believe they made game-changing moves, Vegas clearly doesn't think so. As Kay Adams recently pointed out on her show, Up And Adams with Kay Adams, the line has barely moved, if at all. They believe that it is more likely that Pittsburgh misses the postseason, as they are +140 (bet $10 to profit $14) to make the playoffs. Teams like the Chicago Bears and even the Arizona Cardinals have better odds and projections across the board. 

Adams explained her theory as to why the Steelers are not respected in Vegas: they have no faith in Aaron Rodgers in the slightest.

"It's all anti-Aaron. There's no other way to explain this," Adams said. "There's no worry that TJ Watt's not going to come back, there's no worry that this isn't going to be a playoff-ish team."

After coming off of a disastrous 2024 campaign, Rodgers is looking to turn things around with the Steelers. Clearly, the oddsmakers don't see him as much of an upgrade over Russell Wilson, as it seems to be more of a lateral move. Even the Cincinnati Bengals, who are in two nasty contract disputes with key players, have significantly better odds than Pittsburgh, despite losing pieces on an already-weak defense.

There may be some merit to what Vegas is saying, however. You usually don't see great seasons from quarterbacks who are on the wrong side of 40. If his tenure with the New York Jets was a disaster, why would he be able to suddenly turn around and be the savior that Pittsburgh needs? Wilson had a few great performances before that five-game losing streak to end the 2024 season. In the end, Father Time catches up to everyone.

It's never a good sign when many pundits are saying that Rodgers needs to cut his passing attempts in half if he wants to succeed. Even if that's true, that's a sign that the quarterback you brought in is actually likely not that great. The Steelers would benefit from limiting the player that they spent months trying to coerce while frustrating their own players in the process. Only time will tell if Rodgers is able to prove the doubters wrong.

Steelers Could Still Help Rodgers Get A Second Wind

Maybe the lack of change with the odds could be somewhat disrespectful. Rodgers will be put in a system that he will be able to thrive in. He has done much better with multiple tight ends on the field, as ESPN pointed out. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith loves running 12 and 13 personnel, so his scheme could be perfect for Rodgers at this stage of his career. 

The Steelers have been hesitant to use the middle of the field in recent years. Rodgers doesn't take too kindly to coaches handcuffing him, so he could buck that trend and utilize his big tight ends in between the hashes. He could hit a handful of 5–7-yard passes before finding Metcalf deep down the sideline. This could work for both team and player.

At the end of the day, the Steelers don't expect Rodgers to throw for 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns this upcoming season. They expect him to be a smart game manager that can move the ball forward while still protecting it. If that works or not is still to be determined, and we will find out once the regular season finally kicks off. 

What do you think about the disrespect that Rodgers received? Is it fair? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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