How The 2026 NFL Draft Has Affected The Steelers’ Super Bowl Odds

The 2026 NFL Draft is finished, with new Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy getting his first intake of rookies, and the first OTAs beginning. 

The draft didn’t start how the Steelers would have wanted, having lost wide receiver Makai Lemon to the Philadelphia Eagles while prematurely calling him. The move was undoubtedly embarrassing for GM Omar Khan, but the organization was able to quickly recover and pivoted to tackle Max Iheanachor for its first round pick. 

The rest of the draft went smoothly, and showed a strong blend of both the Steelers’ and McCarthy’s mentalities. Second round pick Germie Bernard is the kind of big receiver that McCarthy likes, while third round pick and Penn State quarterback Drew Allar will doubtless be prepared for the future. 

The seventh round selection of Navy’s all-time leading receiver, and Pittsburgh native, Eli Heidenreich is a classic Steelers move. His elite speed will no doubt make him a special teams starter immediately, and his hybrid RB/WR skill set has the potential to make him an offensive weapon. With the draft in, here’s how the Steelers’ intake has affected their odds for making a run at Super Bowl LXI.  

Still outsiders for the biggest prize

The Steelers are still considered outsiders to make the Super Bowl, but by just how much can vary wildly. Some sites have them priced as low as +5000, with others as high as +7000. To help find the best odds, Goal.com has a comprehensive breakdown of the top betting apps and sites. 

Ultimately, the Steelers maintaining such long odds isn’t a reflection of how well they drafted, but more the lingering question about who’ll line up under center this year. 

It’s looking almost certain that Aaron Rodgers will return for a 22nd season in the NFL. This long summer decision-making process has become a tradition for Rodgers, and is reminiscent of Brett Favre, the man he replaced in Green Bay at the start of his career. 

Still, his representatives have been in Pittsburgh to hold talks with the front office, and he’s expected to sign. The question is just a matter of when, and whether his 42-year-old body gets through to September unscathed. 

There’s no doubt that Rodgers has been susceptible to injuries in recent seasons. He had his infamous Achilles tear during his first ill-fated season with the New York Jets, and finished last season with a small facture in his non-throwing wrist. Even if he signs, it’s no guarantee he’ll make the first game. 

No matter how the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh settles between now and the end of the season, there are still signs that the Steelers can hope for playoff football. 

Strong possibility of playoff football remains

The Steelers have odds as low as +140 on some betting apps to make the playoffs. With those kinds of odds, the sportsbooks think that the team is more than capable of replicating last season’s heroics and securing a playoff berth. 

The Baltimore Ravens are heavy favorites to win the AFC North, but the Steelers’ odds give them a good chance of picking up a wild card spot. Most sites have the team’s under/over for wins at about 8.5, meaning another 10-7 season or better isn’t out of the question. 

This was a good enough record for the Steelers to secure the AFC North title last year. The bar about the same in the NFC too, with the Green Bay Packers sneaking in with a 9-7-1. 

There is a solid belief that McCarthy’s first season in Pittsburgh can end in playoff football. From there, anything is possible. 

Please note that odds quoted are indicative of the market and correct at time of publication, and are subject to change.