Despite a 7-2 finish to the 2022 season and a strong free agency period that saw the Pittsburgh Steelers add cornerback Patrick Peterson, linebackers Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb and guards Nate Herbig and Isaac Seumalo to the organization, Vegas isn’t too keen on Pittsburgh’s chances in 2023. BetOnline released their odds for division winners in 2023, and the Steelers came in with the longest ones in the AFC North at +450. For those unfamiliar, that would mean a $100 wager on Pittsburgh to win the division would net a $450 return. The Steelers finished below the Cleveland Browns at +400, as well as the Baltimore Ravens at +225 and the Cincinnati Bengals at +140.
While Cleveland finished last in the division in 2022, it’s clear that having Deshaun Watson for a full season has oddsmakers a lot higher on the Browns this season. In addition to having the worst odds to win the AFC North, the Steelers also have the fifth-longest odds to win the AFC, as they came in at +2800. Only the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans have longer odds than Pittsburgh right now on Bet Online.
When it comes to Super Bowl odds, Vegas views the Steelers as a similar team to the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks, as all three have +6000 odds. That’s close to the bottom of the pack, and somehow Bet Online gives teams like the Chicago Bears (+4500) and the rebuilding Los Angeles Rams (+4000) a better shot to win the Super Bowl than Pittsburgh. Plus-6000 is longer odds than Pittsburgh had after the Super Bowl in 2022 when the team’s quarterback situation was very much in flux with Ben Roethlisberger set to officially retire.
It’s way too early to give the odds much stock, but it’s interesting that Pittsburgh is looked at so unfavorably given what they’ve done so far this offseason and how they finished last year. While expecting a Super Bowl would be ridiculous, it’s not unreasonable to expect the team to compete in the AFC North and make the playoffs in 2023.
With a full offseason to prepare as the starter, quarterback Kenny Pickett should take a step up and the team has already strengthened its offensive line and linebacker corps from last season. Plus, the NFL Draft could bring in even more immediate contributors, with the Steelers holding three picks inside the top 50. At this point, there seems to be value in betting on Pittsburgh, but with so much time until training camp gets underway, there’s just too much unknown to truly say whether the Steelers are overrated or underrated by Vegas heading into next season.
