The buzzing focus around the 2026-27 NFL season is already intensifying, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the league’s most fascinating betting market teams heading into the new campaign. You never quite know what you’re going to get with the Steelers, but the discussion this time is centering around veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the arrival of Head Coach Mike McCarthy, and whether the team can finally move from playoff participant to genuine AFC contenders, just as they were in their mid-late 70s heyday.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike McCarthy reunites with quarterback Aaron Rodgers during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) during the 2026 offseason.
The Steelers remain something of a quandary for sportsbooks to price. On one side, they have a strong defense led by T.J. Watt and others, and continue to post competitive records. But, as always, questions remain about offensive consistency, quarterback longevity, and whether the roster can truly compete with elite AFC powers such as the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills. So what will the betting markets surrounding the Steelers look like this time around?
Uncertainty in 26-27 and the Quarterback question
While the Steelers have long been regarded as one of the NFL’s most stable franchises, Pittsburgh enters the new season surrounded by uncertainty, opportunity, and significant betting market attention. A big focus of this is on the presence of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and whether he can continue to perform at a top level despite heading toward the twilight of his career.
There’s no question that he has helped stabilize an at times jittery offense since his arrival at Pittsburgh, but sportsbooks have reacted cautiously to his arrival, with many placing the Steelers in the mid-ranks rather than as bona fide Super Bowl contenders. It's an interesting time to be a bettor, with many checking what theScore Bet has to offer on the Super Bowl markets, as well as other top betting sites.
Tough Competition in the AFC North
Then there’s the question of the opposition. The AFC North has long been regarded as one of the most competitive in the NFL, with teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills tempting the sportsbooks with their consistent performances, youthful squads, and tight defensive lines.
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt goes after Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in an attempt to sack him during a regular season professional football game in Pittsburgh, PA.
There’s no doubt that the Steelers have the potential to take on and best these sides, but it’s a question of consistency that seems to rankle the sports betting markets. The Steelers certainly can’t be considered underdogs, but they are often seen as playing second fiddle to the truly elite teams in the division.
Can a New Coach Inspire?
Mike McCarthy arrives in Pittsburgh ahead of the pre-season and brings with him fresh optimism about the Steelers hopes for the coming competition. The traditional new coach ‘bounce’ may influence betting markets, with many opting to place the Steelers among AFC North favorites. This could be to do with the 17-season veteran’s longevity in the game, with a CV including the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers.
Current futures markets place Pittsburgh as a mid-tier AFC challenger rather than a true favorite. AFC North odds generally list the Steelers around +500 to +550 to win the division, behind Baltimore and Cincinnati. Their projected win total sits near 8.5 games at many sportsbooks, reflecting expectations of another competitive but uncertain season.