The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to get worse this off-season according to most major media outlets, and Las Vegas. This morning, ESPN released their most recent Power Rankings for all 32 teams in the NFL. This being the first one they've done since the 2022 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett (#8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during rookie minicamp, Friday, May 13, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
In those rankings, the Steelers dropped from spot 20 to spot 21. This comes on the heels of Pittsburgh having what was considered a very good draft. Regardless of how teams felt about Kenny Pickett, the rest of the draft was considered by many to be one of the best as they selected receivers George Pickens, and Calvin Austin III. They also were able to pick up DeMarvin Leal in the third round after he was projected to go as early as the second.
The Steelers continue to be lumped in with the worst teams in the AFC. Those teams include the Jacksonville Jaguars (#26), Houston Texans (#28), and New York Jets (#29). Those teams combined to win just 11 games in 2021.
Following the Super Bowl, the Steelers were at spot 18 on ESPN's first off-season power rankings. This is what they said at the time as the Steelers quarterback situation was up in the air.
18. Pittsburgh2021 record: 9-7-1
Offseason in three or fewer words: Make quarterback plan
The only quarterback certainty in 2022 is that Ben Roethlisberger won't be the starter. The Steelers have a plethora of paths forward, but they have to choose one and build the 2022 team around it. Pittsburgh could hold the status quo with Mason Rudolph and a camp arm, or they could sign or trade for a veteran to add to the room. Both options could get them to a stronger 2023 quarterback draft class. Or there's the option of drafting a quarterback in the first round this year. Regardless, the team has to make a plan and lay out a blueprint for the future of Steelers football. -- Brooke Pryor
Before Pittsburgh signed Mitch Trubisky, they had a better chance to win the Super Bowl according to some Las Vegas gambling sites. Pittsburgh was at 33/1 on March 8, but by the end of March had dropped to 40/1 and 66/1 where they sat until after the NFL Draft. As of Monday, they are now 70/1 to win the Super Bowl. And their win total projection is still at 7.5 wins. This would have the Steelers finishing last in the AFC North and Mike Tomlin having his first career losing season as a head coach.
Steelers Odds In AFC North
Cleveland Browns +190
Baltimore Ravens +200
Cincinnati Bengals +200
Pittsburgh Steelers +900
As it stands today, you could make a $100 bet and win $900 if the Steelers win the division.
