In the unpredictable world of the NFL, few constants remain. One such steadfast factor has been Mike Tomlin’s ability to steer the Pittsburgh Steelers away from a losing season in his 16 years at the helm. However, with the team securing more than nine wins only once in the past five years, the waters look increasingly uncertain.
How will Pittsburgh perform in 2023? We’ll take a look while formulating a Steelers win total prediction below.
Steelers Win Total Prediction 2023: Under 8.5 Wins
Tomlin’s leadership led the Steelers to a respectable 9-8 record in 2022, but the gloss of the winning record belies some less encouraging statistics. A negative-38-point differential, 14th place in total DVOA, and 19th in PFF’s overall team grade in 2022 paint a picture of mediocrity rather than excellence.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett showed promise during his rookie year, stepping out of Mitchell Trubisky’s shadow and improving with each snap. However, when compared to the likes of Burrow and Jackson, Pickett has quite a bit of ground to cover.
"The way that he finished the season was really remarkable."@BaldyNFL gives a breakdown of Kenny Pickett heading into year 2️⃣ (via @NFLTotalAccess) pic.twitter.com/p3g5543DuU
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) June 28, 2023
While the Steelers’ defense will keep them competitive and any offensive improvement could tip the scales, the team’s fate hinges on the performance of their bolstered offensive line, particularly in the running game. The previous season’s lackluster 4.1 yards per carry (tied for 25th) will need to improve significantly.
The daunting strength of the AFC North further clouds the Steelers’ outlook. They managed a 3-3 record in the division last year, capitalizing on the struggling Ravens and Browns. However, with the Bengals and Ravens set to continue their playoff-contender form and an anticipated resurgence from the Browns, the Steelers might find themselves squeezed out of contention, especially if marred by injuries.
- Who will win this division? Check out our AFC North Predictions article.
Despite finishing the previous season with a 9-8 record, an unexpected turnaround from a dismal 2-6 start, Tomlin’s admirable 16-season streak of non-losing still hangs by a thread. The consensus leans towards the under 8.5 wins for the 2023 season.
Where To Bet: DraftKings Sportsbook
Under 8.5 wins seems to be the safer bet for the Steelers’ 2023 season. Despite their historic resilience and potential for growth, the strength of their competition may leave them in a vulnerable position.
Add it all up, and we are taking the Steelers to go under 8.5 wins at +135 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.
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