My 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers preview is packed full with value plays for those looking to bet on the NFL's greatest underdogs. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has never finished under .500 in his 17 seasons at the helm. As fans in the Steel City prepare to wave their terrible towels for his 18th year in charge, I took a deep dive into all the Pittsburgh Steelers season long betting odds, and give my analysis into the markets you need to capitalize on below.
2024 Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl & AFC Odds
Odds as of August 7
The Steelers season long futures odds are priced well, and as such I'd stay away for the time being. Although, if they manage to overcome a September that features winnable contests against the Falcons, Broncos, Chargers and Colts, Pittsburgh's AFC South odds will be worth a wager. That being said, six of Pittsburgh's last eight games are divisional contests, with the other two coming against the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. That brutal stretch will determines Pittsburgh's fate, and I wouldn't blame you if you pass altogether at these odds.
Pittsburgh's Super Bowl dreams are a few years away. While they are one of the most well coached teams in the NFL, I don't see how the Steelers compete with the likes of the Chiefs, Dolphins, Bengals or Ravens in the AFC playoffs. There are a number of betting markets to like the Steelers in, but I'd stay away from these ones for now.
2024 Pittsburgh Steelers Win Total Odds
Odds as of August 7
My money is on the OVER 8.5 wins in their 2024 win total odds. Pittsburgh has never finished with under eight wins with Mike Tomlin as the team's head coach. On top of that, some combination of Russell Wilson or Justin Fields under center should provide immediate dividends.
The Steelers finished 10-8 ATS last season and have covered the spread at a sparkling 60% rate as an underdog during Tomlin's tenure. They are very likely to be underdogs against the Bengals and Ravens in divisional contests, as well as against the Eagles, Chiefs, Cowboys, and perhaps even the Jets this season. Keep an eye out for opportunities to capitalize on Tomlin's fiery dogs' as the season rolls along.
2024 Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff Odds
Odds as of August 7
I love the odds on the Steelers to make the playoffs at +168. Remember, Pittsburgh won 10 games last season with some combination of Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky at quarterback. Wilson may no longer be in his prime, but he's still a huge upgrade on those signal-callers. They've improved their offensive line in the draft by adding the likes of athletic specimen Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier, and made a huge move to pickup a Super Bowl winner in Wilson and talented youngster in Fields under center.
Plus, Tomlin has led the Steelers to 11 playoff appearances in his time as coach, with seven division titles and three AFC Championship game appearances. While they are underrated by the sportsbooks and media at the moment, it's more likely than not the Steelers make their way into the postseason come January. At +168 I'm jumping on the Steelers to make the playoffs right now.
2024 Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Player of the Year Odds
Odds as of August 7
As my friend Mitch Bannon points out, T.J. Watt is a fantastic play to win the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. He led the league in sacks (19) last year for the third time in his career, and should be more motivated than ever after being snubbed for last year's award.
Watt was fourth in both PFF's pass-rush grade (91.7) and pass-rush win rate (16.2%) last season. He'll be a man on a mission in 2024, and as the anchor of what should be one of the top defensive units in football, I love the value on the former Wisconsin Badger to win Defensive Player of the Year at +750.