According to the FanDuel sportsbook, the Pittsburgh Steelers' projected win total for the upcoming season is set at 8.5. Despite this projection, the Steelers have a strong track record under head coach Mike Tomlin, who has never finished a season below .500 during his tenure in Pittsburgh.
Here are three reasons why the Steelers will win more than 8 games this season.
A new and improved offense
The front office has significantly bolstered the offensive side of the ball with the additions of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. They also invested heavily in the draft to strengthen the offensive line and added a new wide receiver, Roman Wilson.
Furthermore, the Steelers have revamped their coaching staff, bringing in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, quarterbacks coach Tom Arth, wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni and offensive assistant Mateo Kambui.
With these additions and an increased focus on the offense, we can expect a substantial improvement compared to the underwhelming performance under Matt Canada's direction. This new-look offense should finally provide the consistency needed to score significantly more points.
If the offense lives up to its potential, it's hard not to see the team exceeding projected win totals.
A potential top 10 defense
The Steelers not only bolstered their offense but also made significant upgrades to an already solid defense. They signed Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott, and in a trade package, acquired Donte Jackson to round out the starting cornerback spot opposite Joey Porter Jr.
Additionally, the team drafted Payton Wilson and Ryan Watts, adding much-needed depth at linebacker and the CB/safety positions. If the defense continues to perform at a high level and even progresses toward becoming a top 5-10 unit, the Steelers have all the talent needed to be a playoff contender. and potentially win the AFC North.
Never underestimate the Steelers
Year after year, watching the Steelers feels like riding a roller coaster, with stretches of disappointment and a lack of postseason success. Yet, one thing remains constant: you should never count out the Pittsburgh Steelers—they never quit. Despite moments of seeming defeat, these teams under Mike Tomlin always manage to rally when the going gets tough.
Every preseason, critics predict their demise, forecasting last-place finishes in the AFC North and labeling them as a weak team in the AFC. However, time and again, the Steelers prove them wrong.
Until they prove otherwise, doubters must acknowledge the Steelers resilience. With their talent, it would be disastrous if they fell short of at least nine wins.