The Steelers begin their 2024 regular season odyssey in less than three weeks against the Atlanta Falcons, and hope springs eternal in the Steel City. Hope, unfortunately, is the enemy of winning NFL futures bets.
Some diehards believe QB Russell Wilson is the missing piece to a team that won ten games in 2023. Everyone is captivated by QB Justin Fields’ athletic upside.
But if you intend to make money betting on the Steelers this year, take off your black and gold glasses. This team isn’t good, and the 2024 regular season schedule is daunting.
So, how can you profit off the Pittsburgh Steelers during a down season? Here are three Steelers NFL futures bets you should add to your portfolio.
Steelers fans, Fanatics Sportsbook offers an incredible 10 x $100 promotion for new players. That’s a $100 bet match each day for ten days! Create an account today and receive up to $1,000 in bonus bets after placing an initial $5 wager with odds of -200 or longer.
Once you create your account with Fanatics, you’re also eligible for their annual Jersey Drop, running until September 9, 2024. Sign up for the drop to get your chance at a team jersey of your choice
Pittsburgh Steelers Alt-Win Total Under 7.5 Wins +148 (FanDuel)
The Steelers made the playoffs last year despite an offense that ranked in the bottom quarter of the league. They won ten games despite getting outgained in the first nine games and posted a record of 9-2 in close games despite a -20 point differential.
How did the Steelers win games? Turnovers.
The Steelers are 0-15-1 over the past three years when they lose the turnover battle. They’re 28-7 in that same span when they win it. Yes, the Steelers’ pass rush with TJ Watt helps create turnovers, but winning this way requires a hell of a lot of luck.
I know, I know. Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season!
I can’t see how the Steelers navigate the third-hardest NFL schedule with an underperforming offense and manage over seven wins.
Create a FanDuel Sportsbook account today and receive $200 in bonus bets after placing an initial $5 wager. As an added promotion, a $5 wager unlocks a free three-week trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV!
Pat Freiermuth Over 3.5 TD Receptions +115 (DraftKings)
The Steelers traded WR Dionte Johnson. Despite the constant Brandon Aiyuk trade chatter, Pittsburgh GM Omar Khan has yet to replace Johnson.
WR George Pickens will draw plenty of double-coverage, so whoever the starting QB is (I’ll eat my hat if it isn’t Russell Wilson), he’ll have to look for secondary targets in the red zone.
Pat Freiermuth is that secondary target.
Muth’s past two seasons haven’t been great. In 2022 and 23, he only caught two TD passes. Compare that to his 2021 rookie campaign where he caught seven TDs.
I don’t think Freiermuth is exceptional at any aspect of the game. He’s not a strong route runner or great run-blocker, and his hands aren’t as steady as one would want from a second-round draft pick.
Yet, he did show some promise with a more competent QB in 2021.
Wilson’s Denver Broncos TEs, Adam Trautman and Lucas Krull, combined for four TD receptions in 2023, so I expect Freiermuth to have plenty of opportunities to exceed the 3.5 number.
Ahead of the NFL Regular Season, DraftKings Sportsbook offers new players $200 in Bonus Bets plus one month of NFL+ Premium after an initial $5 bet.
Pittsburgh Steelers Regular Season: Any Game to End in a Tie +1600 (BetMGM)
This bet is a pizza money bet.
The Steelers have ended two games in a tie in the previous six seasons. They dueled the Cleveland Browns to a 21-21 tie in 2018. And in 2021, the Steelers and the Lions played a captivating (not really) 16-16 game.
The Steelers play a lot of close games. 11 out of 17 2023 regular season games were decided by a touchdown margin or less.
OC Arthur Smith employs a run-heavy scheme to slow the game and eat the clock. The Steelers must also know their best chance is to hang around by controlling the time of possession and limiting turnovers.
I like a small amount on 16 to 1 odds for this Steelers team to play to a tie in 2024.
BetMGM Sportsbook gives new bettors a risk-free first bet worth up to $1,500.