Could Steelers Bench Kenny Pickett? He’s Near Top of Odds List

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is near the top of the list when it comes to quarterbacks most likely to be the first to lose their starting job.

According to odds posted this week by BetOnline.ag, Pickett has 10/1 odds of being the first quarterback to be benched this season. The sportsbook classifies a benching as a player not starting a game for his team due to performance, but not due to injury or illness.

Desmond Ridder of the Atlanta Falcons has the top spot on the list at 3/2, followed by Sam Howell of the Washington Commanders at 2/1 and Mac Jones of the New England Patriots at 5/1. Pickett is tied for the fourth-best odds at 10/1 with Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson.

Of qualified quarterbacks, Ridder has the third-worst QBR this season at 29.2. Carolina Panthers rookie Bryce Young (24.7) and Ryan Tannehill of the Tennessee Titans (28.3) are the only starters with a worse figure. Tannehill has 16/1 odds of being benched first, right behind Pickett. Young is 20/1, the ninth-best odds.

Pickett follows Ridder with a 29.2 QBR. Next is Joe Burrow, who is not on the board. The Bengals quarterback has a 33.9 QBR, but has been dealing with a calf injury that has severely limited him.

Pickett is near the bottom in most other passing statistics through four games. He is sixth-worst in passer rating and completion percentage and seventh-worst in adjusted net yards per attempt. He has the seventh-highest interception percentage and the 11th-lowest touchdown percentage.

Mitch Trubisky is the Steelers’ backup quarterback and would undoubtedly get the call if the team decides to replace Pickett, though it’s not clear how healthy the second-year starter is. He suffered a bone bruise in his knee and a left calf strain against the Houston Texans in Week 4. Pickett is expected to start Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.

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