Crazy Stat: Steelers Almost Never Big Underdogs

Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin NFL Coach of the Year
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 24, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been known to thrive as underdogs–especially against the spread under Mike Tomlin. However, a crazy statistic circulated recently that showed how historically competitive the Steelers franchise is.

Barstool Gambling posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) that the Steelers since 1933 have been 13+ point underdogs just once in their franchise history. For comparison, the Jacksonville Jaguars have accomplished this feat 18 times since 2010 – they were founded in 1996!

<p>https://twitter.com/stoolgambling/status/1856394109365387686

It is worth mentioning that prior to the Immaculate Reception, the Steelers appeared in only one postseason contest. That game was a loss in 1947 to the Philadelphia Eagles. Prior to 1972, the Steelers were a bad franchise. Even worse, they only achieved 11 non-losing seasons.

Steelers Chuck Noll Bobby Brister

It wasn’t until they hired Chuck Noll in 1969 that the Steelers began to gain traction toward the Steelers’ way of stability. Since the merger, they have only had three head coaches. All three head coaches have enjoyed success – winning at least one Super Bowl and competing in at least two. This stability has led to an NFL record six Super Bowl victories.

Pittsburgh is enjoying what looks to be heading towards another winning season as they are competing for their first division title since 2020. Their next opponent is a familiar foe who is looking to defend their AFC North title the Baltimore Ravens.

Though the Steelers are underdogs in this matchup at home, they have won seven of the past eight matchups since 2020. This is no ordinary Baltimore team, however. They possess the most potent offense in the league headlined by MVP candidates Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. The winner of this game will seize control of the AFC North until their grudge match is scheduled in December.

Mentioned In This Article: