Steelers One of NFL’s Best Against the Spread Under Mike Tomlin

Since the 2003 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as the fifth best team against the spread with a 186-166-11 record (52.8%) according to Ben Fawkes. The Steelers only trail the Patriots, Packers, Colts, and Patriots in record against the spread since 2003. This achievement is significant for the franchise, underscoring its enduring competitive edge and highlighting the crucial role of head coach Mike Tomlin, who has been at the helm since 2007. According to BetMGM, Mike Tomlin has a 143-127-5 (53%) record against the spread as the head man in Pittsburgh.

Mike Tomlin’s tenure with the Steelers has been marked by remarkable consistency and success. His ability to maintain a high standard of performance is a testament to his coaching expertise. Tomlin’s leadership has been critical in nurturing a winning culture in Pittsburgh. Under Tomlin, the Steelers have consistently fielded teams ready to play, regardless of the challenges they faced. Injuries, roster changes, and the ever-evolving nature of the NFL have not deterred Tomlin from guiding his team to fight no matter what. His approach to game preparation and in-game adjustments has often given the Steelers an edge, allowing them to outperform expectations and cover the spread more often than not.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 11, 2022. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Tomlin’s influence on the Steelers’ success cannot be overstated. Since his arrival, the team has enjoyed a period of sustained competitiveness, making multiple playoff appearances and securing a Super Bowl victory. His emphasis on fundamentals, player development, and a strong locker room culture has translated into on-field success, consistently keeping the Steelers in contention. Many players throughout the National Football League have publicly expressed their interest in wanting to play for Coach Tomlin over the years due to the way he goes about his work, most recently being Dallas Cowboy superstar Micah Parsons.

The significance of being one of the top five NFL teams against the spread extends beyond just statistics. It reflects the Steelers’ ability to exceed market expectations, indicating a franchise that is consistently well-prepared and well-coached. For bettors and analysts, the Steelers’ record against the spread offers insights into the team’s reliability and the effectiveness of their game plans.

Even though the team’s results have not been to the same high level of late that Tomlin established earlier in his career, he has continued to out-pace expectations from the betting market. Tomlin’s Steelers were 10-8 against the spread in 2023 and 10-6-1 against the Vegas line in 2022. The Steelers have had a losing record against the spread just once since 2018.