Following two years on the outside Pittsburgh will return to the NFL betting Playoffs. Head coach Mike Tomlin was panned by fans and gamblers. But Pittsburgh’s organizational stability has been vindicated. Most other teams would have changed coaches. Yet Tomlin remains where he’s been since 2007. Big Ben Roethlisberger’s return was key to the Steelers’ resurgence. Of course, he missed a lackluster 2019 campaign. Big Ben is near the end of his career. He returned to win a third Super Bowl. Of major concern in the postseason is a lackluster ground game. Roethlisberger carries too much of the load.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2020 NFL Playoffs Preview
| Odds | |
|---|---|
| Steelers Odds to win Super Bowl at SBG: | +2200 |
| Steelers Odds to win AFC Conference Championship: | +1000 |
Pittsburgh Steelers SBG Odds Overview
To begin with, the Steelers are one of the most public teams on the board. This can affect their online betting value. Square and fan money will flood Pittsburgh’s way in the playoffs. Balanced against this is that the Steelers managed to turn a profit in 2020.
Pittsburgh Steelers Coaching Staff
Head coach Mike Tomlin has been in this role since 2007. He has one Super Bowl title at Pittsburgh. In fact, Tomlin was the youngest head coach to win the Lombardi Trophy. Tomlin’s career regular-season record is 145-77-1. And then he’s 8-7 in the playoffs. Tomlin has never had a losing season.
Since 2018 offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner has been in this role. His father was a famed defensive back for Cleveland in the 1960s. He’s been in Pittsburgh with Tomlin from the start in 2007.
Defensive coordinator Keith Butler played for the Seahawks from 1978-1987. In brief, he’s been in his current role since 2015. Butler has been in the Pittsburgh organization since 2003. Butler has restored the Steel Curtain defense. To illustrate Pittsburgh ranks 2nd overall and for points allowed.
Pittsburgh Steelers Key Offensive Players
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, age 38, is a two-time Super Bowl champion. Big Ben is a six-time Pro Bowler. Certainly, he’ll be a first-ballot Hall of Fame selection. This season he’s compiled a 94.1 QB rating with 33 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. Of major concern is his low 6.3 yards per attempt. Pittsburgh’s lack of a reliable ground game and breakout receiver explains much of that.
Diontae Johnson has 85 catches. However, he averages just 9.7 yards per reception. In like manner, JuJu Smith has 91 catches with 8.4 yards per receptions.
Kicker Chris Boswell is 19 of 20 on field goals. Since 2015 has he been the Steelers kicker. Boswell was a 2017 Pro Bowl selection.
Pittsburgh Steelers Key Defensive Players
Namely, TJ Watt has been utterly dominant with 15 sacks and 26 tackles for loss. Watt is a three-time Pro Bowler. Defensive end Stephon Tuitt has 10 sacks. While safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has a team-best 74 tackles, 4 interceptions with a touchdown.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2020 Playoff Prognosis
On the whole, it’s been a nice comeback season for Roethlisberger and Tomlin. More emphatically the Steelers have reclaimed their NFL betting status as an elite franchise. Pittsburgh’s lack of reliable rushing and game-breakers will prevent a Super Bowl championship. Specifically, these are offseason tasks that must be addressed. Also, of concern is when Roethlisberger will retire. For now, Steeler fans will savor the moment.