Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 Regular Season Wins Total Preview and Prediction

Pittsburgh Steelers Season Win Total Under 7.5 -115 (BET365)

Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 Betting Odds

It’s the end of an era in Steel Town, with Ben Roethlisberger retired after 18 seasons, two Super Bowl wins, six Pro Bowls, and the 2004 Rookie of the Year trophy.

Most would agree that Big Ben was well past his prime, however the Steelers don’t really have an heir apparent. Kenny Pickett was the first quarterback selected in the 2022 NFL draft, but he’s expected to back up Mitch Tribusky.

Mason Rudolph slips to third on the depth chart, but given the chaotic environment that is expected in Pittsburgh this year we won’t be surprised to see him on the field at some point.

Weak Offensive Line

The offensive line is a glaring weakness heading into the 2022 season, ranked among the league’s worst. This is not what the Steelers need while trying to replace a Hall of Fame quarterback with a pair of journeymen and an unproven rookie.

Roethlisberger was a poised veteran who got rid of the ball quickly (average of 2.2 seconds per pass). Still the Steelers ranked near the bottom of the league in pass protection last year.

As a run-blocking unit, the Steelers ranked 24th in the league in grade, generating an average of just 0.9 yards before contact (29th).

Tough Schedule

The Steelers will likely be an underdog in six of their first eight games in 2022. That includes road games at Cincinnati, Cleveland, Buffalo, Miami and Philly.

If you have a glance at their entire schedule and look for games that they might be favored to win, the only three that stand out are home games against the Jets and Raiders, and a road game at Atlanta.

Mike Tomlin has done an incredible job getting the most out of his players, but this is a tough ask even for him.

Claypool a Diva?

Nobody is a bigger Chase Claypool fan than Chase Claypool himself. He says he’s a Top 3 wide receiver in the NFL, but he’s never had a 1,000 yard season, and he looks like a loose cannon.

Claypool’s 2021 season was plagued by bad penalties, mental lapses and outbursts that cost his team late in games. After losing 41-10 to the Bengals, he suggested that practice would be more fun if there was music.

Tomlin responded: “Claypool plays wideout. I’ll let him do that,” Tomlin said. “I’ll formulate the practice approach and I think that division of labor is probably appropriate.”

That’s coachspeak for “stay in your lane”. Don’t be surprised if these two butt heads again in 2022.

Projected record: 6-11 Overall

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