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The Pittsburgh Steelers had a mixed 2020 season, and it ended in disappointment. Pittsburgh started the year at 11-0 and expected to be Super Bowl contenders before a complete collapse to end the season. The Steelers lost four of their last five games to close out the regular season, and they went into the offseason after being blown out by the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card round.
Pittsburgh had a quiet offseason without many big additions, and they lost some key members of the franchise. The Steelers lost offensive linemen Matt Feiler, Alejandro Villanueva, Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro in addition to running back James Connor, linebacker Bud Dupree, cornerback Mike Hilton and safety Sean Davis.
Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl 56 odds: +4000
Ben Roethlisberger is set to give it another go as the Steelers’ starting quarterback in 2021. He was a big reason for the struggles of this team late last season, and the Steelers do not have a proven backup in case Roethlisberger struggles to start the season or is injured. He should have decent playmakers at the wide receiver position with Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, Smith-Schuster and James Washington. The offensive line still needs work, and that’s an area that should be improved for this group to maximize their potential.
Defense should be the strength of this team once again after a fantastic 2020 season. The Steelers ranked No. 2 last year in opponent yards per play, and T.J. Watt is among the best defensive players in the NFL heading into 2021. Minkah Fitzpatrick has developed into one of the top safeties in the league, and the defensive line is stacked with Stephon Tuitt and Cameron Heyward. There are stars all over the defense, and this is going to be an excellent unit next year.
We saw the Steelers at their best to start last year and then their worst to end it, so who knows what we will see from this team in 2021? Oddsmakers at DraftKings Sportsbook are not too optimistic as Pittsburgh is in the bottom half of NFL teams in Super Bowl odds. The Steelers have the defense to make a run, but the offensive line and quarterback play Roethlisberger will determine what this franchise can be this season.
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