2021 NFL Betting and Fantasy Team Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers
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Pittsburgh Steelers Team Betting Preview
Win Total (over):8.5 (-105)
Games Favored:10
Games as a TD Favorite:4
Games as a TD Underdog:3
Despite look-ahead lines making the Steelers favorites in 10 games, Pittsburgh draws one of the league’s most difficult schedules including games Buffalo, Green Bay, Cleveland, Chargers, Kansas City, and Baltimore. While the Steelers have talented skill-position players on offense, it’s tough to overlook last season’s offensive struggles, especially when they did little to improve a poor offensive line and when Ben Roethlisberger will be a year older (39). I think wins are going to be tough to come by for the Steelers this season and I am in favor of betting under 8.5 wins.
Pittsburgh Steelers Team Projections Preview
Projected Offense Rank:16
Projected Rush Offense Rating: Strong
Projected Pass Offense Rating: Average
Projected Points Earned:408 (Rank 15)
Rushing Opponents:
Projected Difficult Rush Defenses Faced:7
Projected Soft Rush Defenses Faced:4
Passing Opponents:
Projected Difficult Pass Defenses Faced:5
Projected Soft Pass Defenses Faced:7
Team Defense Rank:7
Projected Rush Defense Rating:Elite
Projected Pass Defense Rating:Average
Projected Points Allowed:394.5 (Rank 22)
Pittsburgh is likely to place early emphasis on its rushing attack this season after acquiring Najee Harris with the 24th overall pick in the 2021 draft. While I don’t have any doubt in Harris’ skill level, I do still doubt an offensive line that graded second-worst in run blocking last season according to ProFootball Focus. Pittsburgh is going to have to rely on its strong overall defense to win games this season while hoping the offense is just average enough to not lose them games.
Pittsburgh Steelers Fantasy Football Preview
Noteworthy Depth Chart
QB: Ben Roethlisberger – Underdog Rank: QB24 (ADP QB26)
RB: Najee Harris – Underdog Rank: RB10 (ADP RB13)
WR: Diontae Johnson – Underdog Rank: WR29 (ADP WR24)
WR: JuJu Smith-Schuster – Underdog Rank: WR36 (ADP WR40)
WR: Chase Claypool – Underdog Rank: WR39 (ADP WR29)
TE: Eric Ebron – Underdog Rank: TE20 (ADP TE25)
What’s New?: Najee Harris, Pat Freirmuth – Pittsburgh used its first two picks of this year’s draft on Harris (24th overall) and Freirmuth (55th). All signs point to Harris being thrown into the fire and being THE guy in the backfield. Harris was used exclusively as RB1 throughout the preseason and Mike Tomlin’s preference has never been to rotate RBs when players are healthy. While he’s unlikely to be uber-efficient with his touches behind a poor offensive line, Harris projects to see enough volume to end up as a fringe top 10 RB this season provided he stays healthy.
What’s Uncertain?: Offensive line. Pittsburgh’s poor offensive line play was the story much of 2020 as it was partially to blame for Ben Roethlisberger lowest AY/A (adjusted yards gained per pass attempt) in a full season since 2008. The Steelers project to have one of the worst OL’s again in 2021 which could result in limited production on the ground and another season of short/quick passing attempts out of Roethlisberger.
Top Fantasy Play(s): Najee Harris, Diontae Johnson, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chase Claypool