Big Ben’s season-ending injury had a big impact on Pittsburgh Steelers’ odds.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s elbow surgery ascended Mason Rudolph to the starting role for Pittsburgh. In the process, the Steelers’ NFL odds and future bets took a dive.
Steelers futures bets
Before Roethlisberger’s injury, PA sportsbooks had the Steelers as serious contenders.
Bet Rivers Sports and SugarHouse placed the Steelers’ odds of making a trip to Super Bowl LIV at +1,000. The Steelers were +2,200 to win the Super Bowl.
As of Sept. 17, the Steelers were +3,000 to win the AFC Championship. They are now +6,000 to win the Super Bowl.
The Steelers +700 are projected to finish third in the AFC North behind the Ravens -125 and the Browns +140.
Going into the 2019 season, the Steelers lost wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back Le’Veon Bell. However, it was the loss of the 37-year-old old quarterback with two Super Bowl rings that caused the lines to massively shift.
Steelers vs. 49ers matchup
During Week 2, the Steelers -4 gave up 21 second-half points at home and lost 28-26 to the Seahawks. Roethlisberger’s elbow injury sidelined him for the year and running back James Conner is “day-to-day” with a knee issue.
For Week 3, the Steelers travel to San Francisco, a place they haven’t won since 1999 against a 49ers team who looks to be one of the league’s most improved. Lines as of Sept. 18 have the Steelers as 6.5 underdogs.
When will Steelers win?
FanDuel set odds on when the Steelers will get their first win of the season.
- Week 3 at 49ers +220
- Week 4 versus Bengals +125
- Week 5 versus Ravens +600
- Week 6 at Chargers +1500
- Week 8 versus Dolphins +650
- Does not win a game +25,000
Will the Steelers even make the playoffs? Here’s what FanDuel says:
- Yes: +450
- No: -650
High hopes dashed for Roethlisberger
BetRivers and SugarHouse put the Steelers over/under for seasons wins at 9. The Steelers are currently 0-2.
Roethlisberger was one of the main focuses of future betting action at the at BetRivers and SugarHouse during the preseason. He was listed at +2,500 to win MVP. At BetRivers, the over/under for Roethlisberger’s regular-season passing yardage was set at 4,300.5. The total for his regular-season passing touchdowns is 27.5.
How will Roethlisberger’s absence and the play of unproven quarterback impact other Steelers future bets?
Running back James Conner is +10,000 for NFL MVP. During the preseason, wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster over/under was set at 1,400.5 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns for the regular season. Through two games, he has 162 rec. yards and no touchdowns.
