Steelers’ 2019 Win Total On the Rise; Are They Still Being Undervalued Following Antonio Brown & Le’Veon Bell Departures?

• The Pittsburgh Steelers lost key offensive pieces this offseason in Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown
• Despite a tumultuous 2018, the Steelers were able to finish 9-6-1
• Will they exceed their win total in 2019? Or are they destined to fall short?

Things have finally started to quiet down for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After Antonio Brown quit on the team and Le’Veon Bell was a no-show for all of 2018, Pittsburgh missed out on a fifth-straight trip to the playoffs. Their nine wins were also their fewest since back-to-back 8-8 seasons in 2013 and 2014.

Now that the distractions are gone, the Steelers turn their attention to 2019. And if the books are to be believed, they may be in line for a similar record. Let’s take a look at their projected NFL win totals.

Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 Regular Season Win Total Odds

*Odds taken 04/30/2019

Vegas clearly doesn’t believe in addition by subtraction. While James Conner has already emerged, and now we get a full dose of JuJu Smith-Schuster, the books are placing a better value on what Pittsburgh lost.

But is that the right move?

Le’Veon Bell Has No Impact on Pittsburgh Steelers’ Win Totals

Let’s get one thing out of the way right now: Le’Veon Bell’s departure doesn’t mean anything to the 2019 Steelers.

Had he played at all, things would be different. But this was a nine win team without him.

Steelers RB coach Eddie Faulkner said James Conner is mature beyond his years and he feels comfortable with Conner serving as the leader of the group.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) April 27, 2019

Some even wondered if they were better off with James Conner.

Le’Veon Bell 2017 vs James Conner 2018 Statistical Comparison

While most of Bell’s numbers outdo Conner’s, Connor’s 12 touchdowns were more than Bell’s best season. Connor’s yards per carry and yards per reception ( 9.0 to 7.7) were also better.

Antonio Brown a Big Blow to Pittsburgh Steelers

Whether you liked his antics or couldn’t stand him, Antonio Brown was an impact player in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers just lost six-straight 1,200+ yard seasons, with 686 receptions and 67 TDs over that stretch. And the track record for losing receivers coming off of 1,000 yard seasons isn’t great.

Team Records After Losing 1,000 Yard Receivers

The results aren’t ideal for teams that lost productive receivers. Two teams finished with the same record the following year, one got better, and the other five got worse.

Depending on whether you consider a tie a positive or negative, you’re either looking at a 10-win team falling to nine wins, or a nine-win team dropping to eight. Either way, they’re in the wheelhouse.

Quiet Offseason Doesn’t Replace Brown

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expecting JuJu Smith-Schuster to be able to step into Antonio Brown’s shoes and become a WR1. That’s not a guarantee.

Any other Wr ever was great in AZ ?ask Hines ward did he ever bring me over or show me anyway ! Ask any former Wr what they did to effect the game not for selfish reasons for others ! These boys all study me on DVS sports https://t.co/T4hiMFwkuh

— AB (@AB84) April 25, 2019

In the one game Brown missed in 2018, Smith-Schuster managed five catches on ten targets, for just 37 yards.

The offseason additions for the Steelers begin and end with free agent Donte Moncrief and third round pick Diontae Johnson.

How Many Games Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Win?

Right now, we’re eyeing under on 8.5. There are a couple of reasons. One is that Ben Roethlisberger is getting older. He finished 17th in Pro Football Focus’ passing grade last year (75.2), his lowest grade since 2011. And that was with Brown and Smith-Schuster.

Then there’s the revamped Browns, a Ravens team sitting in the same O/U neighborhood, and the NFC West on the schedule.

It could be a long year in Steeltown.

The Pick: Under 8.5 wins (+120)