The Pittsburgh Steelers are among the NFL’s most improved teams heading into the 2025 season, sparking high hopes for a championship run.
With a roster now featuring lockdown corner Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, wide receiver DK Metcalf, and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, expectations are at an all-time high in Pittsburgh.
However, despite the headlines and excitement, oddsmakers remain cautious about the Steelers’ chances to compete consistently or win big in the year ahead.
Steelers Only Favored in Six Games for 2025 Despite Offseason Additions of Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Ramsey, DK Metcalf
According to Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan, the Steelers are favored in just six games for the 2025 NFL season. On X, Fillipponi posted the unexpected list, highlighting what appears to be a lack of faith from oddsmakers in the team’s new-look roster.
Despite all the sizzle of the Steelers offseason. Oddsmakers have them favored in only 6 games for 2025!!! They are:
Week 1-at Jets
Week 2-Seahawks
Week 6-Browns
Week 9-Colts
Week 15-Dolphins
Week 17-at BrownsNo respect for Rodgers. No faith in Tomlin.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) July 1, 2025
This outlook seems especially bleak for a team that has clearly signaled its win-now intentions. Metcalf, Smith, Pat Freiermuth, and others will surround Rodgers, who may be entering the final chapter of his remarkable career. On defense, Ramsey joins forces with T.J. Watt, giving the Steelers a strong presence on both sides of the ball.
So why are oddsmakers and some analysts so skeptical? For starters, Rodgers missed the entire 2023 season due to an Achilles injury, raising concerns about his age and durability. Others question whether coach Mike Tomlin can manage the mix of personalities and expectations, especially after two straight early playoff exits and reported internal challenges.
Adding to the uncertainty is the AFC North’s reputation as one of the NFL’s toughest divisions. The Bengals, led by Joe Burrow, the Ravens with Lamar Jackson, and an improved Browns squad all promise to make life difficult for the Steelers. With a challenging out-of-division schedule as well, it’s easy to understand why Vegas is being cautious.
Still, this lack of confidence from oddsmakers could be just what the Steelers need. Tomlin is widely respected for his ability to overachieve and lead a locker room, and Rodgers has often thrived when doubted. The Steelers have a history of performing best when expectations are low, and this season could be no exception.
Pittsburgh’s front office made it clear this offseason that the goal is not just to make the playoffs, but to make a deep run. If the team lives up to its potential, those six games in which they are favored could quickly increase, and the Steelers could once again prove the doubters wrong.