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It is no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers have undergone some major changes this offseason. Their roster moves have seemingly had an impact on their expectations for the 2019 NFL season.
The Steelers finished the 2018 campaign with a 9-6-1 record. According to BetOnline.ag, they are expected to take a step back next offseason:
Over 8 1/2 wins -130
Under 8 1/2 wins +110
The prospect of the Steelers finishing around .500 next season may be a bit disappointing to fans. Then again, that has been the case over the last several years despite having one of the most talented rosters in the league. they might be encouraged by the fact that they are still expected to win the same relative amount of games despite all the roster turnover they experienced this offseason.
Pittsburgh officially parted ways with running back Le'Veon Bell and wide receiver Antonio Brown this offseason. They have already become accustomed to life without Bell thanks to the emergence of running back James Conner in his absence last season. However, the departure of wide receiver Antonio Brown will undoubtedly leave a tremendous void in the offense. There is no question that wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has established himself as a bonafide No. 1 option. Regardless, Brown's absence will make it much easier for defenses to focus on containing Smith-Schuster moving forward.
Aside from the loss of their star power, the Steelers also have to worry about facing a revamped AFC North Division. It seems every team has managed to beef up their rosters this offseason, especially the Cleveland Browns' acquisition of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. now in the mix. Regardless, it is safe to say that expectations will still be high in Pittsburgh.
