The Pittsburgh Steelers moved to 7-0 after defeating the division rival Baltimore Ravens, tying the 1978 team for the best start in franchise history.
Pittsburgh is expected to move to 8-0 on Sunday. Oddsmakers have installed the unbeaten Steelers as 13.5-point favorites over the struggling Dallas Cowboys. Pittsburgh was +2500 to win the Super Bowl before the start of the season, but those odds have shortened to +550. Now, the inevitable question is starting to pop up: Can the 2020 Steelers finish the regular season a perfect 16-0?
Bettors can wager on Pittsburgh becoming just the second team in NFL history to go unbeaten in a 16-game regular season. DraftKings Sportsbook is giving out odds of +1100 to anyone who wants to back the Steelers.
Before looking at the Steelers’ chances, it should be noted these odds are often posted for fun, and almost always have low wagering limits. It’s not like experienced sharp bettors are going to show up with a bag of money and bet this prop. Bottom line is the odds are heavily against any NFL team going undefeated. That’s why you have to lay $2,500 to win just $100 to cash against the Steelers finishing 16-0.
However, it is fun to discuss the possibility, and sportsbooks will almost certainly get a few bets coming in from diehard Steelers fans taking a shot on their team running the table heading into the postseason. So, do the Steelers have a realistic chance to cash at 11-1?
The 2007 New England Patriots are the only team to post a perfect 16-0 regular season before being upset by the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. One thing the Patriots had in their favor is playing in the weak AFC East. The Steelers don’t have that luxury. The AFC North is one of the toughest divisions in football this year, so the road to 16-0 won’t be an easy one.
Here is a look at the Steelers’ remaining schedule with the preseason lookahead lines. Keep in mind, these lines were posted at PointsBet this summer, and a lot has changed. The Steelers are now likely to be favored in their nine remaining games, barring an injury to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Nov. 8 at Cowboys
Lookahead Line: Cowboys -3.5
Yes, the Cowboys were originally installed as 3.5-point favorites in this game. Things have certainly changed for both teams over the last five months, and now the Steelers are laying close to two touchdowns on the road. This is a classic letdown spot for Pittsburgh following a physical game against the Ravens. It shouldn’t matter though against a reeling Cowboys team that will be starting its fourth quarterback in nine games.
Nov. 15 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Lookahead Line: Steelers -10
The Steelers opened as a double-digit favorite in this matchup and that won’t change when the new line comes out. The Bengals are much-improved with rookie quarterback Joe Burrow, but were completely outclassed in a 27-3 loss to the Ravens. Cincinnati is no longer a gimmie, but the Steelers should take care of business at home.
Nov. 22 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Lookahead Line: Steelers -8.5
The New York Jets are the worst team in football, although the Jaguars aren’t far behind. No team puts more pressure on opposing quarterbacks than the Steelers, so Gardner Minshew, Jake Luton, or whoever is under center, will be running for his life. Expect Pittsburgh to be at least a two-touchdown favorite.
Nov. 26 vs. Ravens
Lookahead Line: Ravens -4.5
If the Steelers are going to lose a game, this is the likeliest candidate on paper. These two teams almost always play close games, and the first matchup came down to a Lamar Jackson incomplete pass in the end zone. The Ravens won’t be 4.5-point favorites, but expect another thriller on Thanksgiving night.
Dec. 6 vs. Washington
Lookahead Line: Steelers -10.5
Again, the Steelers catch a break by facing a lowly NFC East team following a grueling game against their bitter rivals. Washington presents a tougher challenge than the Cowboys, but the Steelers will be heavily favored at home.
Dec. 13 at Buffalo Bills
Lookahead Line: Bills -2.5
Other than the Ravens rematch, this is the toughest game remaining on Pittsburgh’s schedule. A trip to Buffalo is never easy and weather could play a factor on Dec. 13. This is one of those matchups where defenses could dominate and turnovers are the deciding factor. The Bills opened as a slight home favorite, but expect Pittsburgh to be laying points on the road when the line is released.
Dec. 21 at Bengals (Monday)
Lookahead Line: Steelers -6.5
If the Bengals are going to upset Pittsburgh, this will be the game. The Steelers will be playing their second straight primetime road game and coming off two physical battles with the Ravens and Bills in a three-week span. This is an awful situational spot for Pittsburgh against an improving team.
Dec. 27 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Lookahead Line: Steelers -2.5
Anyone who says the Steelers have an easy remaining schedule is misguided. After a tough three-game stretch, Pittsburgh returns home to face a formidable Colts squad that will be fighting for a playoff berth. The Steelers’ defense may sack the immobile Philip Rivers 10 times, but this is another big speed bump in Pittsburgh’s quest to finish the season 16-0.
Jan. 3 at Cleveland Browns
Lookahead Line: Browns -1
The Steelers and Browns met in Week 5 when Baker Mayfield and Co. came into Pittsburgh flying high on a four-game winning streak. The result was Cleveland getting squashed 38-7 in a game that wasn’t even that close. The key question is if Pittsburgh enters this game 15-0 and the No.1 seed in the AFC playoffs wrapped up, will Mike Tomlin sit his starters? Bill Belichick was in a similar position and played his starters against the Giants. Winning a Super Bowl is the ultimate goal, but it will be tough for Tomlin to stand in the way of a perfect regular season if it’s on the table.
The Steelers’ remaining schedule is no walk in the park with the Colts, Bills, and four division games on the horizon. Assuming Pittsburgh wins on Sunday, it will own victories over the Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, and three NFC East teams, so the toughest part of the Steelers’ schedule is still yet to come. That doesn't bode well for 16-0.
Pittsburgh is arguably the best team in football, but there are a lot of variables and some luck that goes into finishing the regular season with a perfect record. So, will the Steelers beat the odds and go 16-0? Don’t bet on it.