Steelers' Super Bowl Odds Improve After Trading For Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers have completed the overhaul of their quarterback room. It only took a conditional sixth-round pick in next year's NFL Draft for the Steelers to acquire QB Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears Saturday. This is after the Steelers signed QB Russell Wilson to a team-friendly deal earlier in the week. Regardless, the sports betting market thinks Pittsburgh's chances of winning Super Bowl 2025 improved after trading for Fields. 

First things first, I agree with the market that the Steelers are better with Fields. I'm assuming he will compete with Wilson for the starting job until Steelers coach Mike Tomlin gives the official word. Even though that sixth-rounder Pittsburgh traded for Fields turns into a fourth-rounder if he plays 51% or more of the snaps next season, per ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter. 

That said, there's a better chance that Tomlin can develop Fields as a quarterback than Wilson can return to his prime. Quarterbacks need to be athletic or an elite pocket passer or both to win in today's NFL. Russell is neither anymore. He's lost a step athletically and he was never that good of a pocket passer. Most of his good throws came when Wilson extended plays with his legs. 

Fields is possibly the best athlete at the position. He's got an absolute cannon with speed and elusiveness on the ground. My biggest concern about Fields is his ability, or lack thereof, to read defenses. That's why one of his coaches and a couple of his offensive coordinators have been fired. But, how little the Steelers gave up, their track record for developing talent, and how much they are paying Wilson, I like the Fields trade. 

Former Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields is tackled by Minnesota Vikings LB D.J. Wonnum at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. (Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sport)

As for the Bears, I don't like the trade. At a minimum, Fields is a top-five backup quarterback in the NFL. I love USC Trojans QB, and future No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Caleb Williams. I think he's a 10-12-year starter in the league with the potential of being a top-five quarterback within four seasons. However, Williams could suck or he could get hurt. 

Also, Chicago has a sneaky good roster. There's a chance the Bears could make the playoffs with Williams or Fields in a weak NFC. It would've been tough for Fields to accept a backup job. Yet, that's "professionalism". The Bears could've gotten more for Fields by waiting for a good team's quarterback to suffer a season-ending injury in 2024. 

READ: Despite Red Flags, Sportsbooks Say Caleb Williams Is Lock To Go #1 In NFL Draft

Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, it's still the worst team in the AFC North. The Cleveland Browns have +4000 odds to win Super Bowl 2025 at DraftKings Sportsbook. The Cincinnati Bengals are +1300 and the Baltimore Ravens are +900. Cincinnati and Baltimore have the sixth- and third-best odds, respectively. For what it's worth, the Bengals should be the favorites in the AFC North. I'll save that for another day. 

I do like that the Steelers quickly got rid of former QB Kenny Pickett after figuring out he's not "the guy". Furthermore, Pittsburgh is relying on its defense stepping up in 2024 and I do not hate that. Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt is one of the best in the business. They have a talented secondary highlighted by safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and second-year CB Joey Porter Jr. 

Pittsburgh Steelers LB T.J. Watt reacts after sacking Baltimore Ravens QB Tyler Huntley at M&T Bank Stadium in Maryland. (Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)

Pittsburgh's offense should improve under first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The Steelers replaced much-maligned former offensive coordinator Matt Canada with the former Atlanta Falcons head coach and Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator. Pittsburgh could have a sick rushing attack with Fields under center next season. Tennessee had one of the best ground games in the NFL under Smith. 

Although the Titans had future hall-of-fame RB Derrick Henry, who also happens to play for the Ravens now. But, the Steelers have a solid offensive line and a two-headed monster in the backfield. Pittsburgh RB Najee Harris averaged a career-best in yards per attempt and RB Jaylen Warren is a dual-threat in the rushing and passing attacks. 

Ultimately, I cannot get to the window to bet Pittsburgh to win the Super Bowl. As much as I like what they could be, I prefer to place bets on the Steelers in-season as underdogs in AFC North games and/or at home. They are an interesting team but I can make more money backing them week by week instead of throwing a dart at Pittsburgh's title odds. 

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