What is a Realistic Expectation for the 2024 Steelers?

I have seen all the predictions. From win the division, playoff win(s), possible AFCCG appearance all the way to Tomlin’s first losing season, last in the division, total bust season.

Not looking for more predictions, too much emotions involved in that. What is an honest realistic expectation for this season?

I think this team should expect at least 10 wins like last season. I don’t know if that makes the playoffs in this division/conference. I think we should expect better OL play, better QB play, better play calling, and all-around better team offensively. I expect the same effort and results as last year on defense.

I guess we’ll see if this version meets or exceeds expectations.

At this point, I don’t see 10 wins. I am expecting 7-9 wins. I don’t think that it means the season will necessarily be a bad season. I think we will see a lot of improvement in the season, but IMO, they are a 4th place team playing a 3rd place schedule. Not a big difference but I think it’s enough to knock 1-2 games out of the win column.

Saying the 2024 Steelers will be great or bad is not realistic. Even with the tough schedule. My expectations is that they'll be right where they've always been. Hovering around the middle of the pack in the AFC. Makes a run for the 7th seed, but never a true contender.

They beefed up their coordinators and "upgraded" their QB room, and maybe the new coordinators will be enough to overcome Tomlin, but we'll see.

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Originally Posted by Born2Steel

I have seen all the predictions. From win the division, playoff win(s), possible AFCCG appearance all the way to Tomlin’s first losing season, last in the division, total bust season.

Not looking for more predictions, too much emotions involved in that. What is an honest realistic expectation for this season?

I think this team should expect at least 10 wins like last season. I don’t know if that makes the playoffs in this division/conference. I think we should expect better OL play, better QB play, better play calling, and all-around better team offensively. I expect the same effort and results as last year on defense.

I guess we’ll see if this version meets or exceeds expectations.

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My expectation(not prediction lol) is winning season , with at least wild card with possibility of winning division with 2 -3 weeks left in season. That’s what it’s been for last decade it seems. I don’t expect this team to fare worse since Like you said, OL better D better arguably and IMO QB play big upgrade. OC huge as well. My only worries are learning curve with new offense and new QB. Statistically Wilson great last year but sucked first year in Denver. No time for that with one year contract.the first 10 weeks they need to be 7-3 at worst. First division game is week 11 and KC is after that as well. Last 6-7 games could go 3-4 quite easily or worse. On the flip side if they start slow and run into divisional games and KC last 7 weeks we see if Fields is in future plans or draft a QB. Either way I don’t have to watch a team try and struggle to get 250 yards of offense so I’m excited.

I think it is justified to expect this team to be at least what they were last season. If we do better they have exceeded my expectations. I honestly don’t expect playoffs. I do expect to maintain the pace though. If we fall under where we ended last season that would be disappointing to me. The schedule is tougher on paper, but the talent is better on paper at the same time.

I get ‘anxious’ for our division games because they are division games. But they don’t scare me. Even with other struggles we have been solid within our division.

7-9 wins.

At least 11 wins. O line is rebuilt and we’ll see the improvement. Russ will have a rejuvenated comeback year with Tomlin and Smith letting him play to his strengths. Defense will be better than last year. This is not a hope, as the OP is asking us to give a non emotional assessment. I think this is going to happen.

And Tomlin’s first playoff win or two since the medieval period.

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Originally Posted by Mojouw

7-9 wins.

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If ALL the additions and “positives” work out in the Steelers favor. If Arthur Smith makes Najee look like Derrick Henry, if Pickens can look like a young AJ Brown, if Freiermuth does what he does, if Patrick Queen and all the adds on defense workout, how many wins do you see then? I see 12, maybe 13…if EVERYTHING “works”.

I’m expecting about 11 wins and a trip to the AFCCG. But my mental health won’t depend on it.

If they upgraded talent and got rid of the bad attitudes they should go to the playoffs and win one. If they got 2 new QBs off the trash heap because they belong on the trash heap it's gonna be a long season.

My WAG is the 2 new QBs will make the best of their opportunities and show up every game and play to win. If they don't win in the Burg their NFL careers are over.

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Originally Posted by 86WARD

If ALL the additions and “positives” work out in the Steelers favor. If Arthur Smith makes Najee look like Derrick Henry, if Pickens can look like a young AJ Brown, if Freiermuth does what he does, if Patrick Queen and all the adds on defense workout, how many wins do you see then? I see 12, maybe 13…if EVERYTHING “works”.

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I’d buy that. 11-12 seems like the ceiling.

They’re going to be the underdogs. A lot.

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Originally Posted by Mojouw

I’d buy that. 11-12 seems like the ceiling.

They’re going to be the underdogs. A lot.

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I believe they are already underdogs in Atlanta.

11 wins, divisional round playoff loss.

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Originally Posted by ALLD

If they upgraded talent and got rid of the bad attitudes they should go to the playoffs and win one. If they got 2 new QBs off the trash heap because they belong on the trash heap it's gonna be a long season.

My WAG is the 2 new QBs will make the best of their opportunities and show up every game and play to win. If they don't win in the Burg their NFL careers are over.

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this is what i believe. They are going to come out and play their best. Tomlin will have a chip on his shoulder too. The whole team (Watt, Cam) should be hungry

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Originally Posted by 86WARD

At this point, I don’t see 10 wins. I am expecting 7-9 wins.

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When I say that I'm called a Steeler-hater.

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Originally Posted by 86WARD

I don’t think that it means the season will necessarily be a bad season.

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They gave away a young QB and brought in an old-timer to win now. Hell yeah it will be a bad season.

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Originally Posted by Voice of Reason

When I say that I'm called a Steeler-hater.

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They gave away a young QB and brought in an old-timer to win now. Hell yeah it will be a bad season.

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yeah, they ditched the future to win now. Making a judgement that KP will never be a franchise Qb. They could be wrong. They may prove to be right but right now it looks like hasty decision to me.

yep they chose to take on the "old guy" who tossed 26 TDs last year to 8 int's instead of sticking with the guy who had 13TDs and 13 INTs in 2 seasons yet somehow to some folks around here that makes them worse ... y'all make my head hurt

It's hard to say...Expectations are going to be higher during the season if Wilson turns back the clock a little but if he doesn't play well, it's going to be another 9-8 caliber season

He should be better than Pickett and Trubisky was with us last year, since it's not hard to do it, but I don't think the Steelers are going to be that good again in close games like they were in 2023 since being 9 -2 in one score game is very hard to repeat, so let's hope they win more often by like 10 points or more

Our offense should be in the top 10-15 this year but it could go higher or lower if Wilson is better or worse than expected...I would be very disappointed if they have a bottom 5-10 offense again

20-0

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Originally Posted by DuckHodges

20-0

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Channeling your inner teegre :tt02: :thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by Voice of Reason

When I say that I'm called a Steeler-hater.

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They gave away a young QB and brought in an old-timer to win now. Hell yeah it will be a bad season.

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Bad season for you. Tomlin here to stay. Six months of negativity from you.

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Originally Posted by DuckHodges

20-0

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Yup.

Especially since we're 10-3 now! :tt02:

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Originally Posted by Voice of Reason

When I say that I'm called a Steeler-hater.

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They gave away a young QB and brought in an old-timer to win now. Hell yeah it will be a bad season.

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L

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Originally Posted by polamalubeast

L

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They put all their eggs in the basket in "win now" mode instead of rebuilding like they should've done. This season is a definite failure if this team flames out again in the playoffs.

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Originally Posted by Edman

They put all their eggs in the basket in "win now" mode instead of rebuilding like they should've done. This season is a definite failure if this team flames out again in the playoffs.

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They want to win now but they did not put their eggs in the same basket like crazy since they still have almost all of their draft pick for next year and they are far to being in a cap hell

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Originally Posted by polamalubeast

They want to win now but they did not put their eggs in the same basket like crazy since they still have almost all of their draft pick for next year and they are far to being in a cap hell

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they should see how Wilson does the rest of the way. If he cant hack it in this killer stretch and we flame out in the first round i would hope they consider bringing in Darnold, who may not be retained by the Vikes.

Why would you bring in Darnold?

He has ONLY ever looked good in a QB Whisper controlled situation. Even then, he throws like 4 balls a game that are usually turnovers. Jefferson and Addison are making him look like a star. Remember a certain other probelmatic QB that Addison made look good in college? Or look at Cousins outside of this offense and Jefferson.

Sam Darnold is a great story. Sam Darnold is having an unbelievable year. Sam Darnold on not the Vikings, Niners, or Rams is going to be very disappointing.

Friends don't let friends sign Sam Darnold.

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Originally Posted by Mojouw

Why would you bring in Darnold?

He has ONLY ever looked good in a QB Whisper controlled situation. Even then, he throws like 4 balls a game that are usually turnovers. Jefferson and Addison are making him look like a star. Remember a certain other probelmatic QB that Addison made look good in college? Or look at Cousins outside of this offense and Jefferson.

Sam Darnold is a great story. Sam Darnold is having an unbelievable year. Sam Darnold on not the Vikings, Niners, or Rams is going to be very disappointing.

Friends don't let friends sign Sam Darnold.

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Well this is Wilson’s swan song. Its all downhill from here given his age and playing style. Hopefully he keeps playing well for the rest of this season, but after this? We need to plan for our next Qb. I dont know Darnold looks good, throwing strikes on the move, i attribute at least part of that on good Qb play. Maybe your viking friends know better…

I would wait for 2026 to draft a QB if the draft class at the QB position is stronger

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Originally Posted by polamalubeast

I would wait for 2026 to draft a QB if the draft class at the QB position is stronger

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Winner!!