NFL futures, 2 Pittsburgh Steelers bets: Can Pickett put a charge into this team?

That's all encouraging as we head into 2023, and we'll keep this section relatively brief as we dive into all there is to like about this team below. 

The Steelers solidified the offensive line this offseason, signing guard Isaac Seumalo in free agency away from Philadelphia and drafting Georgia OT Broderick Jones in the first round. They will also hope that the selection of cornerback Joey Porter Jr., son of the former Steelers legend, will help shore up a leaky secondary.

Two futures bets to make on the Pittsburgh Steelers

Over 8.5 wins (-155 DK)

Found under 'Team Futures'
We can understand if you don't want to lay the juice on a win total bet, but it still feels worth talking about. It's unlikely that Pittsburgh usurps Cincinnati in this division, and both Baltimore and Cleveland figure to be better in 2023 with hopefully full seasons of quarterback play from Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson.

Despite all that, this Steelers team is just so solidly built. Pickett had a fine rookie season, and he's surrounded by talent throughout the offense. He's got good running backs, really strong receivers, and a stout offensive line.

The defense really puts Pittsburgh over the edge for me. TJ Watt missed a large chunk of 2022 due to a pectoral injury, but the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year figures to be full-strength to begin the new season and pick up right where he left off. 

Alex Highsmith racked up 12.5 sacks last season and DT Cameron Heyward chipped in 10.5 more. With Watt back in the fold, this pass-rush should make things difficult on opposing offenses.

There are some questions at corner, but Minkah Fitzpatrick should help on the back end. This is just a well-built and well-coached team, 9 or 10 wins seems right.

George Pickens over 750.5 receiving yards (-110 DK)

Found under 'Player Totals'
George Pickens flashed the big-play ability that made him a star at Georgia and a second-round pick in 2022, and there's an expectation of growth on the Steelers WR in Year Two.

Pickens averaged 15.4 yards per catch last season, good for ninth-best among wide receivers with at least 50 targets. He caught 52 balls on 84 targets for 801 yards, and his role figures to grow in his second season alongside quarterback Kenny Pickett.

This line is likely deflated because of Diontae Johnson and Allen Robinson alongside Pickens. Johnson has been a target machine for much of his career, and Robinson should have a steady role as WR3 in Pittsburgh. Still, Pickens is going to have every chance to emerge as the WR1 and future of this Pittsburgh offense, and I expect him to deliver.

As mentioned above, he crossed this statistical threshold in his rookie season, and considering I expect a stronger showing, consider Pickens here on this season-long total, and keep an eye on his week-to-week props once the season begins.