What do you think the Steelers' chances are of winning the Super Bowl this year? Poll, Vegas, and SI

A challenging year for Mike Tomlin? Getty Images


… even the Steeler fans are despondent, but there are still true believers


Well, the Steelers have played one exhibition game, and like any other one, they mean virtually nothing in terms of thinking how well the team will do during the season. 


And, like any website or paper that wants to build its ratings with clickbait, I went through a newspaper’s poll that was interesting, but hardly scientific. 


Then, I went back to the bettors to see who Vegas is favoring. In no case did anyone give the Steeler fans any reason to hope, but then again, no one picked them to start the season at 11-0 last year. 


The finish is what has discouraged fans, particularly since they have no one returning on the offensive line. 


Then I looked at the top Super Bowl contenders picked by SI. 


Results


This poll had just over 500 people who participated on it and was done by TribLive.com.


Here is the question and the results:


What do you think the Steelers' chances are of winning the Super Bowl this year?


Virtually no shot

33%


None

21%


50-50

28%


Strong chance

12%


Schedule the parade

6%


Based on 509 responses


TribLive.com 


So, a solid 54 percent think they have no chance of making the Super Bowl. Count me in that category. 


However, only a true believer would think that they have a strong chance to make it, and according to this poll, about 12 percent of Steeler fans could be included in that group. 


Vegas odds


I have about zero confidence in Vegas odds. Remember when they had the Browns winning the Super Bowl last year in June. 


Then the Browns went into a terrible tailspin, but recovered and made a run at the Chiefs in the AFC title game before falling. 


Now, they are legit, but last year was a reach — in June, though not in January. 


So, are the Steelers in the Vegas top 10 to win the SB?


Here they are, the Top 10,


1. Chiefs +450

2. Bucs +650

3. Ravens +1100

3. Bills +1100

5. 49ers +1200

6. Rams +1300

7. Browns +1600

8. Packers +1900

9. Denver +2100

10. Titans +2350


No Steelers there. 


In fact, three more AFC teams are ahead of the Steelers,


Other AFC


Miami +2650

Colts +2750

Patriots +2900

Steelers +3300


Sports Betting Dime.com



SI gives them no respect either


“12 teams that could win the 2021 Super Bowl”


1. Chiefs

2. Bucs

3. Browns

4. Bills

5. Packers

6. Rams

7. 49ers

8. Cowboys

9. Colts

10. Ravens

11. Seahawks

12. Chargers


Sports Illustrated


No Steelers there.


Still, remember that Mike Tomlin has won 64 percent of his games — during the regular season. 


Somehow, since I am in the end years of my life, that does not make me feel good. 


Imagine if the Steelers had Bill Belichick for the past 20 years. 


An interesting thought. 


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