SportsLine.com projects Steelers tied for 3rd-best record in AFC

The consensus of the gambling sports books appears that the over/under for Pittsburgh Steelers wins in 2020 is nine.

A computer-modeling mathematical service appears to agree. SportsLine.com pegs the Steelers as a nine-win team this season, based off its simulations. And while on face value that does not sound overly impressive, consider that only two AFC teams (the Baltimore Ravens at 11.9 and the Kansas City Chiefs at 11.6) have more projected wins.

Taking into account the entire NFL, the Steelers are tied with the Buffalo Bills for the eighth-most projected victories. NFC teams rated higher are the San Francisco 49ers (10.9), New Orleans Saints (10.4), Minnesota Vikings (9.3), Seattle Seahawks (9.3) and Dallas Cowboys (9.1).

At least one betting site believes it is more likely the #Steelers place third in the AFC North than they are to win it. https://t.co/bDMBjlSZey

— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) April 2, 2020

If the projections hold to form, the Steelers would be the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs.

In the AFC North, the Cleveland Browns (8.4) and Cincinnati Bengals (5.2) are projected for third and fourth place, respectively. Under the model, the AFC’s division winners would be the Ravens, Chiefs, Bills and Tennessee Titans (8.5 projected wins). The wild-card teams would be the Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers (8.2) and Indianapolis Colts (8.1).

SportsLine.com’s analysis also projects individual statistics. Here is what it says about the production of the Steelers’ top skill players and their overall defense:

• Ben Roethlisberger: 3,674 passing yards, 22.5 passing touchdowns, 18.3 interceptions
• James Conner: 688 rushing yards, 6.2 rushing touchdowns
• JuJu Smith-Schuster: 83.9 receptions, 1,078 receiving yards, 6.2 touchdowns
• Steelers defense: 18.6 average points allowed, 17.7 interceptions, 24.8 forced fumbles, 52.8 sacks

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