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Who Will Be the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Starting QB in Week 1? Odds and Betting Predictions

by Mike Allen - 3/8/2024

Who will be the starting QB for the Pittsburgh Steelers Week 1? Russell Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers are unquestionably one of the greatest franchises in the history of the NFL. Even though I am not a Steeler lover, their fan base is one of my favorites. Those who wave the Terrible Towel aren’t that terrible after all.

I consider them one of the classier groups, certainly more suited for a proper dinner than their neighbors to the south, the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Steelers have had a couple of the most famous and successful quarterbacks to play the position lead their team. We are all familiar with Big Ben Roethlisberger and the unpredictable personality that is Terry Bradshaw.

Who else, though? Kordell Stewart was quite versatile, albeit limited. That’s about it, though.

This past season, we got to see Kenny Pickett out there doing his best. Unfortunately, it wasn't good enough. Many blamed the now-fired offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, and rightfully so. However, it doesn't appear that Pickett is in the plans for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

We have a list today of potential Week 1 starting QBs for the Steelers. Let’s sort through some of these names and make a prediction or two.

Week 1 QB for the Steelers Betting Odds

Russell Wilson: -175

Over the past few days, we have heard from Russell Wilson that he would love to play for the Steelers this year. I would imagine, though, he doesn’t want to have to compete for the starting job in training camp.

That may be a hangup for the Steelers, as they're aware of Wilson's reputation as a primadonna. The team has even more recently come out and said they would love to have Wilson under center in 2024.

He played great last season, but his contract was so ridiculously well done by his agent, that the Broncos couldn't afford to keep him. He will still be getting a ton of money from them this offseason.

That would lead one to believe that maybe this fact would be favorable toward him taking less money in the offseason, but that's not how rich people think.

Kenny Pickett: +275

We spoke about Pickett a bit already. He is a backup at best. He knows it, the league knows it, and more importantly, for this potential bet, the Steelers are well aware of his limitations.

They have too good of a defense, history, and head coach to have another 2023. They won’t be able to blame 2024 on their offensive coordinator again.

Justin Fields: +750

Justin Fields remains a bit of a mystery. Teams are hesitant to give him a huge deal because he just didn't have enough time as a healthy quarterback to show us whether he is worth a max deal.

It appears the Bears will be drafting a quarterback. So, Fields could very well be on the move. I don't think he will be a Steeler in Week 1.

Any Rookie QB: +900

A rookie is a possibility, but it goes against the culture. If they were potentially starting a consensus #1 prospect and pick, then maybe, but I see the Steelers bringing in a vet like Wilson or possibly the next guy on the list.

Kirk Cousins: +1000

Unless you are a team that can contend for the Super Bowl, I don’t know why you would spend so much money on Kirk Cousins.

You know this team doesn't want to foot this massive bill. However, throw a healthy Cousins under center in Pittsburgh, and all of a sudden, this team is contending for not only an AFC North Division crown but also a trip to the Super Bowl.

Baker Mayfield: +1100

Like Cousins, Mayfield could start for the Steelers in Week 1. I see him going to a team, though, that is about ½ or ⅔ through the rebuilding process. He is still young and could peak in 2-3 years with the rest of a team like that.

Ryan Tannehill: +1400

If Ryan Tannehill still had it, we would know about it. The guy is one of the most talented throwers of the football we have seen in the past decade. However, he is nowhere to be found.

Picks: Russell Wilson (-175) and Kirk Cousins (+1000)

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