Analyst thinks Steelers' Mike Tomlin could face career low this season

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin famously has never recorded a losing season during his tenure that began back in 2007. 

CBS Sports NFL analyst Pete Prisco believes Tomlin's streak will officially come to an end in January 2025, thanks in part to the regression of quarterback Russell Wilson. 

"I don't think they're gonna be very good," Prisco said about the Steelers during an appearance on the CBS Sports HQ streaming channel, per Josh Carney of Steelers Depot. "I think they're gonna win seven games, and I think when you look at Russell Wilson, I don't think he's any good anymore. I'll be honest with you, I think his best years are behind him."

Others offered similar comments about Wilson before he signed a team-friendly deal to join the Steelers in March. That same month, Pittsburgh acquired 25-year-old signal-caller Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears for a conditional 2025 sixth-round draft pick. Wilson seems to have an early lead over Fields in a  "competition" for the starting job. 

"It wouldn't surprise me at some point if Justin Fields took over as the starter on this team," Prisco continued. "I think they're gonna struggle throwing the football much like they have for the last couple years."

According to Pro-Football-Reference, Wilson ended the 2023 regular season ranked 22nd among qualified players with a 50.7 adjusted QBR. Fields was 24th with a 46.1 QBR. Tomlin seemingly hopes either Wilson or Fields will benefit from playing in a run-heavy system embraced by offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. 

NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks is among those who think the 2024 Steelers could compete for the division title after the club added offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, center Zach Frazier and guard Mason McCormick to the roster during the draft. 

While Prisco believes the Steelers will be "good on defense," he doubts Pittsburgh has a playoff-caliber quarterback. 

"I just don't see the same guy [Wilson] anymore," Prisco said about the veteran who earned nine Pro Bowl nods with the Seattle Seahawks from 2012-21. [The Steelers are] gonna be more physical eventually as they get that offensive line worked out, and they are gonna get the offensive line worked out ... But I still think they're in a tough division. Seven wins."

As of early Friday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Steelers' over/under win total at 8.5. At that same time, DraftKings listed Pittsburgh at +850 odds to win the AFC North division title this season.