Quarterback has instantly turn out to be considerably of a revolving door for the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson all having brief stints as the first starter since Ben Roethlisberger hung up the cleats after the 2021 season.
Properly, the Steelers may have one more new starter in 2025, with veteran Aaron Rodgers on board following a two-year run with the New York Jets.
After spending the primary 18 years of his profession with the Inexperienced Bay Packers, Rodgers is now on his third workforce in 4 seasons. What can we anticipate from him in his twenty first NFL season? What affect will he have on the Steelers?
Our analysts appeared on the odds and all of the methods to wager Rodgers and his new workforce to ship their finest bets.
Liz Loza: Regardless of helming an offense meant to lean on the run and depend on the protection, Rodgers figures to put up not less than 23 TD passes in 2025. He has by no means logged fewer than 25 scores in any season wherein he has performed not less than 15 video games and has ranked among the many high 10 on the place when it comes to purple zone makes an attempt in all however one season since 2017.
Moreover, whereas DK Metcalf's scoring prowess has waned lately, Calvin Austin III took a noticeable leap ahead in his second season, registering 4 scores final yr. And the addition of tight finish Jonnu Smith, who recorded eight TDs in 2024, supplies Rodgers with one other strong purple zone goal. Lastly, the competitiveness of the division units up for loads of shut contests and potential level chasing, pushing Rodgers' scoring manufacturing.
Matt Bowen: Rodgers' mobility and pocket poise are declining, however he is nonetheless an improve over Russell Wilson in Arthur Smith's offensive scheme. With the additions of DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith and rookie working again Kaleb Johnson, the Steelers have the flexibility to create explosive performs. Plus, the protection has the gamers to be one of many league's high items. Add within the teaching factor of Mike Tomlin right here, too, which supplies the Steelers an edge and a path to competing for a spot on wild-card weekend.
Pamela Maldonado: Sure, the Steelers are coming off back-to-back 10-win seasons, however their schedule in 2025 is brutal, notably within the second half. At 41 years of age, Rodgers is not saving them, as his mobility and effectivity have fallen off. With an early Week 5 bye, the Steelers can be gassed when the schedule will get ugly. Taking unders bets on each Rodgers and the Steelers a lot sense.
Daniel Dopp: With or with out Rodgers, Metcalf ought to have the ability to beat this mark. I might have most well-liked just a little extra love on the percentages, however considering that Metcalf falls in need of 925.5 receiving yards feels improper. Even when he performs in solely 15 video games this season, the road he must hit on a weekly foundation is 62 receiving yards. For his six-year profession, Metcalf has averaged 65 yards per sport, and given the dearth of receiving choices within the Steelers' offense, who else goes to command targets? Sure, Arthur Smith stinks at getting cross catchers concerned (that's effectively documented), however the Steelers simply paid Metcalf $150 million to be their alpha WR1. I am following the cash and taking the over.
Eric Moody: Metcalf leads the NFL in finish zone targets since getting into the league in 2019, but he is coming off a career-low 9 purple zone seems in 2024. That ought to change in Pittsburgh, the place he steps in because the clear No. 1 broad receiver for Rodgers on a workforce with a big variety of vacated targets. Metcalf has averaged 6.3 touchdowns per season since 2022. With George Pickens gone and a serious improve at quarterback, Metcalf is positioned for constructive landing regression. Given his constant purple zone utilization and projected goal quantity, seven or extra touchdowns is effectively inside attain.
