10-0; The AFC North; Some Pre-season Wagers

The Coach, Big Ben, Dionte, and JuJu 

enjoy a big day in Jacksonville

 

In spite off a slow start in Jacksonville today, the Steelers took care of business nicely today on their way to a 27-3 win that improved their record to 10-0.  The question that everyone wonders about, but doesn't really want to discuss is, can the Steelers go undefeated?  Here's the remaining schedule:

• Ravens
• Washington
• @Bills
• @Bengals
• Colts
• @Browns

Can they win them all?  Well, it is probable that they will be favored in all of them, but as we all know, the goal isn't to go 16-0.  The goal is to secure a playoff spot, with home field advantage, and advance to and win the Super Bowl.  This team seems steadfast in living by the old chestnut of only looking at the "next game" ahead of them, but I have to think that they are certainly one of the the two or three teams that are most likely to be playing for the Lombardi Trophy come February in Tampa.  I'm not going to look that far ahead, but I am certainly going to continue to enjoy this ride on which the 2020 Steelers are taking us.  Predictions and further analysis can wait until Playoff time.

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So how is it looking in the hot kitchen of the AFC North as we head into the Thanksgiving Weekend?  The current standings after today's games:

Steelers        10-0

Browns          7-3

Ravens           6-4

Bengals           2-7-1

Let's face it, when we were all making pre-season predictions, not many had the Steelers in first place, let alone undefeated.  The fact that they are both at this moment is a big surprise, but perhaps an even bigger surprise is the Ravens being in third place and four (4!) games out of first place.  Everyone knew that the Browns would be better, but not better than Baltimore.  Still, the Browns, who were crushed by the Ravens in September have to play them once again on December 6, a game that could prove to be of critical importance to both teams.   The Steelers and Browns also meet in the last game of the season.  Who knows of what significance that game might be at that time.

The Bengals are no surprise at the bottom of the heap, but they were exciting with Joe Burrow learning the ropes at quarterback.  Today, they had crushing news when Burrow was injured and will be lost for the rest of the season.  I read that it was dirty hit that did it, although I haven't seen it as yet.  As readers know, I'm no fan of the Bungles, but I liked Burrow, and I hate to see his season end in such a fashion.  I hope that he recovers fully and continues his development next season.

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Prior to the season, I made a number of small wagers on certain propositions for 2020.

• Steelers would win OVER 9 games.  Cash that ticket!
• Steelers would win AFC North.  Can't cash it yet, but that one gets better looking every week.
• Ben Roethlisberger  would be Comeback Player of the Year.  At this point, I cannot imagine him NOT wining that one.
• JT Watt would be Defensive Player of the Year.  He's certainly in the running for that one.

I also made three separate wagers on the Bucs, Ravens, and Steelers to win the Super Bowl.  At the time, the odds were shortest on the Ravens at +260, followed by the Bucs at +600, and the Steelers at +1000.  If you were to make those same bets today (on Fan Duel), the odds are +500 on the Steelers, +600 on the Bucs, and +1400 on the Ravens.

In case you're wondering, the Chiefs remain the favorite at +330.  The Steelers are the second favorite.  The remainder of the Top Five are the Saints +700, Packers +900 and the Buccaneers +900.