Russell Wilson’s stint in Pittsburgh has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and his season may be headed for a grim conclusion. After a promising 4-0 start, Wilson and the Steelers stumbled with a shocking primetime loss to the 2-8 Cleveland Browns. While many fans remain optimistic about a potential rebound, NFL betting analyst Joe Fortenberry has painted a much darker picture for the remainder of Wilson’s season.
Speaking on the November 22 episode of Get Up, Fortenberry boldly predicted a disastrous 2-4 finish—or worse—for the Steelers. “Their updated season win total is now 10.5,” Fortenberry noted. “At 8-3, they would need to go 2-4 or worse for the under to hit, and with this schedule, that’s exactly where I’d put them.” He pointed to an uphill battle ahead, with two games against the Bengals, a road matchup against the Ravens, a showdown with the Eagles, and a daunting Christmas Day clash against the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s a stretch that leaves little room for error and raises serious questions about Wilson’s ability to deliver under mounting pressure.
The conversation naturally pivots to the potential for another quarterback change if Wilson falters. Head coach Mike Tomlin has already shown a willingness to make tough decisions, evidenced by Justin Fields’ appearance in relief during their loss to Cleveland. Fields has proven that Tomlin won’t hesitate to bench a quarterback—even one with a winning record—if the situation calls for it. With Wilson’s performance under the microscope, speculation looms over whether the Steelers might once again turn to Fields as the season spirals.
Despite these challenges, Wilson is still chasing a significant milestone: his first playoff appearance since 2020. At his current pace, he is well-positioned to secure a postseason berth, and a stumble by the Kansas City Chiefs could even open the door for the top seed in the AFC. However, with Fields already factoring into this season’s equation, any success Wilson achieves may come with an asterisk.
Will the Steelers rally to defy Fortenberry’s grim forecast, or is the stage set for a late-season collapse? For Wilson and Pittsburgh, the remaining weeks of the season promise to reveal whether this team can rise to the occasion or crumble under the weight of expectations.