3 Bold Predictions for the Steelers Heading Into the 2019 Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers were in the headlines all summer, and it was typically for the wrong reasons. Le'Veon Bell sat out the entire year and moved on to New York, and star wide receiver Antonio Brown forced his way out of town, all the while bashing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on his way out.

The friction is behind the team now that the season is upon us, and the Steelers have high expectations this year. It's likely boom or bust for Mike Tomlin, who is probably hoping some of these bold predictions come to fruition this season.

3. Over 80 Receptions for Vance McDonald

New England Patriots v Pittsburgh Steelers / Joe Sargent/Getty Images

The Steelers have a lot of vacated receptions to fill, and tight end Vance McDonald will be a benefactor of the untimely departures. The 2017 combination of Brown, Jesse James and Bell combined for over 225 receptions. None of these three are on the Steelers this season, and somebody has to step up. Expect a ton of production from JuJu Smith-Schuster, but McDonald won't be far behind. I expect McDonald to blow his 50 receptions from 2018 out of the water, with over 80 catches and 900 yards this year. McDonald is a fantasy steal, and he'll prove to be a valuable weapon for Roethlisberger this season.

2. Steelers Return to Super Bowl

Pittsburgh Steelers v Tennessee Titans / Frederick Breedon/Getty Images

It's been a long time since the Steelers played for the Lombardi Trophy, and this could be the season they return. The drama surrounding the core is gone, and the defense is primed to take a significant step up this year. Rookie linebacker Devin Bush should help stabilize the middle of the field, while Joe Haden looks the part of his old self. The offense will be just as dynamic as ever, and we predict that after losing to the Patriots to open the season, the Steelers will get revenge in the AFC Championship Game to advance to Super Bowl 54.

1. Devin Bush Wins DPOY

NFL Draft / Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Rookie linebacker Devin Bush has lived up to the hype for the Steelers, and is the front runner to win Defensive Rookie of the Year according to Vegas. I'll take it a step forward and say Bush will nudge out Aaron Donald to win Defensive Player of the Year. Similar to LeBron, the voters will get tired of consistently giving Donald the award. Bush will win over the media with his highlight plays early, and ride that wave through the playoffs with Pittsburgh. I'm not a betting man, but these are longshot odds I'd throw some coin on.