Steelers Wire Podcast

The guys react to the Steelers’ season-ending loss in Kansas City and look ahead to the offseason. Topics include the team’s upcoming quarterback competition, the future of current Steelers’ free agents like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Joe Haden, and what’s next for the team at defensive coordinator following Keith Butler’s retirement. Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW)

The guys break down a wild Week 18 that saw every domino fall the Steelers’ way for an unlikely playoff berth. Topics include a breakdown of Pittsburgh’s wild-card matchup with Kansas City with picks against the spread, and a discussion on Ben Roethlisberger’s legacy. Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW)

The guys react to Pittsburgh’s blowout loss to Kansas City and discuss the team’s ongoing issue in the first half of games. Are the coaches or players more to blame for these slow starts? Also, Steelers New Year’s resolutions for 2022, wide receiver penalties and a Steelers-Browns preview with picks against the spread. Is Pittsburgh a good bet at home in what could be Big Ben’s final home game? Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW)

After another second-half rally, the guys break down why the Steelers are struggling so much in the first half of games. Also, buy or sell Chase Claypool as a future Steelers stud? And could the Steelers finally be big buyers in free agency as soon as 2022? Those topics are covered and more, along with a Steelers-Chiefs preview with picks against the spread and total. Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW)

The guys discuss the wild ending in the Steelers’ 20-19 win over Baltimore and John Harbaugh’s decision to go for 2 and the win rather than play for overtime in the final seconds. Other topics include the Steelers’ upcoming free agent class, the race for Defensive Player of the Year and Big Ben’s comments on Thursday Night Football. Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW).

The guys react to the Steelers’ humiliating loss to the Bengals and assess the changes coach Mike Tomlin could be implementing ahead of another division game vs. the Ravens. Topics include Chase Claypool’s postgame comments, Keith Butler’s role as defensive coordinator and a Steelers-Ravens preview with picks against the spread. Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW)

The guys react to the Steelers’ loss to the Chargers and look ahead to this week’s showdown with division rival Cincinnati. Also, what should the Steelers do with Devin Bush after arguably his worst game as a Steeler? All that and more with a Steelers-Bengals preview and picks against the spread. Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW)

The guys vent over the Steelers’ terrible tie to the winless Lions and debate the question many fans and players are asking: Should NFL games be allowed to end in a tie? Also, the top Steelers’ studs and duds from the first half of the season and a Steelers-Chargers preview with betting odds and predictions. Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW)

The guys discuss Pittsburgh’s sloppy win over the Bears with takes on Keith Butler’s defense and Ray-Ray McCloud’s costly fumble. Also, a reset on the Steelers’ standing in the AFC playoff picture and a preview of this week’s game against the Lions with picks against the spread and total. Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW)

The guys discuss the Steelers’ wild win over the Browns and what it means for the team’s standing in both the division and conference. Also, a reaction to the conditional draft pick the Steelers received from the Chiefs for linebacker Melvin Ingram and a Steelers-Bears preview with picks against the spread. Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW)

The guys see a path for the Steelers to not only contend atop the AFC North — but in the conference. It starts with a win this week over a banged-up Browns team. Also, should Pittsburgh make a call to Dallas about RT La’el Collins before the Nov. 2 trade deadline? Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW)

The guys react to some tough criticism by former Steeler and current ESPN football analyst Ryan Clark on the team’s dismal offense and shaky 1-2 start. Topics include a look back at the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade, Ben Roethlisberger and the team’s struggling offense, and a lookahead to Steelers-Packers with predictions. Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW)

The guys discuss the Steelers’ laundry list of injuries, including takes on T.J. Watt, Diontae Johnson and Ben Roethlisberger. Other topics include the team’s struggling offense and a lookahead to Steelers-Bengals in Week 3. Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW)

The guys discuss TJ Watt’s massive contract extension and how the defense stopped Josh Allen and the Bills in Week 1. Also, what to make of rookie Najee Harris and the Steelers’ run game and a lookahead to the team’s Week 2 home opener against the Raiders with picks against the spread. Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW)

The guys discuss the latest on T.J. Watt and his availability for the Steelers’ Week 1 showdown at Buffalo. Also, thoughts on the new starters both on defense and along the offensive line, and the critical matchups the Steelers must win to hang with Josh Allen and the Bills. Should sports betters take the points with the Steelers at +6.5? Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW)

The guys discuss Jamir Jones, Pressley Harvin and the rest of the Steelers’ initial 53-man-roster on cut-down day. Other topics include TJ Watt’s extension talks, Ben Roethlisberger’s fantasy value and an early look at the Steelers-Bills betting line for Week 1. Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW)

The guys return with thoughts on the Steelers’ trade for starting linebacker Joe Schobert, Big Ben’s preseason debut and whether rookie RB Najee Harris is worth a first-round pick in fantasy football redraft leagues. Also, why Steelers futures bets this preseason hold considerable value. Hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Steelers Wire Managing Editor Curt Popejoy (@CurtPopejoySW).

It sure sounds like this will be Ben Roethlisberger’s final season as QB of the Steelers. The guys discuss whether this roster, as it’s constituted entering the summer, can contend in the loaded AFC, and hit on what the team could be thinking beyond this season if Big Ben does indeed retire. Also, Steelers Wire editor Curt Popejoy breaks down his summer to-do list for the team and reveals his favorite positional battles to monitor.

Steelers fans seem pretty split on the team’s decision to draft Alabama running back Najee Harris with the 24th overall pick. The guys discuss the player and why he’s one of the best stories of the entire draft. Also, why second-round TE Pat Freirermuth could make or break the Steelers’ 2021 draft class.

Draft Wire editor Luke Easterling, with host Ryan O’Leary, give their final takes on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. Could Micah Parsons tumble to the Steelers at pick No. 24? Are the Patriots poised to make a move for their quarterback of the future? Will Patrick Surtain make it past the top 10 picks after the Broncos’ trade for QB Teddy Bridgewater? Elijah Moore or Alex Leatherwood for the Packers at pick No. 30? Happy draft weekend everybody!

The guys play “hit or miss” with the Steelers’ last two draft classes. How many of those guys are gearing up for prominent roles in 2021? Also, why an offensive lineman at pick No. 24 might be the team’s best bet.

Host Ryan O’Leary and Draft Wire editor Luke Easterling discuss what changes for the Steelers now that starting running back James Conner has signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Is Pittsburgh now more likely to go running back in the first round? Also, NFL Draft prop bets talk with Marcus Mosher of the Sportsbook Wire.

The Draft Wire editor Luke Easterling joins host Ryan O’Leary to tackle a variety of topics, including Luke’s most recent mock draft and how he sees things shaking up for the Steelers on Day 1.

The Steelers got their nose tackle back when Tyson Alualu changed his mind and decided to return to the team after reportedly agreeing with Jacksonville on a 2-year contract. The guys discuss what that means for the Steelers’ defense, and hit on the latest buzz surrounding pick No. 24 in this month’s draft. Also, is a trade for Sam Darnold this offseason in the cards?

In an offseason loaded with turnover, the Steelers landed their first big free agent with the resigning of WR JuJu Smith-Schuster on a 1-year deal. The guys react to that good news, discuss some bad news with WR Chase Claypool and the TMZ video that shows him involved in a bar fight, and preview what the Steelers could be thinking early in this year’s draft.

First Bud Dupree. Then Mike Hilton. The NFL’s legal tampering period had to be a rough 48 hours for Steelers fans, and more fan favorites, like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Alejandro Villanueva, could be on the way out. The guys react to the latest, including the surprising release of LB Vince Williams. Also, how the team should address TJ Watt’s contract as he prepares to enter the final year of his rookie deal.

The deadline for the franchise tag came and went this week, and the Steelers stood pat. That means popular players like Bud Dupree and JuJu Smith Schuster will likely test their markets in free agency. The guys discuss that decision, and what Ben Roethlisberger’s restructured contract means for the team and Big Ben's future.

All signs point to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returning for a 17th season with the Steelers, but will that be enough to keep the Steelers among the AFC’s elite? The guys discuss Big Ben’s sticky contract situation, and the very real possibility that fan favorites like Bud Dupree, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Alejandro Villanueva wind up leaving in free agency. All that and more in the return of the Steelers Wire Podcast for the 2021 season!

The Steelers’ season is over after spotting the Cleveland Browns a 28-0 lead in the first quarter of Sunday night’s wild-card playoff game. Now, the Steelers have some difficult decisions to make on soon-to-be free agents like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Bud Dupree. The elephant in the room is Ben Roethlisberger’s $41.3M cap hit as it currently stands entering the offseason. The guys react to the Steelers’ stunning loss to the Browns and start to look ahead to 2021. The 20th and final Steelers Wire Podcast episode of the 2020 season is powered by the USA Today Sports Media Group, with sports betting advice for the NFL playoffs from the Sportsbook Wire.

The Steelers will play the Browns for the second straight week and third time this season during the NFL’s wild-card playoff round, and they’ll have a noticeable advantage. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio were among the team’s positive COVID-19 tests this week. That means they’ll be away from the team quarantining when the Steelers play the Browns on Sunday night. The guys react to that wild situation, and discuss why a bet on the once 11-0 Steelers to win the Super Bowl could produce some lucrative returns. Episode 19 of the Bucs Wire podcast is powered by the USA Today Sports Media Group, with sports betting advice for the NFL playoffs from the Sportsbook Wire.

Simply put, the Steelers needed that. Their second-half rally from 24-7 down to the Colts clinched the AFC North title, and earned some rest for some key starters like Ben Roethlisberger coming up in Week 17. The guys react to Pittsburgh’s huge win over the Colts, Mike Tomlin’s strategy in Week 17, and whether this once 11-0 Steelers team could be now seen as a dark horse entering the playoffs. Episode 18 of the Steelers Wire podcast is powered by the USA Today Sports Media Group, with a fantasy segment from The Huddle and sports betting advice from the Sportsbook Wire.

Three weeks ago, the Steelers were the only undefeated team in the NFL at 11-0. Now, they’ve lost three straight and couldn’t even hang with the two-win Bengals on Monday night. The guys break down that embarrassing loss, and the universal game plan that opponents are using to bottle up Pittsburgh’s explosive offense. Other topics include Big Ben’s future, and a preview of this week’s showdown with the Colts. Episode 17 of the Steelers Wire podcast is powered by the USA Today Sports Media Group, with a fantasy segment from The Huddle and sports betting advice from the Sportsbook Wire.

The once 11-0 Steelers have hit a rough patch. QB Ben Roethlisberger is struggling to keep defenses honest down the field. The receivers are having a hard time catching the ball. The defense is plagued by injuries. And the running game remains nonexistent. Host Ryan O’Leary and Steelers Wire editor Curt Popejoy discuss Pittsburgh’s loss to the Bills, coach Mike Tomlin’s decision to bench star wideout Diontae Johnson in the first half, and the team’s chances at righting the ship in time to make a deep playoff run. Episode 16 of the Steelers Wire podcast is powered by the USA Today Sports Media Group, with a fantasy segment from The Huddle and sports betting advice from the Sportsbook Wire.

At least one national sports media personality was excited to see the Steelers fall to Washington, and that was Colin Cowherd. Host Ryan O’Leary and Steelers Wire editor Curt Popejoy discuss some glaring flaws in the Steelers’ game right now, and react to Cowherd’s commentary that teams like the Giants and Patriots are better. The guys also preview this week’s showdown against the Bills and red-hot quarterback Josh Allen. Episode 15 of the Steelers Wire Podcast is powered by USA TODAY Sports and includes fantasy football smart plays from The Huddle.com, and sports betting advice from USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire.

It wasn’t pretty, but the Steelers defeated the short-handed Baltimore Ravens. 19-14, to push their record to 11-0. The bad news is that star linebacker Bud Dupree left the game with a knee injury, and early reports Wednesday night indicate that Dupree is done for the season with a torn ACL. Host Ryan O’Leary and Steelers Wire editor Curt Popejoy discuss the Dupree injury, schedule challenges, and the Steelers issues Wednesday with catching and tackling. Episode 14 of the Steelers Wire Podcast is powered by USA TODAY Sports and includes fantasy football smart plays from The Huddle.com, and sports betting advice from USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire.

The Steelers were stripped of their Thanksgiving Night rivalry game against the Ravens (that game is now scheduled for Sunday at 1:15 p.m. EST), but they’re still 10-0 with several winnable games coming up on the schedule. Host Ryan O’Leary and Steelers Wire editor Curt Popejoy finally pop the question: Can the 2020 Steelers run the table? The guys also discuss Ben Roethlisberger’s resume for league MVP, and Hines Ward’s chances of being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This podcast is powered by USA Today Sports and includes fantasy picks of the week from The Huddle, and sports betting advice from the Sportsbook Wire.

The Steelers crushed the Bengals to remain the NFL’s only undefeated team, but after rushing for less than 50 yards for the third straight game, host Ryan O’Leary and Steelers Wire editor Curt Popejoy question how long this streak will last if they don’t get that part of their game untracked. The guys also discuss Pittsburgh’s path to the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs, and look ahead to what could be a trap game this week against the Jaguars. This podcast is powered by USA Today Sports and includes fantasy advice from The Huddle, as well as a sports betting pick of the week from The Sportsbook Wire.

Another nail-biter, another win for the Steelers, who remain the NFL’s only undefeated team at 8-0. Host Ryan O’Leary and Steelers Wire editor Curt Popejoy experienced all the feels during that painful comeback win over the terrible Cowboys. Curt has the latest on the team’s COVID-19 situation involving quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and the guys preview this weekend’s division game against Joe Burrow and the sneaky-good Bengals. Powered by USA TODAY Sports with fantasy advice from The Huddle and the sports betting pick of the week from The Sportsbook Wire.

The Steelers' Mike Tomlin is now the winningest Black head coach in NFL history. Where does Tomlin rank among the NFL's best? Also, the guys break down Sunday's huge win over division rival Baltimore, and the Steelers acquisition of LB Avery Williamson from the Jets.

Ryan O'Leary and Steelers Wire editor Curt Popejoy discuss Pittsburgh's huge win over the Titans, and look ahead to this week's showdown with the Ravens. The guys also discuss the AFC playoff picture and the Steelers chances of fending off the Chiefs for the No. 1 seed.

Ryan O'Leary and Steelers Wire editor Curt Popejoy discuss the loss of star linebacker Devin Bush, and how the team might go about trying to replace him. The guys also discuss Le'Veon Bell's new home with the Chiefs, and look ahead to Sunday's showdown in Tennessee.With Week 7 fantasy football advance from USA TODAY's The Huddle, along with sports bettering picks of the week from the Sportsbook Wire.

Steelers Wire editor Curt Popejoy gives his take on why fans in Pittsburgh shouldn't be pulling for a Le'Veon Bell reunion tour. Curt and host Ryan O'Leary also play and react to the unforgettable audio from last year's wild brawl that centered on the Browns' Myles Garrett and Steelers backup QB Mason Rudolph. (With fantasy football picks of the week from The Huddle, and sports betting tips from The Sportsbook Wire.)