9-10 wins, max. And even that is going to be frustrating because of the same ol, same ol'. Holding the ball too long. Running into sacks. Taking sacks 20+ yards into the backfield.
I don't think they will keep Payton's playbook. I think they're all in on Russball. Expect the middle of the field to disapear, and expect 2-3 moonballs a game. Also, expect lots of 3-n-outs in between the bookends of the game.
Y'know, that's what I agree most people would, and *should* expect. I think Mr. Limited has adjusted his attitude and been humbled a bit by circumstances. By "Payton Mod", I mean throwing a ton of completions behind the line of scrimmage. In the NFL, 26 TDs and 8 INTs is pretty darn good, especially missing 2 games. Could have been 30+TDs and under 10 INTs if he hadn't been benched over financial reasons. Compared to Kenny Pickett's 6 TDs and 4 INTs. He will have George Pickens as a jump ball target.
So I expect Russell to really buckle down and focus this year and play the best version of HIS game. In Russell's mind, if he takes the Stealers on a deep playoff run, that burnishes his HOF credentials, which is what I think "The Brand" cares most about now, even to the point of adopting Team-Oriented ball over Hero Ball.
Actual mileage may vary. Drama and uncertainty over which Russell we will see is part of what keeps it worth watching.
I say Russell goes 20+ TDs, 2+:1 TD/INT ratio, and Stealers win 10+ games. If I'm right, takers of that prop will display a Russell/Steelers avatar of my choice for a week. If I'm wrong, I'll display a Russell/Broncos "fail" avatar (or other Russell-related humilation) of winner's choice for a week. Any takers?