Russell Wilson remains favored to start Week 1 for Steelers over Justin Fields

Is there a quarterback controversy brewing in Pittsburgh?

Russell Wilson joined the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal in March, after being released by the Denver Broncos. Shortly after, Pittsburgh also traded for former Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields.

Wilson has been hampered by a recent calf injury, while Fields reportedly had a nice week at camp in the former Seattle QB’s place. Will that be enough for Fields to overtake Wilson?

Let’s see what the odds say at FanDuel Sportsbook regarding the starting spot in Pittsburgh.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS WEEK 1 STARTING QUARTERBACK:*

Russell Wilson: -620 (bet $10 to win $11.61 total)
Justin Fields: +400 (bet $10 to win $50 total)

* odds as of 7/26/24

The betting odds indicate all signs point to Wilson starting under center for the Steelers in Week 1. 

Despite Wilson still being the heavy favorite, Fields’s odds of being the Week 1 starter have shifted from +450 to +400 over the last week. 

In Wilson’s absence this week, Field has shined at practice, taking first team reps. Over the last few days, the former Bear QB has connected on multiple deep passes to Calvin Austin and George Pickens.

With Wilson missing practice and Fields playing well, some bettors probably believe the window is open for Fields.

Wilson had this to say about his injury. 

“We were doing a sled push thing and just tweaked it a little bit. Just working hard and sometimes things happen. Good news is that I feel good, and we’ll get there in time.” 

In terms of professional starts, the two Steelers quarterbacks are not in the same stratosphere. 

Wilson, 35, has 188 starts. Fields, 25, clocks in at 38. 

Also, at FanDuel, Wilson’s odds to throw for 3,500 yards or more are at +160 and his odds to throw 25 or more touchdowns are at +175.

Will Fields’ solid play in training camp be enough to elevate him to the starter? 

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