5 bold predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018
![PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a touchdown pass against Telvin Smith #50 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a touchdown pass against Telvin Smith #50 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f538a076f59f26bf6a30837bc750de4464ca231e9895ec5042acca777a14a417.jpg)
4. Jaylen Samuels will earn over 100 touches
Just because Le’Veon Bell is poised for a big year doesn’t mean he’s going to do it all by himself. Expect the Steelers to do their best to get Samuels to shoulder a significant portion of the load.
Like Bell, the former NC State back is capable of running the ball and catching it out of the backfield. Expect him to develop into a favorite target for Roethlisberger. Samuels has excellent hands and the ability to make people miss after the catch.
It may take Tomlin and company a little time to trust the first year back. As such, look for him to start the season a little bit slowly. By the time the middle of the year arrives, he should be an integral part of the Steelers attack. If Bell is forced to miss a game, look for Samuels to put up big numbers in his absence.
In the end, expect Samuels to get about 60 carries and 40 catches on the campaign. That might seem a little ambitious, but it’s fair to assume Bell might sit out a game late in the year if the Steelers have clinched their playoff spot. If that does happen, Samuels has a legitimate chance to exceed even these optimistic projections.