Cardinals vs Steelers Odds - Super Bowl rematch has preseason importance
Keep in mind that the Cardinals vs Steelers odds this week are for a preseason game - although it’s a Super Bowl rematch, don’t expect the teams to play with the same intensity. The Cardinals are not a good traveling team, and since they’ve lost a lot of depth in the offseason, the Steelers are rightfully favored in sportsbook.
Cardinals vs Steelers odds: Steelers -3 to win
- With Warner, Leinart, Cardinals have the better quarterback rotation
- Steelers defensive backups itching to prove themselves
- Cardinals are never reliable on the road
Cardinals vs Steelers odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Steelers first string offense won’t see much action, which means quarterbacks Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon will play most of the game. Both quarterbacks have seen some NFL action - Batch has seen significant time - and they should be able to move the ball against backups. At the other key position, running back, online betting sharps know that the Steelers have plenty of depth. Behind Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers have Mewelde Moore, who played significant time last year.
The Cardinals might have more depth on offense, as Matt Leinart and Brian St. Pierre have seen regular season action behind Kurt Warner. The question is whether either is capable is another one completely. The Cardinals will be without their first-round pick, Beanie Wells, who is expected to miss the game with an ankle injury.
Betting Edge: Even
Cardinals vs Steelers odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Steelers continuously produce defense stars, and it’s games like this where gems like James Harrison were discovered. NFL betting fans should keep their eyes on the Steelers’ next wave of linebacker talent, which includes Bruce Davis and Andre Frazier. The Steelers also have plenty of depth on the defensive line as backups Travis Kirschke and Chris Hoke have spent plenty of time starting.
As for the Cardinals, their defense is thin on the front lines, never mind the backups. They’ll hope to see something from former Michigan tackles Alan Branch and Gabe Watson, but up to this point in their careers, the only thing seen from these guys is laziness. The Cards lack decent backups everywhere on their defense, which should give the Steelers the edge.
Betting Edge: Steelers
Cardinals vs Steelers odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
Special teams should be about equal, although the scales tip to the Steelers since they are at home. Dan Sepulveda and Josh Reed are solid for Pittsburgh, as are Neil Rackers and Ben Graham for Arizona.
Edge: Steelers
Cardinals vs Steelers odds betting breakdown: Notable Injuries
The main key injury in this game will be Chris Wells, who is doubtful to play with an ankle injury. The Cardinals will be without their first-round pick and that’s a big loss in a preseason game. They were hoping to get a look at their new prized possession, and the Cardinals are short on backups at the position besides.
Edge: Steelers
Cardinals vs Steelers betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Cardinals never travel well, and even though this is the preseason, a road is still a challenge for them. On top of that, the Steelers have the better defense and they come into the game healthier. Lay the three points with them.
STAN’S PICK: Steelers -3
For more fantasy news and analysis on football sports betting lines, check out the betonline.com Betting Edge daily.
Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions?
