Eagles Steelers Betting – Eagles Clash With AFC Champions For Preseason In-State Bragging Rights
With two Super Bowl appearances in the past three years, and winners of two of three over the past decade, the Pittsburgh Steelers have set the tone as Pennsylvania’s team. The Philadelphia Eagles looked like a team that could make it to the big game a year ago before falling short in the playoffs against the eventual champion Green Bay Packers, and after one of the most proficient offseason’s in NFL history, it may be their turn to represent the sports betting bonus state in the Super Bowl.
- Philadelphia Eagles @ Pittsburgh Steelers
- Thursday August 18, 2011 – 8:00 PM ET
- Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
NFL Betting Lines: Pittsburgh Steelers – 1.5
The Eagles will likely have the majority of their big stars on the field for no more than a couple of series’, but after giving a preview of what is to come in their preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens, expectations are high. Philadelphia will make the short trip to Heinz Field for game two of their exhibition schedule, against a Steelers’ team that knows where they stand.
NFL Betting Preview: Philadelphia Eagles
Michael Vick looked like the Pro Bowl quarterback that he became as the Eagles’ starter a year ago, and there is no reason to think that he won’t show improvement in his first full season as the team’s undoubted starter. Philadelphia brought in Vince Young to compete for a backup role with the team, and he made the most of his opportunity in the opener against Baltimore. Vick could look even better in this game if DeSean Jackson makes it onto the field, while the defense continues to experiment in sub packages that feature Nnamdi Asomugha, Asante Samuel, and Domenique Rodgers-Cromartie. With teams relying more and more on three corners, it isn’t likely that Philadelphia will move any of the three.
NFL Betting Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers
While most Steelers’ fans are preaching patience after a blowout loss to the Washington Redskins in their preseason opener, head coach Mike Tomlin would like to see a little more urgency after the team failed to show up in the opener. There has been a lot of talk in Pittsburgh about a potential Super Bowl hangover following last year’s loss to the Packers, but this team is far too talented not to be in contention for the postseason again this year. With the state spotlight shining bright against an Eagles’ team that is considered among the Super Bowl sports betting favorites, look for the Steelers to play with more focus.
NFL Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick
It is still preseason, but after looking awful in their opener the Steelers would like to respond with a much better effort, and there may not be a better team to do it against outside of the Packers than Philadelphia. Tomlin has a couple of capable backup quarterbacks in Dennis Dixon and Byron Leftwich, and if the first team can get it going a bit then Pittsburgh should be fine at home.
NFL Betting Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers – 1.5
