Steelers Packers Betting – Experienced Steelers Roll To Seventh Super Bowl Win
Sports betting players will get a treat in this year’s Super Bowl as two of the most storied franchises in league history participate in the big game. Pittsburgh has won six Super Bowls, the most in the NFL, while Green Bay trails with three, and both will have plenty of support from their rabid fanbases.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, February 6th, 6:00 PM ET
- Where: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX
- Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers +2.5
What’s On The Line
The Pittsburgh Steelers held on to beat the New York Jets 24-19 in the AFC title game, while the Green Bay Packers escaped the Chicago Bears with a 21-14 victory in the NFC championship game to set up this massive Super Bowl betting matchup. Both teams are ranked in the top five in terms of league popularity, and this will be an excellent game even if you’re a neutral. Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is going for his third Super Bowl win in seven years, which would definitely put him in the “greatest quarterback of all time” conversation, while Green Bay counterpart Aaron Rodgers is aiming to put the Brett Favre shadow to bed once and for all, and those are just two of the storylines heading into this game.
Offensive Matchups: Steelers Packers Betting
Roethlisberger’s numbers against the Jets weren’t great, to say the least; he had a 35.5 rating in the AFC title game. But Roethlisberger’s value comes in his ability to extend the play, which he did on the final play of the game to find Antonio Brown for a 14-yard gain. There may not be a tougher pivot to bring down than Roethlisberger, who will have to escape a solid Green Bay pass rush. They can slow the rush down if Rashard Mendenhall can have another 100-plus yard game. Mendenhall ran for 121 yards against the Jets, his fourth 100-yard game of the season, and the Steelers have won all four. Of course, the Steelers also have an underrated receiving core led by Mike Wallace, arguably the league’s biggest deep threat, and that opens up things underneath.
Like Roethlisberger, Rodgers didn’t have his best game against the Bears, and he also threw a couple of picks. But we all know Rodgers can sling it with anyone in the league, and while Cowboys Stadium isn’t a dome, it’s practically inside and we saw what Rodgers did at the Georgia Dome a couple weeks ago against the Atlanta Falcons. Rodgers has a ton of receiving help, led by Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, but the offense has been bolstered by the emergence of James Starks, who has proven to be a dependable running back. The offensive line is inconsistent, and much like the Steelers, they’ve had a lot of injuries up front.
Betting Edge: Packers
Defensive Matchups: Steelers Packers Betting
The Steelers are loaded with playmakers on this side of the ball, and from front to back, there may not be a better defense in the league. They’re especially good when Troy Polamalu is at the back, and even if he’s not 100% healthy, you still have to account for the long-haired safety. The linebacking corps is probably the best in the NFL, although it is starting to get old. The front three of Ziggy Hood, Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel are adept at tying up tacklers, allowing the linebackers to make plays. The corners are probably the weakness of the unit, but because of the Steelers’ pass rush, they’re not exposed much.
The Packers were one sack behind the league-leading Steelers in the regular season, led by linebacker Clay Matthews, who is probably the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year. He would succeed teammate Charles Woodson, who continues to make plays all over the field. The rest of the linebackers are underrated, and the emergence of nose tackle B.J. Raji up front has really helped. Opposite Woodson, Tramon Williams has flourished, and rookie Sam Shields will be called upon to continue his stellar season as a nickel back. The safeties can be picked on, but like the Steelers, the Packers usually get to the quarterback quickly.
Betting Edge: Steelers
Notable Injuries: Steelers Packers Betting
Center Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) should be ready in time for the Super Bowl in Dallas, but he is one of a few Pittsburgh offensive linemen that have been banged up this season. Defensive end Aaron Smith (triceps) hasn’t played since Week 7, but he has a chance to suit up for the Steelers. Cornerback Bryant McFadden (abdominal) is the final big injury worry for Pittsburgh.
Left tackle Chad Clifton (neck) was hurt in the NFC title game, but he’s been hurt all season and should be starting in Dallas. Linebacker Erik Walden (ankle) will try to practice this week, and the Packers would love to have him in the lineup as he has replaced Frank Zombo (knee) for the past six weeks. Again, you should check the injury report closer to the date of the Super Bowl.
Betting Edge: Draw
Outlook and Pick: Steelers Packers Betting
The Packers opened as a 3-point favorite as the “home” team in the Super Bowl, but the line has moved down a point after just one day, and you could easily see this game as a pick’em. These teams are incredibly similar, from the quarterbacks to the secondary, and both have playmakers all over the field. This could come down to experience and coaching, and those are two areas in which the Steelers win out. The Packers don’t have a single player who has won a Super Bowl ring, while the Steelers two years ago and the core of that group realizes this could be their last chance, especially on the defense. As for coaching, we have to give the edge to Mike Tomlin, who doesn’t get Coach of the Year consideration for some reason, while Green Bay counterpart Mike McCarthy has been shaky at times this season. We’re taking the Steelers for the “upset” in our online betting picks.
Stan’s Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers
