Pittsburgh Steelers Odds - Steeltown hopes to avoid Super Bowl hangover
Last season’s NFL odds were stacked against the Pittsburgh Steelers after they were dealt one of the toughest schedules in football history. Their response: another Super Bowl title. After Pittsburgh overcame what seemed like impossible NFL betting odds last season, it has a tough act to follow. Will the Steelers repeat or will the Super Bowl hangover make them fall on their faces?
Pittsburgh Steelers odds: +1000 to win Super Bowl XLIV
- Defense remains dominant, particularly the front seven
- Like him or not, Ben Roethlisberger is a winner
- Don’t forget about Rashard Mendenhall
Similarly to the Detroit Red Wings after winning a title last year, the Steelers changed very little from their Super Bowl odds champion roster and may have sprinkled a little extra into the mix. NFL betting fans know what the passing game brings to the Steelers odds – a steady if unspectacular attack. Ben Roethlisberger still makes the odd bad decision with the football, but those betting online can’t deny that he fits the cliché of “knowing how to win.” He takes his team down the field when he really has to, as he did during the epic Super Bowl XLIII against Arizona. Santonio Holmes remains a speedy, athletic downfield target and Hines Ward, the best blocking receiver in football, has lost a step but still brings his lunch pail to the stadium every Sunday.
The Steelers running game didn’t make waves last season, ranking 23rd in the league. Willie Parker was nicked up and Mewelde Moore filled in admirably before his lack of size got the better of him in matchups. The forgotten name in the Steelers’ run to glory last season was Rashard Mendenhall. The 2008 first-round pick was labeled a future star but never got a chance to develop last year after breaking his shoulder in Week 4. He’ll at least get a shot to compete for carries with Parker and could develop into a 20-carry-per-game back, which would fix the only problem Pittsburgh had in 2008.
The main reason behind the Steelers’ solid sportsbook odds to repeat as champs is, of course, the dominant defense. No. 1 in fewest points per game allowed, No. 2 against the run, No. 2 against the pass; yeah, the Steel Curtain is back in a big way. The Front seven is dominant, led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison and rocksteady James Farrior. Troy Polamalu remains an elite playmaker at strong safety and was second in the NFL with seven picks in 2007. Starting inside linebacker Larry Foote was sent packing, so 2007 first-rounder Lawrence Timmons gets a shot at full-time duty.
Arguably, the Steelers still aren’t getting enough respect at the sportsbook, as their +1000 odds to win the Super Bowl pale in comparison to the favorite New England’s at +400. Ultimately, Pittsburgh is a championship team that lost virtually no one and may have gained a feature back in Mendenhall. Aside from Tom Brady, there’s no good reason not to bet on the Steelers at the sportsbook in 2009.
For more NFL betting analysis, Steelers odds and sports betting tips, visit the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.
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? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
