2011 NFL Team Preview
Pittsburgh Steelers
2010 Record: 12-4
2010 Record ATS (Against the Spread): 10-6
Outlook:
How can you ever go wrong with the Steelers? Wether you are betting them or just a loyal fan, they rarely seem to disappoint. Pittsburgh is one of those rare teams that wins a lot of games straight up and against the spread. Last year they go an outstanding 12-4 SU and a very impressive 10-6 ATS. The over/under for Pittsburgh went 7-9 (seven over, and nine under). Roethlisberger has really come into his own as a passing QB the last few years and so Pittsburgh doesn't have to rely completely on their power rushing game and stout defense as in years passed.
Strengths: Rushing, Passing, and Defense: these things Pittsburgh does well. They cover spreads and make fans happy. Will they continue to do so this year? I think so. Even though they have some aging stars like Hines Ward, they have drafted young new talent to support him and eventually take his job. Rashard Mendenhall was responsible for 1,273 yards and 13 TD's last season. Most experts expect for him to have a similar season this year.
Weaknesses: Depth may be a little of a problem here. QB Byron Leftwich just broke a bone and is out for most of, if not the entire, regular season. Roesthlisberger is a guy that holds the football very long and this causes him to get banged up. This season if Big Ben goes down the whole team will follow. Hopefully in the off season the coaches forced him to practice throwing the ball away or dumping it off to a receiver. QB timing drills should have been Ben's best friend this offseason.
Betting Prognosis: Oddsmakers are not very generous when it comes to Pittsburgh. They have a huge fan base and a huge amount of "band-wagoners" that will drive the line up. The general public is an emotional mass and if the line should be Pitt. -5, you know they will bet it up to 6 or 7. Look to bet against Pittsburgh when they are heavily favored and especially if they are against scrappy inter-division foes.
Key Matchups:
Week 1 vs. Atlanta - Great matchup against a NFC power will be a test to see what Pittsburgh has to start with.
Week 2 vs. Seattle - They should be able to put Seattle away here but if Pittsburgh is favored by 7 or more then bet against them
Week 3 at Indy - AFC power house matchup on the road. Colts won't be as tough as usual so bet Pittsburgh here if they are getting 3 or more.
Week 14 - They don't play Cleveland until week 14! This will be too much time to take Cleveland as a surprise. But we still like Cleveland if they are getting 5.5 or more.
