Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl Odds - Steelers 9-1 Favorites

The defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers are poised for another big season in 2009 as virtually everyone returns. The Steelers are 9-1 betting favorites and the second choice on the Super Bowl odds board at Bodog sportsbook behind only the New England Patriots. The Pittsburgh Steelers win games with a great defense and an efficient offense. The Steelers were first in virtually every defensive category last season including points allowed, yards allowed and passing yards allowed.

They are led by Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison and safety Troy Polamalu. To illustrate just how good Pittsburgh was defensively look at their points allowed numbers from 2008. They gave up only 13.9 points per game, almost a point and a half less than any other team. Pittsburgh’s special teams were also solid as they ranked in the top five in yards allowed on punt and kick returns. On offense the Steelers do just enough to get the job done. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is always at his best when the game is on the line and running back Willie Parker is always a big play threat and it seemed whoever they plugged in behind Parker did well, especially Mewelde Moore. Getting Rashard Mendenhall back from injury will also help. “Being back out here and being more comfortable is what it’s about,” said Mendenhall. “Having been through a year you know what to expect and you are better at reacting.”

The receiving corps is strong led by Hines Ward (81 catches, 1,043 yards) and Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes. Heath Miller is a very good tight end but the offensive line for Pittsburgh could use some improvement as they gave up way too many sacks last season. Head coach Mike Tomlin did a great job in 2008 and he didn’t make many changes in the off-season. Why mess with success? The Steelers have won two of the last four Super Bowls with many of the same players. The Steelers have a tradition of winning and it continues today which is why they are one of the favorites in Super Bowl odds. “Our tradition is inspiring on a day-to-day basis,” Tomlin says. “It’s created a standard we all aspire to. That’s one of the reasons we are who we are. We have tangible examples in our history of how to go about it.”