2010 Pittsburgh Steelers: Predictions and NFL Betting Odds

The Pittsburgh Steelers had an inconsistent 2009 season in which they struggled to a 9-7 straight up record while getting the money in NFL betting odds for just 4 games as their value plummeted as a highly popular “public” choice with a national following as well as their status as defending Super Bowl champions. They needed wins in their final 3 games to salvage a winning season. Online sportsbooks have Steelers football as 20-1 longshots in NFL predictions to win the 2011 Super Bowl and with an over/under regular season win total of 8.5 OVER (-125). Those numbers could be worse if the Steelers weren’t such a “public” team.

The Steelers went under the total in NFL betting odds for just 6 games last year as they ranked 7th in the NFL for total offense but 12th in points allowed. The Steelers were a revealing 20th in turnover ratio at -3 which was a clear indicator of their lack of focus and discipline. The off season was even worse for the Steelers as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger faced allegations of sexual abuse charges for the second consecutive year. He will begin the season with a 6-game suspension as a result of his off the field conduct. Dennis Dixon and Byron Leftwich will compete for the starting job in his absence.

Two top defenders missed the season last year with Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu and defensive end Aaron Smith. Both will be welcomed back with open arms for the 2010 NFL betting season. Running back Rashard Mendenhall emerged as a 1,000 yard runner last year as the Steelers will continue to strive to be a better running team, especially with Roethlisberger shelved to start the year. The defense was of particular concern as it slipped a noticeable notch and was unable to hold late leads. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will be charged with tightening the unit back up, especially a leaky secondary that was prone to give up big plays.