From a 12-4 SU playoff team, the Pittsburgh Steelers fell to an 8-8 SU record last season – third in the AFC North. They only won one game in their last 4 games and just twice in their last 7 overall. Though they lost half of their games, 5 of their losses were close and decided by just 3 points or less. Next season, the line for the Steelers’ total regular season wins is set at 9.5. Against the spread, they went 6-9-1 with 3 victories each at home and on the road.
In the offseason, the Steelers cut linebacker James Harrison effectively highlighting the team’s need for a pass rusher. The team patched this hole by drafting Georgia’s Jarvis Jones, who they expect to be their next Harrison. The Super Bowl XLIII Champion is priced +1,600 to lift the Vince Lombardi trophy at 2013 season’s end.
Currently priced with the same +190 to win the AFC North as the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers have a chance in week 2 to make a statement in Cincinnati, a place where they like to play. They are 10-1 SU and 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games on the road in Cincinnati. In Week 3, they’ll be hosting the Chicago Bears who they have beaten in 3 of their last 3 meetings at home. If the Steelers can perform well in these games and Big Ben Roethlisberger’s health is not an issue, bettors will flock to the Steelers and the futures price will quickly change. At this time the Steelers NFL futures for the 2014 Super Bowl are priced at +1600.
Key NFL Betting matchups of 2013 NFL Season:
Week 7 vs. Baltimore Ravens: the Steelers defeated the defending champions in their last meeting as 6-point underdogs.
Week 9 vs. New England Patriots: the Steelers have won 2 of their last 3 games opposite New England.
Pittsburgh Steelers Bengals bettors should pay attention to:
– Watch out for Ben Roethlisberger who underwent minor surgery on his right knee.
– The development of rookie Jarvis Jones and the re-establishment of the Steelers D.
