The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t showed as the favorites in the AFC North by 2010 NFL preseason betting probabilities.



That may seem odd but the Steelers are viewed as the second or third greatest team in the division. Pittsburgh are 20-1 longshots in football games betting this year, even though they won the Super Bowl just two seasons ago.

2010 NFL preseason wagering posts Pittsburgh at about 3-1 to win the AFC North this year. That’s well behind the ravens who are -200. Starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be missing from the Steelers for at least the first four matches of the year, and maybe for as several as six. Roethlisberger was suspended following accusations of sexual misconduct and isn’t supposed to return to the NFL until he completes therapy ordered by the league.

NFL preseason lines on the Steelers begin in August 14th as they host the Lions. The Steelers are in New York in Week 2 for a game vs the Giants. They are then at Denver in Week 3 in a match that can be watched on Fox television. They finish off at home vs Carolina.

The preseason for Pittsburgh is going to be all about finding consistency for the offense devoid of Roethlisberger. It is likely that Byron Leftwich will get a lot of the playing time although Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch will attempt to win the job. Leftwich previously competed with the Steelers during the 2008 year but joined with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2009 year as their starting quarterback. As part of a trade for a 7th round 2010 NFL Draft pick, he came back to the Steelers this year. Whoever winds up with the starting job must build chemistry with the receivers. It will be up to Hines Ward and Mike Wallace to step up now that Santonio Holmes is gone. Because they let Willie Parker get away, the Steelers must hope that Rashard Mendenhall is ready for a full year. Mewelde Moore is a solid receiver but he is not a full time running back. Since right tackle Willie Colon is out for the year with an injury, the holes may be smaller for Mendenhall this year.

Pittsburgh’s defense is going to have to be fantastic this year if the Steelers are to make the playoffs. It is completely vital that Troy Polamalu not miss any more time because of injuries. The Steelers have plenty of talent on defense with players like James Harrison and James Farrior but they need Polamalu to hold everything together. Pittsburgh did obtain Bryant McFadden in the off-season and he’ll aid the secondary.

Because of the situation regarding Roethlisberger, the Steelers will get plenty of recognition in the preseason NFL football betting. They could actually be underrated to start off the year but the essential thing will be how well the backup quarterbacks compete and the preseason might present you with some hints.


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