Steelers are the Pick
Tampa, FL – The Arizona Cardinals will unfortunately lose their bid to become champions of Super Bowl XLIII because they have a horrible defense.
Offense is sexy, but defense wins championships. It’s cliché, but this is one time where it’s going to prove true.
While Arizona does have considerable offensive firepower, they have one of the worst defenses in the league. They have allowed 24 or more points 11 times this season and have allowed more than 35 points four times. You can’t win championships allowing teams to put up that many points on a consistent basis.
Even with the 7 points currently being given by online sports book Sportsbook.com, when you are going against a team in the Pittsburgh Steelers that has allowed less than 14 points 10 times including a shut out against Cleveland in their regular season finale, it is very unlikely that Arizona will score enough points to win the side in the 2009 Super Bowl.
The trends favor Pittsburgh, too. The Steelers are 7-1 against the spread in their last eight games, 7-3 against the number playing on grass (which is what the surface is at Raymond James Stadium for the Super Bowl), and 7-3 ATS after outgaining opponent, which they did in the victory over Baltimore in the AFC Championship Game.
Want even more trends? Pittsburgh is 78-48 (62%) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992. They’re currently 7-point favorites for Super Bowl 43, which fits in the line with this trend. The Steelers are also 6-1 against the spread off a home win and 32-16 off a game with a turnover margin of +3 or better.
If the numbers aren’t enough for you and you still need more convincing that the Steelers are the play I have just two words for you… Troy Polomalu. This guy is like having two extra players on your defense and is the secret weapon that Pittsburgh will rely on to neutralize quarterback Kurt Warner. And it’s been proven time and time again that if a team can get pressure on Warner, he’ll either be ineffective or worse, will turn the ball over. Just look at the third quarter of the Cards’ win over the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. Philadelphia finally dialed up some pressure and Warner couldn’t complete a pass.
That is why I am going to be taking the Pittsburgh Steelers -7 in Super Bowl 43.
More Super Bowl XLIII Coverage
– Super Bowl XLIII Start Time and TV Viewing Guide
– Odds to win Super Bowl XLIII
– Super Bowl XLIII Matchup Report
– Who is The Public Betting in Super Bowl XLIII?
– Super Bowl Picks: Our Top Prop Bets
– Arizona Cardinals – what are the future odds?
Posted: 1/28/09 1:00PM ET