Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 NFL Odds
(The Spread) – Can the Pittsburgh Steelers repeat as AFC champions in 2011?
Oddsmakers currently have the Steelers listed as 15/1 to win the 2012 Super Bowl, giving them similar odds to the New York Jets (12/1) and Atlanta Falcons (16/1). The Steelers are also fourth in odds to win the AFC Conference at 13/2, putting them behind the Patriots (5/2), Chargers (11/2) and Jets (6/1). At -110 on the money line, Pittsburgh is favored to win the AFC North Division.
In the first round of April’s draft, the Steelers boosted their defensive line depth with the selection of former Ohio State DT Cameron Heyward and in the second, Pittsburgh took former Florida Gator offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert. With their pick in the third round, the Steelers addressed their secondary with the selection for Texas DB Curtis Brown.
In free agency, the Steelers re-signed cornerbacks Ike Taylor and William Gay, as well as tackles Willie Colon and Jonathan Scott. As usual, the Steelers didn’t sign too many new free agents, although they did add receiver Jerricho Cotchery (Jets) and tight end John Gilmore (Bucs).
Outlook: Not too many people seem to be talking about the Steelers heading into the 2011 season but make no mistake, this team is still locked and loaded to make another deep postseason run. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has definitely put his offseason troubles in the rearview mirror and is having a solid preseason, while Mike Wallace, Hines Ward and Antonio Brown comprise one of the more exciting wide receiver corps in the league. Of course, this team is still about one thing: Defense. The front seven is outstanding and while the secondary remains a small question mark, as long as safety Troy Polamalu stays healthy Pittsburgh’s defense will be just fine. This is still the team to beat in the AFC North, although the Baltimore Ravens will once again be the Steelers’ biggest challenge.
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