Last Updated on August 10, 2010 4:41 pm by Anthony Rome
Steelers Season Odds
The Pittsburgh Steelers are only two seasons removed from winning the Super Bowl, but they face a huge hurdle just to make it back to the postseason.
Earlier this offseason, starter quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended six games after he was accused of sexual harassment for the second time in less than a year. His suspension could be reduced by commissioner Roger Goodell if Big Ben continues to behave leading up to the regular season, but as of this writing he still faces a six-game ban.
In other offseason news, the Steelers brought back quarterback Byron Leftwich after he spent last year in Tampa. Leftwich played very well in backup duty two seasons ago in Pittsburgh and is the favorite to start over youngster Dennis Dixon in Roethlisberger’s absence. The Steelers also brought back linebacker Larry Foote, who had left the team last year to join his hometown team, the Lions.
The team also signed tackle Flozell Adams, who was released by the Cowboys.
Entering April’s draft, the Steelers focused on the cornerback, defensive line, running back and offensive line positions. In the first round, the team nabbed outstanding center prospect Maurkice Pouncey and in the second, the team drafted Virginia Tech defensive end Jason Worlids. In the third, the Steelers selected Southern Methodist wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and in the fourth, the team added another defensive end in Ohio State’s Thaddeus Gibson.
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook SPORTSBETTING.com currently list the Steelers at 15/1 to win the 2011 Super Bowl and 7/1 to win the AFC. They’re also +225 on the money line to win the AFC North and have an over/under win total of 9 for regular season wins.
The Steelers obviously have a huge hurdle to overcome in the first 4-6 weeks of the season. Leftwich played well during the team’s Super Bowl run two years ago, but outside of that he has struggled as the main guy over the last couple of years. He played poorly in Atlanta and was horrendous in Tampa last year.
So can the Steelers get by with Leftwich until Big Ben is back from his suspension? That’s the question. With players like LaMarr Woodley, Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons, Casey Hampton and Aaron Smith, the defense will be near the top of the league again. But can Rashard Mendenhall carry the rushing load? Does Leftwich and Roethlisberger have enough weapons in the passing game after the team traded Santonio Holmes to the Jets this offseason?
If bettors feel confident answering “yes” to the above questions, then at 15/1 the Steelers are quite a bargain.
2011 Super Bowl Odds: Pittsburgh Steelers 15/1
Odds to win AFC: Pittsburgh Steelers: 7/1
Odds to win AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers +225
2010 NFL Season Win Totals: Pittsburgh Steelers O/U 9
Posted: 8/10/10 4:41PM ET