NFL Futures: After back to back 12 win seasons the Pittsburgh Steelers have followed that up with back to back eight win seasons that have called into question their long time status as a perennial contender and traditional power in the NFL. Their offensive line has been an embarrassment as they have not been able to generate a reliable ground attack and ranked 27th for rushing yardage in the NFL last year. The lack of a good ground game has put too much of a burden on QB Ben Roethlisberger and he has been unable to carry the team to the post season. A defense that has eroded to rank 13th overall in the NFL, 25th for sacks and 29th for interceptions also is cause for pause. The Steelers opened as a 33/1 choice to win the Super Bowl and were a 12/1 choice to win the AFC championship. Pittsburgh had an over under win total of 8.5 at -150 over and +120 under.
Munchak Arrives to Build Line
Mike Munchak, who is a NFL Hall of Famer as an offensive lineman and considered as one of the top O Line coaches in the game arrives to get the Steelers back on track and capable of generating a ground attack. It might be the best offseason acquisition of all for Pittsburgh.
Handicapper’s Notes
The Steelers have lost just seven out of their last 17 games against the spread at home in Heinz Field with just five out of their last 19 home games going over the total. The Steelers have won seven out of their last 13 road games against the spread as 11 out of their last 17 away games have gone over the total. Pittsburgh has not been a reliable favorite lately with just seven payouts in their last 19 games as a chalk with just six out of their last 16 games as a favorite going over the total. The Steelers have covered the spread in just seven out of their last 16 games as a dog with nine out of their last 16 games as a dog going over the total.
Our Prognosis
Pittsburgh is one of the most “public” teams on the betting board and it is important to keep that in mind when assessing betting value. After two mediocre years they offer the potential to surprise for the right reasons in 2014.
