Pittsburgh Steelers 2008 NFL Picks & Predictions

August 12, 2008

Instant Deposits Using Your Credit Card!

In Mike Tomlin’s inaugural coaching season he steered the Steelers ship to the playoffs in a 10-6 season. The 2008 AFC North Pittsburgh Steelers have drawn an unfavorably tough schedule, but Tomlin is confident that his team is the toast of the AFC North. If All-Pro RB Willie Parker hadn’t broken his fibula, the Steelers could have gone to the big dance. With a marquee man behind center in Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers have a team capable of going deep in the postseason. The 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers AFC North football betting predictions have them at 12-1 odds to win the 2009 Superbowl.

Big Ben Roethlisberger’s escapeability, strength and leadership place him among the NFL’s top- 5 Quarterbacks. Roethlisbereger will be working behind a talent thin offensive line for the second year in a row, and he will need the running game to take pressure off of him. Willie Parker ran a 4.40 40-time in March proving that he is over his leg injury. The Steelers drafted #1 pick Rashard Mendenhall (5′11″ 225 Lb. 4.45 40-time) for insurance and as a change of pace back, but he has been unimpressive in the preseason. Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, and rookie Limas Sweed give the Steelers a strong set of wideouts. TE Heath Miller is a fluid receiver that is a red-zone threat, and he also can flatten defenders. The Steelers can do some damage with their deep passes, and if Mendenhall improves the offense can be one of the top-5 units in the NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers AFC North football betting predictions have them at 1-1 odds to win the AFC North.

The Steelers blitzing, attacking and confusing defense was the #1 unit the NFL last season and returns 10 starters. The lack of depth at DE and in the secondary keeps them from being a great defense, but Coordinator Dick LeBeau is brilliant at disguising his schemes. NT Casey Hampton is one of the best in the biz in the middle, leading a tough front line. The linebackers are one of the top-3 units in the game and OLB James Harrison is a stud and James Farrior is a warrior entering his 12th season. OLB LaMarr Woodley last season’s #2 draft choice has the potential to be a great pass-rusher. Last year’s #1 choice Lawerence Timmons (6′1″ 234 Lbs. 4.50 40-time) hits like a train, and he will be a factor vs the run. The secondary is thin, but CB Ike Taylor and SS Troy Polamalu are both physical players that are tough to deal with. The difference between the two is that Troy Polamalu is a playmaker and Ike Taylor is not. CB Bryant McFadden has 4.35 speed and could challenge starter Deshea Townsend for his job. The special teams have two stout legs in PK Jeff Reed (23-25 FG 07″) and power punter Daniel Sepulveda but the coverage and return units are average.

The ability to start fast and not get behind the 8-ball with a tough schedule will be crucial for the Steelers to win the AFC North. Big Ben has command of a deep team that knows how to win. If the Steelers core players can stay healthy Mike Tomlin could coach them into the Superbowl in just his second season. Pittsburgh Steelers AFC North football betting OVER\UNDER is at 9 WINS with the OVER at +100.

2007 Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Betting Record: 8-8 ATS

2008 Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Predictions Power Ratings

Coaching: 8
Quarterback: 8
Running Backs: 8
Offensive Line: 5
Wideouts: 8
Defensive Line: 8
Linebackers: 8
Secondary: 7
Special Teams: 6

Written by admin · Filed Under NFL

Pittsburgh Steelers 2008 NFL Picks & Predictions

Related News

Latest Headlines

Main Menu

Trends

Picks

Odds

Handicappers

Handicappers