Are the Steelers a good bet this year?
We’re asking because the last time they came into a season as the defending champions, they didn’t even made it to the playoffs.
That was after the Steelers won Super Bowl XL only to finish the following year barely .500. In the coming 2009 NFL football season, the Steelers are once again the defending champs, but can they finish better this time?
The NFL has not seen a repeat winner since New England in 2003 and 2004, proving that it is so hard to repeat as a champion in any sport. Sportsbooks know it too as oddsmakers have the Pittsburgh Steelers at (+1000) to win it again in 2010. Right now they are the 4th favorite and two of the three teams in front of them are from the AFC.
For those of you betting on a Steeler re-peat, what do the Steelers have to do to win it all again? Read on.
For starters, the Steel Curtain must remain dominant. Arguably their biggest advantage over every other team in the NFL is their dominant defense. In 2008, they allowed the fewest points in the NFL (223), the fewest yards in the NFL (237.2), the fewest passing yards (156.9) and the second fewest rushing yards (80.2).
They were also tied for first in the fewest rushing yards per attempt (3.3), first in fewest passing yards per attempt allowed (5.4), second in quarterback sacks (51), second in QB rating allowed (63.4), tied for second in rushing touchdowns allowed (7) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (12).
The Steelers defense was at the top of the NFL in almost any meaningful statistical category and if Pittsburgh wants another Vince Lombardi trophy, that defense better be solid again.
Another major factor for a Steelers re-peat is of course, Ben Roethlisberger.
It is important that he plays at a high level this season, because it is hard to imagine the Steelers being able to win back-to-back Super Bowls with their signal caller firing blanks.
At least Big Ben is on the right track by staying away from motorcycles this time.
Which team will win Super Bowl XLIV? SPORTSBETTING.COM has the odds.
Pittsburgh Steelers 10-1
Arizona Cardinals 25-1
Dallas Cowboys 12-1
Want more odds? Visit SPORTSBETTING.COM for more NFL betting odds. Want to watch the NFL live? Get NFL tickets online now.
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