What has happened to the defending Super Bowl champs? The Steelers started off strong going 6-2, but they have lost four straight since then and the wheels seem to have come off.
The good news for the Steelers is that they play their favorite patsy on Thursday when they travel to Cleveland to face the Browns in a NFL betting game that can be seen on the NFL Network (8:20 p.m. ET).
Pittsburgh has won the last 12 games against Cleveland and the Steelers are heavily favored to make it 13 in a row. Pittsburgh is a 10-point favorite and the total for the game is set at 33 at SBG Global.
However, the Steelers are certainly not a lock against weak teams though as they have already lost to Kansas City and Oakland this season. They allowed the Raiders to come back twice last week in a 27-24 loss.
“I can’t even describe how frustrating it is right now to be 6-6,” said Steelers linebacker James Farrior. “We thought we’d be doing a lot better at this point. But we are what our record says we are.”
“We can’t stay status quo in terms of how we’re approaching this and expect the pattern of behavior or outcome to change,” head coach Mike Tomlin said. “That’s unrealistic. That’s hoping. This is not a hope business.”
While the Steelers are 6-6, they still have a shot of making the playoffs in the AFC. They are only a game behind Jacksonville for the second wild card spot.
For Pittsburgh to make a move in the AFC playoff picture and win on Thursday, they’ll have to overcome some of their defensive woes, which is begins with filling the gaping hole left by All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu, who has missed the last three games and may not play again this season.
Without Polamalu the Pittsburgh secondary has been a mess, and cornerbacks Ike Taylor and William Gay have been awful.
“I’m not going to make excuses,” Tomlin said. “I think we’re capable of playing winning football with or without Troy. Are we different? Yes, because Troy’s a unique individual. Maybe the ceiling is different but the floor, the level of expectation, is the same.”
On the offensive side of the ball, the Steelers may be without star wide receiver Hines Ward, who is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. He could be probably be replaced by rookie Mike Wallace.
Pittsburgh is 8-3-1 ATS in the last 12 wins over Cleveland. The Steelers have won their last eight trips to Cleveland and they are 4-1-3 ATS. The over/under is 4-4-1 ATS in those games.
Up to 295% in Total Bonuses from SBG Global!
Up to 200% Casino Deposit Bonus
Up to 60% Deposit Bonus
20% Buddy Referral
10% Casino Rebate
5% Horse Rebate
Title: NFL Betting Preview: Steelers at Browns
Duration: 0:00
Submited by: SBGGlobal.com
Category: Sports Roundup
Added on: December 10th, 2009
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...Views: 280 views
