The Pittsburgh Steelers finished atop the AFC North, receiving a first round bye, where they’ll start their 2011 Super Bowl run at home, where they finished 5-3 SU. Their ultra tough defense will be a force to reckon with as they seek their third Super Bowl since 2005. NFL oddsmakers have the Pittsburgh Steelers at +1100 odds to win the 2011 Super Bowl. Be sure to get your bets on the Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Super Bowl Lines in early.
The Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) enter the playoffs winning two straight and six of final seven. In their last three games they’ve averaged 28.3ppg and allowed 11.3ppg. At home their good for 23.1ppg and allowed 13.7ppg. QB Ben Roethlisberger has led the Steelers to two Super Bowl titles, so playoff jitters aren't exactly a concern for him. His ability to keep plays alive with his feet makes this passing game dangerous. WR Mike Wallace has emerged as one of the NFL's top deep threats but has improved as a short and intermediate target, too. RB Rashard Mendenhall has been tough, durable and dependable, and he has the speed to take it the distance if he gets into the secondary. The big concern is with their offensive pass protection. Roethlisberger is exceptionally strong and has repeatedly shown he can take a pounding and persevere, but when he's given ample time to throw, the Steelers are tough to beat. Troy Polamalu returned from an Achilles injury in Week 17 and immediately made an impact. If their pass protection holds up, their running game is strong and their pass defense foils the opposition's best-laid plans the Steelers will go far. The Steelers are ranked 14th on offense (345ypg) with a 14th ranked pass game (225ypg) and a 11th ranked ground game (120ypg). The Steelers score the 12th most points per-game (23.5ppg). Rashard Mendenhall leads their offense with 13 TD’s.
Their defense has always been solid, and we all know defense wins championships. No team is stronger vs. the run than the Steelers, a factor that forces opponents to attack with the pass. Pittsburgh has been vulnerable against offenses (like New England's) that spread out its defense and repeatedly throw, but such a strategy puts a lot of pressure on a quarterback and his pass protection, for the Steelers are known for their zone blitzes. This is a defense loaded with star power, especially at linebacker, with ROLB James Harrison a Pro Bowl starter, LOLB LaMarr Woodley a force vs. the run and as a pass rusher, and ILBs Lawrence Timmons and James Farrior having very good seasons. But the key to the entire operation is SS Troy Polamalu, who's exceptional near the line of scrimmage and in coverage. The Steelers have a second ranked defense (276ypg), a 12th ranked pass rush (214ypg) and the NFL’s best ranked rush defense (62ypg). The Steelers give up the least amount of points per-game (14.5ppg). Troy Polamalu has seven interceptions for the Steelers.
Point-Spreads.com suggests checking out the latest Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Super Bowl Lines
The Bottom Line: They will be a force, if they can protect Roethlisberger. Be sure to get your NFL Playoff Predictions in early.
