NFL Predictions 2009: The Pittsburgh Steelers rewarded owner Dan Rooney's decision to hire Mike Tomlin last season as the young head coach guided the franchise to a record sixth Super Bowl championship in just his second year on the sidelines. Pittsburgh should again be in the thick of the playoff race this season as they return all the major pieces from last year's squad. Online bookmaker BetUS.com has the team's season win total set at 10.5 with the over being favored at -135 in their Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Predictions 2009 – Super Bowl Odds 2010. 
Pittsburgh rode a dominating defensive unit all the way to Tampa Bay last season, eventually garnering a 27-23 Super Bowl XLIII win over the Arizona Cardinals. The wrecking crew unit enabled the team to go 12-4 in the regular season after they finished first in scoring defense, total yards allowed, and passing yards allowed.
Things should be much the same this year as the only major contributor from last season's unit to depart was linebacker Larry Foote. All the principals return, including James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, Troy Polamalu, James Farrior, and Casey Hampton. The team also added Missouri standout Evander Hood (DT) with their first round draft pick.
Offensively, the Steelers have some tremendous skill players in Ben Roethlisberger , Santonio Holmes, Willie Parker, and Hines Ward. Despite the impressive accomplishments of that lineup, Pittsburgh ranked just 22nd in total yards per game and 20th in scoring average at 21.7 per outing. The mediocre production was largely a result of poor offensive line play. The beleaguered group gave up over 45 sacks for the second straight year last season and the Steelers averaged just 105.6 yards per game on the ground (23rd in the league).
Despite the leaking line, the offense should at least be as productive, if not more so, this year. The only loss was wideout Nate Washington, but the team added Shaun McDonald and last year's second round pick, Limas Sweed, should start to emerge as a reliable third option.
The Steelers could also benefit from the 28th easiest schedule in the league (based upon opponents win percentage last season). Pittsburgh opens the year with a home contest against the Titans on September 10th.
BetUS.com Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Predictions 2009 – Super Bowl Odds 2010:
Pittsburgh Steelers Season Win Total:
Over 10.5 (-135)
Under 10.5 (+100)
Pittsburgh Steelers Odds to Win the AFC North Division:
-250
Pittsburgh Steelers Odds to Win the 2010 AFC Championship:
+450
Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl Odds 2010:
+850
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