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2008 Pittsburgh Steelers

Written August 10, 2008 by Jason Lowry

Its that time of year to get going on another NFL season, and professional handicapper Jason Lowry is ready to bring you his 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers season predictions. The Steelers season came to an end last season in the first round of the playoffs against the Jaguars, after they took home first in the AFC North. The Steelers really started last season looking like they were a serious threat, but after starting the season 9-3, the Steelers went on to lose 3 of their final 4 games. The Steelers really didn’t make to many free agent singing this offseason, but it landed some quality talent in the draft in running back Rashard Mendenhall and receiver Limas Sweed. To see just what the Steelers are going to look like, lets take a closer look at what they will be sending to the field this season.

Offense:
The Steelers showed some flashes of how explosive this unit can be when it started the season averaging over 30 points in its first 3 games. It continued to put up solid numbers throughout the season, and a large part of that is the play of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. At running back the Steelers could really like what they have in the speed power combo of Willie Parker and Mendenhall. At receiver the team has great talent in Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, and Heath Miller, but they are really hoping Sweed can be the big tall receiver Roethlisberger has been wanting. The offensive line took a hit when guard Alan Faneca headed off to the Jets, and its going to likely be up to former 5th round pick Chris Kemoeatu. If this unit is unable to produce the offense could take a minor hit this season.
Steelers +800 odds to win AFC Championship at Sportsbook.com

Defense:
The Steelers defense might be getting older, but that doesn’t mean you should count this unit out. The defensive line is old with all 3 starters over 30, but ends Brett Keisel and Aaron Smith are beast in the 3-4 scheme, while nose tackle Casey Hampton remains a Pro Bowl talent in the middle. At linebacker the Steelers look pretty solid after the outstanding play of James Harrison filling in for the departed Joey Porter. This year it looks like LeMarr Woodley will get that chance as he replaces the departed Clark Haggans. James Farrior and Larry Foote remain forces on the inside, and thats not even mentioning a very young talent in Lawrence Timmons, who could wind up stealing Foote’s job. The secondary showed its signs of weakness last season, with an ailing Troy Polamalu, and him being healthy could be all this team really needs. Just think of the difference Bob Sanders makes for the Colts on defense.
Steelers +1500 odds to win Super Bowl at Sportsbook.com

Special Teams:
This unit is up and down, as it has one of the best kicker punter tandems in the league in kicker Jeff Reed and punter Daniel Sepulveda. The return game wasn’t very good last season, and will need to improve in 2008. It looks like Eddie Drummond will handle the kicks, while Jeremy Bloom handles the punts.
Steelers Over/Under 9 wins in 2008 at Sportsbook.com

Predictions: 2nd in the AFC North
Its hard telling just how good this team is going to be this season, as there are so many questions surrounding the health of many players coming back from injury and the offensive line. This team could wind up winning the North, or slumping so much it falls behind the Ravens or Bengals this season. Our guess is this team is right around 9 wins in 2008.

If you want to get a bet in on the Steelers or any other NFL team this season, get over to Sportsbook.com and get an account up and running today.

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