Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos 2010 NFL Preseason Odds, Picks Week 3: This game matches two teams that are looking to rebound from mediocre seasons that fell below expectations and both missed the playoffs. The Bronco’s started hot as did the Steelers but both lost games to what seemed to be inferior teams down the stretch. Pittsburgh has looked impressive early winning its first two preseason games while the Broncos are 0-2 and head football coach Josh McDaniel’s will be on the hot seat early if the team doesn’t do well. Pittsburgh Steeler head football coach Mike Tomlin on the other hand seems like the perfect fit for the franchise and already has a Super Bowl under his belt, but with starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suspended for at least the first four games he will have his work cut out to get the team back to the playoffs. The odds makers at Diamond have the Pittsburgh Steelers -2 ½ point favorites on the road against the Denver Broncos.
Big Ben stated for the Steelers and went 6 for 8 for 76 yards but had an interception. “I don’t care about the disruptions,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “He’s [Roethlisberger] a professional. His job is to play. He’s done that and he needs to continue to do that. We’ll deal with all the other things we need to deal with in the appropriate manner.” The good news for Pittsburgh is that the two fighting for the initial starting Qb spot played well. Byron Leftwich was 3-6 for 95 yards including a 68 yard pass to Mike Wallace that gave the Steelers the lead. Dennis Dixon went 7 for 8 for 82 yards and led the Steelers to two long touchdown drives. Vegas odds makers have the over/under for the total score at over/under 37 1/2 points combined of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos.
All the hype including the NFL’s number one in jersey sales have been on rookie quarterback Tim Tebow but with bruised ribs and missing most of the week’s practice he did not play. Projected starter Kyle Orton went 16 for 22 for 177 yards two touchdowns and an interception in the loss. Backup Brady Quinn played clean up going 11 for 17 for 115 yards. The Broncos are struggling with injuries on both sides of the ball and need to get healthy to have a chance of a better outcome for 2010. Vegas odds makers have the Denver Broncos +8000 to win the 2011 Super Bowl.
It may be a homer pick but I like the Steelers to cover on the road against a beat up Denver team so give the points to win. For experts picks from actual professional handicappers please visit the National Sports Advisors NFL picks and predictions page on NSAwins.com.
NFL Preseason Week 3 Betting for Sunday, August 29, 2010
Game: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Boncos
Records: Denver Broncos 0-2 (AFC West) Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0 AFC North)
Pointspread: Steelers -4 at Diamond Sportsbook
Total: Over/Under 37 1/2 at Diamond Sportsbook
Weather Forecast: 65 Degrees and Clear
Television: Fox Sports
Kickoff: 8 PM EST