NFL 2008/9 - Super Bowl
Pittsburgh vs Arizona
Since the Superbowl is a road game for both teams let's start with Arizona going 4-5 straight up on the road, while Pittsburgh went 6-2. In interconference games both teams split at 2-2. Pittsburgh's regular season record versus playoff teams was 3-4, while Arizona's was 1-4. Both teams swept their division. Out of division their regular season records were, Pittsburgh 6-4; Arizona 3-7.
In this matchup we have a strong offense, Arizona; against a strong defense, Pittsburgh. Arizona has scored more than 21 points in 15 of 19 games. Pittsburgh has allowed more than 21 points only 3 times, and has held 10 opponents to 14 points or less. Arizona's defense has allowed more than 21 points in 11 games, and allowed 35 or more in 4 of their last 6 regular season games, all losses.
Arizona has a 3-5 record against the league's top 12 defenses. Pittsburgh has a 4-2 record against the top 12 offenses, and 5-2 versus the top 12 pass offenses. It's hard to overstate the defensive performance of the Steelers this season. They've consistently stuffed the run, giving up less than 3.3 yards per attempt, and my numbers have them allowing an opposing QB rating of only 49! Only 3 teams (San Diego twice) managed more than 5 yards per pass attempt against the Steelers all season. Those stats would have to rate this Steelers defense as one of the best ever.
Both QB's here have a Superbowl win in their resume. Roethlisberger is the tougher QB for rushers to bring down, although keeping plays alive has been a mixed blessing for the Steelers this season. Arizona sacked opposing QB's 31 times in the regular season, while the Steelers dominant D chalked up 51 sacks. Pittsburgh's special teams have been a lot better than the Cards, giving up a third less yardage on kickoff and punt returns. Last year I was a Superbowl spectator, but this year I'll have a maximum bet on the game. I'll take the Steelers by a score of 31-17.
Mel's NFL Picks 2008 W-L 16-11-2
Pittsburgh vs Arizona
Since the Superbowl is a road game for both teams let's start with Arizona going 4-5 straight up on the road, while Pittsburgh went 6-2. In interconference games both teams split at 2-2. Pittsburgh's regular season record versus playoff teams was 3-4, while Arizona's was 1-4. Both teams swept their division. Out of division their regular season records were, Pittsburgh 6-4; Arizona 3-7.
In this matchup we have a strong offense, Arizona; against a strong defense, Pittsburgh. Arizona has scored more than 21 points in 15 of 19 games. Pittsburgh has allowed more than 21 points only 3 times, and has held 10 opponents to 14 points or less. Arizona's defense has allowed more than 21 points in 11 games, and allowed 35 or more in 4 of their last 6 regular season games, all losses.
Arizona has a 3-5 record against the league's top 12 defenses. Pittsburgh has a 4-2 record against the top 12 offenses, and 5-2 versus the top 12 pass offenses. It's hard to overstate the defensive performance of the Steelers this season. They've consistently stuffed the run, giving up less than 3.3 yards per attempt, and my numbers have them allowing an opposing QB rating of only 49! Only 3 teams (San Diego twice) managed more than 5 yards per pass attempt against the Steelers all season. Those stats would have to rate this Steelers defense as one of the best ever.
Both QB's here have a Superbowl win in their resume. Roethlisberger is the tougher QB for rushers to bring down, although keeping plays alive has been a mixed blessing for the Steelers this season. Arizona sacked opposing QB's 31 times in the regular season, while the Steelers dominant D chalked up 51 sacks. Pittsburgh's special teams have been a lot better than the Cards, giving up a third less yardage on kickoff and punt returns. Last year I was a Superbowl spectator, but this year I'll have a maximum bet on the game. I'll take the Steelers by a score of 31-17.
Mel's NFL Picks 2008 W-L 16-11-2
THE SPORTS MEMO
FAIRWAY JAY
CLEVELAND AT DETROIT (2/1)
Recommendation: Cleveland
This is a Super Bowl Sunday NBA feature on ABC as the Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Detroit to take on the Pistons. A changing of the guard this season has Cleveland with a commanding 10-game lead over their division rival whereas the slumping Pistons have lost four of their last five home games. Detroit will have battled Boston ‘s No. 1 defense Friday night at home, and then must take on Cleveland’s No. 2-ranked stop unit. The Cavs are also one of the NBA’s top offenses in terms of efficiency, led by LeBron James’ 28 ppg and excellent shooters throughout the starting lineup. Mo Williams continues his excellent play at the point, and Cleveland enters the week with three straight road wins including victories at Portland and Utah. The Cavs should be primed and determined for this rematch after Detroit won the only meeting this season back in November. Cleveland is clearly playing some of the best basketball in the NBA with solid contributions and team chemistry throughout the lineup even with center Zydrunas Ilgasuskas on the shelf (ankle). Cleveland will likely be a small road favorite, and I look for them to prove they are the better team and payback the Pistons
FAIRWAY JAY
CLEVELAND AT DETROIT (2/1)
Recommendation: Cleveland
This is a Super Bowl Sunday NBA feature on ABC as the Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Detroit to take on the Pistons. A changing of the guard this season has Cleveland with a commanding 10-game lead over their division rival whereas the slumping Pistons have lost four of their last five home games. Detroit will have battled Boston ‘s No. 1 defense Friday night at home, and then must take on Cleveland’s No. 2-ranked stop unit. The Cavs are also one of the NBA’s top offenses in terms of efficiency, led by LeBron James’ 28 ppg and excellent shooters throughout the starting lineup. Mo Williams continues his excellent play at the point, and Cleveland enters the week with three straight road wins including victories at Portland and Utah. The Cavs should be primed and determined for this rematch after Detroit won the only meeting this season back in November. Cleveland is clearly playing some of the best basketball in the NBA with solid contributions and team chemistry throughout the lineup even with center Zydrunas Ilgasuskas on the shelf (ankle). Cleveland will likely be a small road favorite, and I look for them to prove they are the better team and payback the Pistons
THE SPORTS MEMO
JARED KLEIN
NASHVILLE AT EDMONTON (2/1)
Recommendation: Edmonton
Two teams heading in the opposite directions take to the ice this weekend when the Oilers face the Predators at Rexall Place. Heading into the All-Star Break, Edmonton was on a huge roll winning seven out of its last nine at home to jump into second place in the Northwest Division. “Guys are playing better, individuals are playing better right now,” head coach Craig MacTavish was quoted as saying. “Guys like Sam Gagner and Erik Cole have chemistry. Robert Nilsson was playing well. Ethan Moreau is playing well. Andrew Cogliano is playing the best he’s played. Marc Pouliot’s developed and G Dwayne Roloson is playing well. The defense is moving the puck pretty decently. And confidence is a large player in all of this.” The bottom line is this team is finally coming together. The same cannot be said for the Predators who have a road record of just 8-16 and are just 3-7 in their last 10 games. Nashville has been beaten by a combined score of 10-3 over its last two games and was booed off their home ice after a 7-2 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers. The road hasn’t been kind to the Predators this season and I look for that trend to continue this weekend in Edmonton
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JARED KLEIN
NASHVILLE AT EDMONTON (2/1)
Recommendation: Edmonton
Two teams heading in the opposite directions take to the ice this weekend when the Oilers face the Predators at Rexall Place. Heading into the All-Star Break, Edmonton was on a huge roll winning seven out of its last nine at home to jump into second place in the Northwest Division. “Guys are playing better, individuals are playing better right now,” head coach Craig MacTavish was quoted as saying. “Guys like Sam Gagner and Erik Cole have chemistry. Robert Nilsson was playing well. Ethan Moreau is playing well. Andrew Cogliano is playing the best he’s played. Marc Pouliot’s developed and G Dwayne Roloson is playing well. The defense is moving the puck pretty decently. And confidence is a large player in all of this.” The bottom line is this team is finally coming together. The same cannot be said for the Predators who have a road record of just 8-16 and are just 3-7 in their last 10 games. Nashville has been beaten by a combined score of 10-3 over its last two games and was booed off their home ice after a 7-2 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers. The road hasn’t been kind to the Predators this season and I look for that trend to continue this weekend in Edmonton
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Allen Eastman props in order
1.ARIZ TEAM SCORE OVER 20
2.TEAM TO RECEIVE THE OPENING KICKOFF = ARI
3. PITT 1ST SCORE WILL BE A FG OR SAFETY +160
4. WILL EITHER TEAM HAVE A 300 YARD PASSER = NO
5.WILL THE TEAM THAT SCORE 1ST WIN THE GAME=NO AT +160 THIS IS A VALUE..
6. WILL BEN R. THROW AT LEAST 1 INT= YES
7. WILL BEN PASS FOR 231 YARDS= UNDER +105
1.ARIZ TEAM SCORE OVER 20
2.TEAM TO RECEIVE THE OPENING KICKOFF = ARI
3. PITT 1ST SCORE WILL BE A FG OR SAFETY +160
4. WILL EITHER TEAM HAVE A 300 YARD PASSER = NO
5.WILL THE TEAM THAT SCORE 1ST WIN THE GAME=NO AT +160 THIS IS A VALUE..
6. WILL BEN R. THROW AT LEAST 1 INT= YES
7. WILL BEN PASS FOR 231 YARDS= UNDER +105
KEVIN ONEIL THE MAX
THE OVER
Bowl @Tampa, FL
Steelers vs. Cardinals
Line: Steelers –7, 46½
Analysis by Kevin O’Neill
When you average up seven key stat rankings for the Cardinals defense, the average is 18th in the NFL. The average for the Steeler D is better than 2nd. As good as the Eagles, Ravens, and Titans defenses were this year, it is Pittsburgh #1 in important categories like points allowed, yards per rush, yards per pass, yards per play, and a number of scoring stats (fewest TD’s, for instance.) The Cardinals offensive numbers are better than Pittsburgh’s, but remember that the Steelers played a lot of weather games, and played a far superior slate of defenses. The Steelers allowed the fewest points in the league. The next best 7 defensive scoring teams were the Titans, Ravens, Eagles, Giants, Redskins, Colts, and Patriots. The Steelers played every one of those teams, playing the Ravens 3 times. All told, those 7 stout defensive teams made up half of the Steelers schedule, giving them 9 of their 18 games (including playoffs) against these top D’s. From 2004 through 2006, current Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt was the Steelers offensive coordinator, and Dick Lebeau was the Steelers defensive coordinator, a job that he continues to excel in to this day. In those roles, the two men selfscouted each other pretty frequently. Whisenhunt and his offensive staff spent a lot of time analyzing the Steelers defense saying “here’s the way I’d attack us…” with Lebeau and his defensive coaches mock game planning to defend the Steelers offense and then sharing the results with the offensive coaches.
The many hours these men and their staffs spent together probing the weaknesses of their respective units leaves them very familiar with one another’s philosophies and tactics. The element of surprise is a key Super Bowl weapon. With two weeks to prepare for this game, don’t be surprised if there both the Cardinals offense and the Steelers defense have some wrinkles up their sleeves that don’t appear on film. The familiarity doesn’t exist only when the Cardinals have the ball. Whisenhunt’s assistant head coach is Russ Grimm, the Steelers’ offensive line coach during those
years. Grimm and Whisenhunt coached many of the current Steelers offensive personnel. And they doubtlessly have some well-formed opinions on where on the offensive line they want to attack and how to contain Pittsburgh’s offensive weapons. We’ll be seeing quite a chess match in
Tampa on Super Bowl Sunday. To us, that’s a lot more interesting than the personal enmity between Ben Roethlisberger and Whisenhunt.
The Cardinals have lost four games by 21 or more. Can we forgive the Cards for this? Early in the season they put on a festival of turnovers in the Meadowlands and got mauled by the Jets. A 7-1 turnover disadvantage will do that to you. Then in weeks 12, 14, and 15 they lost by 28, 21, and 40. A Thanksgiving night loss to the Eagles could be excused by a horrid travel scenario. The consecutive blowout losses in December came after they had already clinched their division. While it doesn’t exactly show great character, if you can excuse away the four losses, than the Cards resume is tons stronger. And really, their resume
from the playoffs, especially the past two weeks, is outstanding. They’re doing a lot of very good things. Do the Cardinals really attack Roethlisberger or do they just try to keep him in the pocket. The only offensive TD the Steelers produced last week came on a broken play.
When the QB breaks containment is when he is most dangerous. That’s something to watch. You know that the Steelers allowed over 290 yards only once, giving up 323 yards in their loss to the Titans right before Christmas. Amazingly, the Steelers allowed 243 yards or less in 11 of their 18 games. Believe it or not, that defensive brilliance keys our Max play on the over. Whisenhunt is well aware of the Pittsburgh’s defensive
prowess. He’s a very smart guy, and the last thing he’s going to do is play conservatively and try to get lucky late. He knows that the Steelers defense becomes a holy terror when they have the lead. Whisenhunt is a coach who likes to get the ball down the field, who likes to optimize Larry
Fitzgerald, who understands that the Cardinals will need to play their game to win. Look for Arizona to throw caution to the wind and come out winging the ball. As good as the Steelers defense is, nobody runs the kind of intricate deep patterns that the Cardinals can with their receivers.
Fitzgerald is dominating and with two weeks for his hamstring to heal further, Boldin may put his diva act to rest and make himself some money by having a big game. With all due respect to Troy Polamalu, don’t be surprised if the Cardinals have some success with their deep and
crossing patterns, as their pass attack is clicking right now. Note that our expectation of a wide-open game plan from the Cardinals from the get-go runs counter to one of our usual Super Bowl staples, the suggestion that the first quarter and first half will be low scoring. So we’re not
necessarily on board with our usual first quarter under, first half under, and more points to be scored in the second half/ OT than in the first half. Both teams have opportunistic defenses that can create short fields and
points. In their two playoff games, the Steelers have a 6-1 turnover edge. The Cards have enjoyed an 11-3 turnover advantage in their three playoff encounters. The Steelers are the better team. Their defense is prodigious, and their offense is better than statistics suggest due to their tough schedule. But I’m hesitant to lay a TD, as the Cards are hot, and hot teams are dangerous in the NFL playoffs these days. But I do expect
the Cardinals to attack aggressively from the get go, so over the total is our call.
THE OVER
Bowl @Tampa, FL
Steelers vs. Cardinals
Line: Steelers –7, 46½
Analysis by Kevin O’Neill
When you average up seven key stat rankings for the Cardinals defense, the average is 18th in the NFL. The average for the Steeler D is better than 2nd. As good as the Eagles, Ravens, and Titans defenses were this year, it is Pittsburgh #1 in important categories like points allowed, yards per rush, yards per pass, yards per play, and a number of scoring stats (fewest TD’s, for instance.) The Cardinals offensive numbers are better than Pittsburgh’s, but remember that the Steelers played a lot of weather games, and played a far superior slate of defenses. The Steelers allowed the fewest points in the league. The next best 7 defensive scoring teams were the Titans, Ravens, Eagles, Giants, Redskins, Colts, and Patriots. The Steelers played every one of those teams, playing the Ravens 3 times. All told, those 7 stout defensive teams made up half of the Steelers schedule, giving them 9 of their 18 games (including playoffs) against these top D’s. From 2004 through 2006, current Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt was the Steelers offensive coordinator, and Dick Lebeau was the Steelers defensive coordinator, a job that he continues to excel in to this day. In those roles, the two men selfscouted each other pretty frequently. Whisenhunt and his offensive staff spent a lot of time analyzing the Steelers defense saying “here’s the way I’d attack us…” with Lebeau and his defensive coaches mock game planning to defend the Steelers offense and then sharing the results with the offensive coaches.
The many hours these men and their staffs spent together probing the weaknesses of their respective units leaves them very familiar with one another’s philosophies and tactics. The element of surprise is a key Super Bowl weapon. With two weeks to prepare for this game, don’t be surprised if there both the Cardinals offense and the Steelers defense have some wrinkles up their sleeves that don’t appear on film. The familiarity doesn’t exist only when the Cardinals have the ball. Whisenhunt’s assistant head coach is Russ Grimm, the Steelers’ offensive line coach during those
years. Grimm and Whisenhunt coached many of the current Steelers offensive personnel. And they doubtlessly have some well-formed opinions on where on the offensive line they want to attack and how to contain Pittsburgh’s offensive weapons. We’ll be seeing quite a chess match in
Tampa on Super Bowl Sunday. To us, that’s a lot more interesting than the personal enmity between Ben Roethlisberger and Whisenhunt.
The Cardinals have lost four games by 21 or more. Can we forgive the Cards for this? Early in the season they put on a festival of turnovers in the Meadowlands and got mauled by the Jets. A 7-1 turnover disadvantage will do that to you. Then in weeks 12, 14, and 15 they lost by 28, 21, and 40. A Thanksgiving night loss to the Eagles could be excused by a horrid travel scenario. The consecutive blowout losses in December came after they had already clinched their division. While it doesn’t exactly show great character, if you can excuse away the four losses, than the Cards resume is tons stronger. And really, their resume
from the playoffs, especially the past two weeks, is outstanding. They’re doing a lot of very good things. Do the Cardinals really attack Roethlisberger or do they just try to keep him in the pocket. The only offensive TD the Steelers produced last week came on a broken play.
When the QB breaks containment is when he is most dangerous. That’s something to watch. You know that the Steelers allowed over 290 yards only once, giving up 323 yards in their loss to the Titans right before Christmas. Amazingly, the Steelers allowed 243 yards or less in 11 of their 18 games. Believe it or not, that defensive brilliance keys our Max play on the over. Whisenhunt is well aware of the Pittsburgh’s defensive
prowess. He’s a very smart guy, and the last thing he’s going to do is play conservatively and try to get lucky late. He knows that the Steelers defense becomes a holy terror when they have the lead. Whisenhunt is a coach who likes to get the ball down the field, who likes to optimize Larry
Fitzgerald, who understands that the Cardinals will need to play their game to win. Look for Arizona to throw caution to the wind and come out winging the ball. As good as the Steelers defense is, nobody runs the kind of intricate deep patterns that the Cardinals can with their receivers.
Fitzgerald is dominating and with two weeks for his hamstring to heal further, Boldin may put his diva act to rest and make himself some money by having a big game. With all due respect to Troy Polamalu, don’t be surprised if the Cardinals have some success with their deep and
crossing patterns, as their pass attack is clicking right now. Note that our expectation of a wide-open game plan from the Cardinals from the get-go runs counter to one of our usual Super Bowl staples, the suggestion that the first quarter and first half will be low scoring. So we’re not
necessarily on board with our usual first quarter under, first half under, and more points to be scored in the second half/ OT than in the first half. Both teams have opportunistic defenses that can create short fields and
points. In their two playoff games, the Steelers have a 6-1 turnover edge. The Cards have enjoyed an 11-3 turnover advantage in their three playoff encounters. The Steelers are the better team. Their defense is prodigious, and their offense is better than statistics suggest due to their tough schedule. But I’m hesitant to lay a TD, as the Cards are hot, and hot teams are dangerous in the NFL playoffs these days. But I do expect
the Cardinals to attack aggressively from the get go, so over the total is our call.
SPORTSNETWORK:
OVERALL ANALYSIS
If you believe in the adage that says defense wins championships, then you certainly believe that the Steelers will be standing alongside commissioner Roger Goodell on the championship platform on Sunday night. Pittsburgh has been consistently strong on that side of the football all season, and though Arizona has plenty of offensive weapons to challenge that unit, it's going to take a flawless performance from the Cardinals' attack in order to win this game. The Steelers aren't a great offensive football team, but have proved throughout these playoffs that they can make the big plays necessary to get on the scoreboard. Finally, there's something to be said for experience. The Steelers have simply been in many more of these big-game situations over the past half-decade or so than the Cardinals, who have the look of a team playing with house money.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Steelers 27, Cardinals 17
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OVERALL ANALYSIS
If you believe in the adage that says defense wins championships, then you certainly believe that the Steelers will be standing alongside commissioner Roger Goodell on the championship platform on Sunday night. Pittsburgh has been consistently strong on that side of the football all season, and though Arizona has plenty of offensive weapons to challenge that unit, it's going to take a flawless performance from the Cardinals' attack in order to win this game. The Steelers aren't a great offensive football team, but have proved throughout these playoffs that they can make the big plays necessary to get on the scoreboard. Finally, there's something to be said for experience. The Steelers have simply been in many more of these big-game situations over the past half-decade or so than the Cardinals, who have the look of a team playing with house money.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Steelers 27, Cardinals 17
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</td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table calss="Text" width="100%" border="1" bordercolor="#c00000" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td> 4 Unit Play. #101 Take Pittsburgh -7 over Arizona (Sunday 6:20 pm NBC
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SUNDAY'S PICK
50 DIME
PITTSBURGH
Note From Steve Budin:
50 DIME
PITTSBURGH
Note From Steve Budin:
Pittsburgh is between a 6 1/2 to 7 point favorite. In either case, buy down 1 full point. The logic here from a former bookmaker's perspective is that you will find more games ending on six than seven.
The key in this game is to shop around. The line dropped in Vegas to 6 1/2 at a few sportsbooks as early as Wednesday. Finding that price should be your goal.
If you have Pittsburgh -7, I suggest you buy down the 1 point to -6 so you get the win should Pittsburgh win by seven or a push with a win by six.
If you have Pittsburgh -6 1/2, I suggest you buy down the 1 point to -5 1/2 so you get the win should Pittsburg win by six.
In either case above, you are paying somewhere in the neighborhood of -135 for the purchase of that 1 full point.
If for some reason you get Pittsburgh -7 1/2 (which should not be the case since this price has dropped, not risen) even after shopping around, buy down the 1 point still to -6 1/2 so you get the win should Pittsburgh only prevail by a touchdown.
Take it from a former bookmaker and the guy who fathered the offshore sportsbook industry that too many gamblers and handicappers needlessly buy half points on all types of numbers. In this case, however, it's a wise investment strategy, using the power of money - our bulging bankroll - against the bookmaker.
Why not buy a little extra insurance at a few cents on the dollar to protect your investment? As CEO of a multi-million dollar company I can tell you it's the right move, just like I knew it was the right move when as a bookmaker I saw smart players doing the same thing when the opportunity presented itse
50 DIME
PITTSBURGH
Note From Steve Budin:
50 DIME
PITTSBURGH
Note From Steve Budin:
Pittsburgh is between a 6 1/2 to 7 point favorite. In either case, buy down 1 full point. The logic here from a former bookmaker's perspective is that you will find more games ending on six than seven.
The key in this game is to shop around. The line dropped in Vegas to 6 1/2 at a few sportsbooks as early as Wednesday. Finding that price should be your goal.
If you have Pittsburgh -7, I suggest you buy down the 1 point to -6 so you get the win should Pittsburgh win by seven or a push with a win by six.
If you have Pittsburgh -6 1/2, I suggest you buy down the 1 point to -5 1/2 so you get the win should Pittsburg win by six.
In either case above, you are paying somewhere in the neighborhood of -135 for the purchase of that 1 full point.
If for some reason you get Pittsburgh -7 1/2 (which should not be the case since this price has dropped, not risen) even after shopping around, buy down the 1 point still to -6 1/2 so you get the win should Pittsburgh only prevail by a touchdown.
Take it from a former bookmaker and the guy who fathered the offshore sportsbook industry that too many gamblers and handicappers needlessly buy half points on all types of numbers. In this case, however, it's a wise investment strategy, using the power of money - our bulging bankroll - against the bookmaker.
Why not buy a little extra insurance at a few cents on the dollar to protect your investment? As CEO of a multi-million dollar company I can tell you it's the right move, just like I knew it was the right move when as a bookmaker I saw smart players doing the same thing when the opportunity presented itse
Bob Balfe
NFL Football
Arizona/Pittsburgh Under 46.5
Both teams are really going to struggle running the football in this game. Pittsburgh has a great defense, but Arizona also has a defense who can stop the run and their secondary has players who are big and can cover well. If both teams do not have balance I do not see this being a high scoring game. This is not a football game, this is a bigtime event which means teams take a while to settle in. Pittsburgh does not have the offensive firepower to score a ton of points. Arizona does have the ability to score quick, but they pride themselves on long drives which is great for an under play. I could not pick a side in this game. On paper I do like the Cardinals. They have a better offense then the Steelers, but they are not going to move the ball at will against this defense. I would not be shocked to see Pittsburgh cover in the same way as they did against the Ravens two weeks ago. The key to this game is Steelers Defensive Coordinator Dick Lebow who is as good as anyone ever to walk this earth in stopping the oppositions offense. Another key is Arizona Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt who was the Steelers Offensive Coordinator in Super Bowl XL. Whisenhunt knows the Steelers offense well and can give his defense valuable information on how to defend them. Also, I do not see Arizona connecting on a lot of trick plays in this game, the Steelers defense is just too good and will be ready for it. This reminds me a lot of the Bucs/Raiders Super Bowl a few years ago except both staffs really know each other well. This might be the first Super Bowl in a while that is actually won on coaching and not talent. Look for a hard hitting game with it staying under the total.
I wish you all the best of luck and thank you for being on board this year! I look forward to working with you again in many seasons to come!
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NFL Football
Arizona/Pittsburgh Under 46.5
Both teams are really going to struggle running the football in this game. Pittsburgh has a great defense, but Arizona also has a defense who can stop the run and their secondary has players who are big and can cover well. If both teams do not have balance I do not see this being a high scoring game. This is not a football game, this is a bigtime event which means teams take a while to settle in. Pittsburgh does not have the offensive firepower to score a ton of points. Arizona does have the ability to score quick, but they pride themselves on long drives which is great for an under play. I could not pick a side in this game. On paper I do like the Cardinals. They have a better offense then the Steelers, but they are not going to move the ball at will against this defense. I would not be shocked to see Pittsburgh cover in the same way as they did against the Ravens two weeks ago. The key to this game is Steelers Defensive Coordinator Dick Lebow who is as good as anyone ever to walk this earth in stopping the oppositions offense. Another key is Arizona Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt who was the Steelers Offensive Coordinator in Super Bowl XL. Whisenhunt knows the Steelers offense well and can give his defense valuable information on how to defend them. Also, I do not see Arizona connecting on a lot of trick plays in this game, the Steelers defense is just too good and will be ready for it. This reminds me a lot of the Bucs/Raiders Super Bowl a few years ago except both staffs really know each other well. This might be the first Super Bowl in a while that is actually won on coaching and not talent. Look for a hard hitting game with it staying under the total.
I wish you all the best of luck and thank you for being on board this year! I look forward to working with you again in many seasons to come!
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Superbowl Consensus trends....
# 101 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Super Bowl XLIII)**NBC** Cardinals 55.20%
Steelers 44.80%
18348 Bets
# 3 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Team That Scores First Win The Game?) Yes 14.29%
No 85.71%
21 Bets
# 7 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Either Team Score 3 Straight Times?)**Excludes Extra Points And 2 Point Conversions** (*Includes Safeties*) Yes 7.69%
No 92.31%
39 Bets
# 9 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Either Team Score In The First 6 1/2 Minutes Of The Game?) **Includes Safety** Yes 55.56%
No 44.44%
27 Bets
# 11 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Either Team Score In The Final 2 Minutes Of The First Half?) **Includes Safety** Yes 30.00%
No 70.00%
30 Bets
# 13 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Either Team Score In The Final 3 1/2 Minutes Of The Game?) (**Includes Safety**)**If Game Goes Into Overtime--Yes Is Winner** Yes 50.00%
No 50.00%
12 Bets
# 17 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Both Team Make 33 Yard Or Longer Field Goals) **(If No Field Goal Is Made-- NO is Winner)** Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
102 Bets
# 25 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals ( Will Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) Throw An Interception?) (Must Play) Yes 57.14%
No 42.86%
21 Bets
# 45 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Kurt Warner (ARZ) Throw An Interception) (Must Play) Yes 85.71%
No 14.29%
21 Bets
# 93 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will There Be A Safety?) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
45 Bets
# 95 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will There Be A Overtime?) Yes 77.78%
No 22.22%
27 Bets
# 97 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Game Be Decided By Exactly 3 Points?) Yes 87.50%
No 12.50%
24 Bets
# 109 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Either Team Make A Field Goal In The First Quarter?) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
15 Bets
# 113 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Steelers Score A Touchdown In The First Quarter?) Yes 33.33%
No 66.67%
18 Bets
# 115 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Cardinals Score A Touchdown In The First Quarter?) Yes 75.00%
No 25.00%
12 Bets
# 117 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will There Be A Special Teams Or Defensive Touchdown?) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
27 Bets
# 121 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will There Be A Successful 2 Point Conversion?) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
15 Bets
# 123 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Game Be Tied After 0-0?)(Score Is Counted After The Completion Of Extra Point Or 2 Point Conversion) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
9 Bets
# 129 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will At Least 1 Quarter Be Scoreless?)(At Least One Quarter Will Have A 0-0 Score)(Overtime Quarters Count) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
3 Bets
# 157 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Willie Parker [PIT] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 60.00%
No 40.00%
15 Bets
# 173 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Gary Russell [PIT] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
3 Bets
# 183 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Hines Ward [PIT] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
3 Bets
# 191 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Santonio Holmes [PIT] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
3 Bets
# 193 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Santonio Holmes [PIT] Have A Rushing Attempt)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
3 Bets
# 201 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Nate Washington [PIT] Have A Rushing Attempt?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
3 Bets
# 209 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Heath Miller [PIT] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
9 Bets
# 217 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Steelers Get A Rushing Touchdown In The First Half?) Yes 71.43%
No 28.57%
21 Bets
# 225 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Steelers Score In The 1st & 2nd Quarters?) Yes 66.67%
No 33.33%
9 Bets
# 229 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Steelers Convert A 4th Down Attempt?)(4th Down Conversion By Penalty Does Not Count) Yes 75.00%
No 25.00%
12 Bets
# 243 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Troy Polamalu [PIT] Intercept A Pass?) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
3 Bets
# 259 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Kurt Warner [ARZ] Throw A Touchdown Pass In The 1st Half?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
6 Bets
# 261 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Kurt Warner [ARZ] Throw A Touchdown Pass In The 3rd Quarter?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
12 Bets
# 273 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Tim Hightower [ARZ] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
6 Bets
# 287 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Edgerrin JAmes [ARZ] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
3 Bets
# 297 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Larry Fitzgerald [ARZ] Score 2 Or More Touchdowns?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
6 Bets
# 299 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Larry Fitzgerald [ARZ] Score A Touchdown In The First Half?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
9 Bets
# 301 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Larry Fitzgerald [ARZ] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 88.89%
No 11.11%
27 Bets
# 309 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Anquan Boldin [ARZ] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
12 Bets
# 317 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Steve Breaston [ARZ] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
9 Bets
# 333 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Cardinals Get A Rushing Touchdown?) Yes 33.33%
No 66.67%
9 Bets
# 341 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Cardinals Score In 1st & 2nd Quarters?) Yes 50.00%
No 50.00%
6 Bets
# 345 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Cardinals Convert A 4th Down Attempt?)(4th Down Conversion By Penalty Does Not Count) Yes 66.67%
No 33.33%
9 Bets
# 429 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Cardinals Ever Have The Lead?) Yes 20.00%
No 80.00%
15 Bets
# 437 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will A Mitch Berger[PIT] Punt Result In A Touchback?)(*If Mitch Berger Has Zero Punts-No Is The Winner*)(Must Play) Yes 90.91%
No 9.09%
33 Bets
# 443 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will A Ben Graham[ARZ] Punt Result In A Touchback?)(*If Ben Graham Has Zero Punts-No Is The Winner*)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
24 Bets
# 101 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Super Bowl XLIII)**NBC** Cardinals 55.20%
Steelers 44.80%
18348 Bets
# 3 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Team That Scores First Win The Game?) Yes 14.29%
No 85.71%
21 Bets
# 7 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Either Team Score 3 Straight Times?)**Excludes Extra Points And 2 Point Conversions** (*Includes Safeties*) Yes 7.69%
No 92.31%
39 Bets
# 9 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Either Team Score In The First 6 1/2 Minutes Of The Game?) **Includes Safety** Yes 55.56%
No 44.44%
27 Bets
# 11 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Either Team Score In The Final 2 Minutes Of The First Half?) **Includes Safety** Yes 30.00%
No 70.00%
30 Bets
# 13 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Either Team Score In The Final 3 1/2 Minutes Of The Game?) (**Includes Safety**)**If Game Goes Into Overtime--Yes Is Winner** Yes 50.00%
No 50.00%
12 Bets
# 17 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Both Team Make 33 Yard Or Longer Field Goals) **(If No Field Goal Is Made-- NO is Winner)** Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
102 Bets
# 25 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals ( Will Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) Throw An Interception?) (Must Play) Yes 57.14%
No 42.86%
21 Bets
# 45 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Kurt Warner (ARZ) Throw An Interception) (Must Play) Yes 85.71%
No 14.29%
21 Bets
# 93 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will There Be A Safety?) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
45 Bets
# 95 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will There Be A Overtime?) Yes 77.78%
No 22.22%
27 Bets
# 97 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Game Be Decided By Exactly 3 Points?) Yes 87.50%
No 12.50%
24 Bets
# 109 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Either Team Make A Field Goal In The First Quarter?) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
15 Bets
# 113 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Steelers Score A Touchdown In The First Quarter?) Yes 33.33%
No 66.67%
18 Bets
# 115 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Cardinals Score A Touchdown In The First Quarter?) Yes 75.00%
No 25.00%
12 Bets
# 117 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will There Be A Special Teams Or Defensive Touchdown?) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
27 Bets
# 121 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will There Be A Successful 2 Point Conversion?) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
15 Bets
# 123 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Game Be Tied After 0-0?)(Score Is Counted After The Completion Of Extra Point Or 2 Point Conversion) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
9 Bets
# 129 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will At Least 1 Quarter Be Scoreless?)(At Least One Quarter Will Have A 0-0 Score)(Overtime Quarters Count) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
3 Bets
# 157 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Willie Parker [PIT] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 60.00%
No 40.00%
15 Bets
# 173 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Gary Russell [PIT] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
3 Bets
# 183 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Hines Ward [PIT] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
3 Bets
# 191 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Santonio Holmes [PIT] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
3 Bets
# 193 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Santonio Holmes [PIT] Have A Rushing Attempt)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
3 Bets
# 201 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Nate Washington [PIT] Have A Rushing Attempt?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
3 Bets
# 209 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Heath Miller [PIT] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
9 Bets
# 217 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Steelers Get A Rushing Touchdown In The First Half?) Yes 71.43%
No 28.57%
21 Bets
# 225 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Steelers Score In The 1st & 2nd Quarters?) Yes 66.67%
No 33.33%
9 Bets
# 229 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Steelers Convert A 4th Down Attempt?)(4th Down Conversion By Penalty Does Not Count) Yes 75.00%
No 25.00%
12 Bets
# 243 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Troy Polamalu [PIT] Intercept A Pass?) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
3 Bets
# 259 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Kurt Warner [ARZ] Throw A Touchdown Pass In The 1st Half?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
6 Bets
# 261 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Kurt Warner [ARZ] Throw A Touchdown Pass In The 3rd Quarter?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
12 Bets
# 273 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Tim Hightower [ARZ] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
6 Bets
# 287 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Edgerrin JAmes [ARZ] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
3 Bets
# 297 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Larry Fitzgerald [ARZ] Score 2 Or More Touchdowns?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
6 Bets
# 299 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Larry Fitzgerald [ARZ] Score A Touchdown In The First Half?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
9 Bets
# 301 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Larry Fitzgerald [ARZ] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 88.89%
No 11.11%
27 Bets
# 309 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Anquan Boldin [ARZ] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
12 Bets
# 317 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will Steve Breaston [ARZ] Score A Touchdown?)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
9 Bets
# 333 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Cardinals Get A Rushing Touchdown?) Yes 33.33%
No 66.67%
9 Bets
# 341 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Cardinals Score In 1st & 2nd Quarters?) Yes 50.00%
No 50.00%
6 Bets
# 345 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Cardinals Convert A 4th Down Attempt?)(4th Down Conversion By Penalty Does Not Count) Yes 66.67%
No 33.33%
9 Bets
# 429 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will The Cardinals Ever Have The Lead?) Yes 20.00%
No 80.00%
15 Bets
# 437 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will A Mitch Berger[PIT] Punt Result In A Touchback?)(*If Mitch Berger Has Zero Punts-No Is The Winner*)(Must Play) Yes 90.91%
No 9.09%
33 Bets
# 443 02/01 6:20pm Steelers vs Cardinals (Will A Ben Graham[ARZ] Punt Result In A Touchback?)(*If Ben Graham Has Zero Punts-No Is The Winner*)(Must Play) Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
24 Bets
