posted September 6, 2007 at 18:56 in NFL Articles

2006 NFL Betting Stats: 8-8 SU, 8-8 ATS, 9-6-1 O/U

2007 NFL Odds:

+225 to win outright AFC North

+1200 to win AFC

+2500 to win Super Bowl XLII

For the first time in nearly two decades, the Pittsburgh Steelers will enter the regular season without former head coach Bill Cowher roaming the sidelines. His replacement, a young, up-and-coming defensive whiz named Mike Tomlin, inherits a team that is in transition as well. How will the changes affect the Steelers and NFL bettors in 2007?

Here is a look at the 2007 Pittsburgh Steelers.

Offense: The Steelers have a new offensive coordinator in Bruce Arians, last year’s receivers coach. Arians has already changed the Steelers longtime power rushing attack to a more wide open offense that will rely more on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger than at any time in the young quarterback’s career. “Big Ben” has a talented pair of receivers in Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes and the Steelers have brought in veteran running back Kevan Barlow to back up starter Willie Parker. Even with several talented players at the skill positions, the Steelers will need time to adjust to a new system.

Defense: Tomlin and veteran NFL coach Dick LeBeau will combine to become a collective defensive coordinator for all intents and purposes. The Steelers bring back a talented group that is only missing one significant part – former linebacker Joey Porter. The Steelers plan to replace Porter with LaMarr Woodley, a hybrid, linebacker-defensive lineman. Cornerback Ike Taylor will return to the starting lineup at cornerback and the Steelers still have Troy Polamalu. The starting free safety position will go to either, Anthony Smith or Ryan Clark.

Analysis: To be totally honest, I think the Steelers will win the same amount of games they did last season, going 8-8 in Mike Tomlin’s first season as a head coach. Pittsburgh will have a new look to their offense and the changes will take time for players and fans. A .500 record in his first season would be an excellent way to begin building this team for the long haul.

Football Betting View: An 8-8 ATS and 9-6-1 O/U record indicate that the Steelers are certainly a team with value. Pittsburgh is one of those teams that always seemed to check in somewhere around .500 across the board. Now, with the change in head coaches – and offensive philosophy – the Steelers will be a bit tougher to get a handle on early in the season. Check the Steelers’ play with scrutiny the first few weeks to get a feel for how to wager on them for the remainder of the regular season.

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