posted August 10, 2007 at 20:31 in NFL Free Picks

With the start of the NFL preseason football this week football fans are back in business and NFL bettors can get a leg up on the action with this pick.

This matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers is an excellent opportunity for football bettors to get their 2007 football wageringseason started off on the right foot.

Here is a look at each team followed by my Free NFL Pick

Pittsburgh Steelers – 2006 preseason record: 0-4 SU, 1-3 ATS

 

The Pittsburgh Steelers should be plenty fired up for new head coach Mike Tomlin as they take the field against the Packers tonight.

While Tomlin won’t get too far away from what the Steelers do best – play smash-mouth football – Tomlin’s presence has already had a positive effect on the franchise.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will now get to work out of Tomlin’s new shotgun and spread sets when handing the ball to elusive running back Willie Parker.

The Steelers may be even more formidable on defense this year than at any time under Cowher as Tomlin is going to go with a mix of his Cover-2 defense and the Steelers’ traditional 3-4 defense that coordinator Dick LeBeau has used for years.

Expect the Steelers to be a little more creative on offense this season than at any time during Cowher’s tenure.

Green Bay Packers – 2006 preseason record: 1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS

The Packers went 8-8 with Brett Favre starting at quarterback last season but it was Green Bay’s atrocious defense that did them in.

If the Packers don’t shore up this unit, which they have taken some steps to do this past offseason, the Packers won’t exceed their record from last season.

Green Bay also has many questions that need to be answered at running back, tight end and the defensive line as well as depth concerns at wide receiver.

Analysis: Even this early in the preseason, the Packers would appear to be no match for the older, wiser Steelers who all want to make an impression on Tomlin. Unless Favre plays the entire game (which isn’t going to happen) take the Steelers minus the 6.5 points.

NFL Free Picks: Steelers 28 Packers 21

07:30 PM EST Football Odds

Green Bay Packers +6½ -110

Pittsburgh Steelers -6½ -110