[dfinn21]

Wow. I really don't think this Steelers team should be giving 7 points to any solid football team on a neutral field for the Super Bowl.

This is a very solid football team but I see no reason whatsoever they should be giving up more than 3.5 points to Arizona. In both of their playoff games, they were aided by the other teams poor play and some nice bounces (off of helmets) to cover their spreads. Against Baltimore, Flacco was exposed for what he is, a rookie QB who had only won his first few playoff games due to defense. Baltimore and Flacco were outplayed by Tennesse but Tennessee decided to shoot themselves in the foot. The Steelers were given turnover after turnover and still should have only won by 2 points against Baltimore. Baltimore even had a chance to drive for a winning field goal. That is not the sign of a team that should be giving 7 points to an explosive offense and an underrated defense. Especially a team that matches up very well on both sides of the ball with them.

The publics perception of both the Steelers and Arizona had a lot to due Vegas setting this line so high in my opinion.

Steelers should be -3.5
I LOVE Arizona +7

[roadwarrior1]

My first guess was -2 to Pitt............then the bookies came out with 6.5.
Now everyone is taking Pitt at that number since its going to 7..............

I a not sure about this one. But I really like Pitts DEFENSE!! Oh my god.

But 7 is a lot of points...............

Thoughts?

[dfinn21]

I agree with you that Pitts D will most likely be the difference in the game but I don't see them running away with it at all. The only way I see them covering 7 is if they get the same break as in the Baltimore game; a late TD by their defense or a TD late in the 4th to extend a lead that was close all game long.

[PyreLight]

Whats the chance of this getting to 9? That would be insane!

[SFwillis52]

This game is either going to go two ways, either A the Steelers win around 20-14 area or B Cardinals will win 30-28. Now I'm certain some cannot see the Cardinals scoring 30 points on this defense but I beg the differ. If the Chargers can put up 24 at Heinz Field minus their main weapon, I'm pretty confident that a fully loaded Cardinals team with full insight from Wisenhunt/Grimm can do so. Only how I see this game going in the low with the Steelers winning if the game turns in to field position game. Steelers primarly rely on their special teams, and defense to give them good field position. Ben and company are not efficeint enough to go down field match score for score with a good offense, let alone a superb offense.

[Ryangene]

Before last weekend started the line was AFC -3. I only dropped $55 on it as i figured if it was Baltimore or Pitt they would win the superbowl. I'd love to have that -3 right now.

[LT Profits]

There is nothing wrong with the line, Pittsburgh should win by 10+. Remember that defense wins championships, and Arizona has the worst defense EVER statistically of any team to reach the Super Bowl.

[dwest718]

Originally Posted by dfinn21

Steelers should be -3.5
I LOVE Arizona +7

Why if the line "should be" -3.5 do you love the Cardinals. If the line "should be" -3.5 then Vegas set the line at 7 to get money on the Cards. Using your logic, you're betting against Vegas

[Dark Horse]

Originally Posted by dfinn21

Wow. I really don't think this Steelers team should be giving 7 points to any solid football team on a neutral field for the Super Bowl.

The publics perception of both the Steelers and Arizona had a lot to due Vegas setting this line so high in my opinion.

Steelers should be -3.5
I LOVE Arizona +7

Agreed. I would make the spread even lower. PIT -3 would be tough. Arizona +7 is a no brainer. But I'm waiting for 7.5 (and already have PIT -6.5 because I can't pass up on the middle).

[spongerat]

I got it at -6 but i'd bet them to 7

[cmnjr24]

Steelers win this one big Lay the -7

[jcljack25]

This game may be over before halftime. Lay 7, the Steelers win by double digits.

[VVET]

Never a no brainer, but cant dispute the Steelers defense. I agree, SB's are won by defense. Grab the 7 before it climbs even more, but I like em even at a higher spread. Cinderella is cute, but the Number 1 defense is gonna crush them.

[dfinn21]

Originally Posted by dwest718

Why if the line "should be" -3.5 do you love the Cardinals. If the line "should be" -3.5 then Vegas set the line at 7 to get money on the Cards. Using your logic, you're betting against Vegas

Here's the problem. Vegas is smarter than everyone out there. Their goal (especially in the Super Bowl) is to get 50/50 action on both sides of the game. This ensures them a very very large payday without gambling any of their money. This makes it crucial for Vegas to get 50/50 action on both sides.

The publics perception of these two teams are completely different. The Steelers are seen as a dominant force while Arizona is seen an inferior team who got lucky and hot at the right time. Because of this (IMO) Vegas knew that if they put the line around -3, the public would POUND the Steelers. They would then be gambling with their own money. There would be a chance they would get killed on the biggest betting event of the year. They inflated the line due to the perceptions of the teams and by starting the line the -7, they set it at a spot to get equal action on both sides. Vegas is going to make a killing no matter what this game. Here's the latest line movement with % on each team. EXACTLY 50/50.

http://www.sports.com/sportsbook/liveodds.php

[Slate]

Originally Posted by LT Profits

There is nothing wrong with the line, Pittsburgh should win by 10+. Remember that defense wins championships, and Arizona has the worst defense EVER statistically of any team to reach the Super Bowl.

What about their defense in the playoffs ??? was it the worst in the playoffs????

They win by ten only if they get lucky AGAIN and score a defensive TD at the end of the game. Their luck is about to run out

[LT Profits]

Originally Posted by Slate

What about their defense in the playoffs ??? was it the worst in the playoffs????

They win by ten only if they get lucky AGAIN and score a defensive TD at the end of the game. Their luck is about to run out

Luck has nothing to do with it. Arizona hasn't faced a defense this good all year and they will not move up and down the field easily like they did the last three weeks. Also, the Steelers showed vs. San Diego that they can scoore if they have to, and Arizona's defense is just as bad as San Diego's.

[ZBOIZ]

Originally Posted by LT Profits

There is nothing wrong with the line, Pittsburgh should win by 10+. Remember that defense wins championships, and Arizona has the worst defense EVER statistically of any team to reach the Super Bowl.

I was thinking the exact same. I believe Pittsburgh win by 10. People need to realize that this is the number 1 defense in the NFL!

[ZBOIZ]

The Steelers will win this game and cover this game. They will stop Arizona offense. Defense always over power offense if you have a good defense. If the passing game get shut down then that mean Arizona is fuked!! You guys have to remember that Arizona have to pass through Polamalu and crew.

[peetlui]

This line is sharp as a tack. 53% on the Cards, 47% on the Steelers.....Pretty close to even I would say. In other words the cover will be a toss up. Tough call. I envy you all who show so much confidence for either side. I certainly don't have it.

[khaden]

Originally Posted by peetlui

This line is sharp as a tack. 53% on the Cards, 47% on the Steelers.....Pretty close to even I would say. In other words the cover will be a toss up. Tough call. I envy you all who show so much confidence for either side. I certainly don't have it.

I agree-this is a tough call-

Cards have a better QB, better receivers, and 2 coaches who use to coach at Pitt and are intimately familiar with Pitt. And they were both passed over for the head coaching job. (Wisenhunt/Grimm)


Pitt has a knock out defense who has created turnovers in several games that created points that helped Pitt get the cover.

Rothlesberg has not screwed up in the playoffs--he is always a toss up and can easily give points to the Cards with ints or fumbles when he is scrambling.

I'm leaning toward the Cards with the points I think Ariz defense can handle Pitts offense -they did shut down Michael Turner and Atl, Both of Carolina's RB's and made Delhomme look like a fool, and stopped Westbrook. I think they will force Big Ben to make some turnovers and move the ball enough to keep it within the 7pts.

And more importantly---just when you think a team "has no chance of winning" in the NFL -what happens?

Still on the fence but I can't wait!