2012 Pittsburgh Steelers Over/Under Odds, Schedule, AFC and Super Bowl Odds

2012 NFL Team Predictions: Pittsburgh Steelers Vegas Over/Under Odds, Schedule and Forecast: Despite injury after injury last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers still managed to finish 10-6 and make the playoffs and appeared to have a fighting chance at making a return trip to the Super Bowl. However, one fateful pass from Denver quarterback Tim Tebow in overtime ended the Steelers’ season in the first round of the playoffs. It was an abrupt end to a year when Pittsburgh had found a way to overcome plenty of adversity. On the bright side, the offseason has allowed the Steelers to add some new parts and allowed the old parts to recover from injuries. If this group made the playoffs last year, there is no reason it can’t do more in 2012.

When you think Pittsburgh, you think defense, and last year, the Steel Curtain was at its best. The Steelers allowed the fewest points and yards per game last year and had the best pass defense in the NFL. Those numbers are impressive to say the least, and when you consider that Troy Polamalu, Casey Hampton, James Harrison, Ike Taylor, Ryan Clark and Lawrence Timmons all missed time or played through injuries, it is scary to think what this unit might do this season.

With the defense set to improve just by getting healthy, the focus this offseason was on the offensive side of the ball. Last year, the running game never got on track last year as injuries and poor offensive line play made the Steelers attack one dimensional. As a result, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger took a ton of hits. Granted, he is able to take some punishment and still be effective because of his size, but any QBs’ numbers are going to be better if he has time to scan the field and deliver the football. The shaky line play and lack of a running game led to Pittsburgh scoring just over 20 points a game last season, and that just isn’t going to win a championship in his age of offense.

To correct the issue, the Steelers added offensive guard David DeCastro and offensive tackle Mike Adams in the first two rounds of the draft. With center Maurkice Pouncey and tackle Max Starks set to return from injuries, as well, Pittsburgh’s line suddenly looks a lot more formidable. Throw in the fact that running back Rashard Mendenhall is already up to speed after suffering a knee injury late in the year, and the running game that the Steelers have relied on over the year should return in 2012. The added balance on offense should only make the passing game more explosive. Roethlisberger is one of the best in the business at extending plays, and with speedy receivers Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders at his disposal, expect more big plays and more points from Pittsburgh.

Overall, the Steelers have an experienced, veteran core of talented players on both sides of the ball, and they won three of the last six AFC title games for a reason. While the defense had to carry the team last year, the upgrades along the offensive line should jumpstart what was a stagnant offense at times last season. The leadership on this team should help speed up the learning process for Adams and DeCsatro, and as soon as Mendenhall gets in sync with the new group up front, the play-action pass will open back up in a big way. The AFC North is one of the toughest divisions in the league, but as long as the injury bug stays away, there is no reason that the Steelers can’t reclaim the crown. Health was the only thing standing between this team and another run at a championship in 2011.

Prediction: 11-5, AFC North Champs

2012 Pittsburgh Steelers Odds
Odds to Win Super Bowl: 14/1
Vegas Team Wins Over/Under Odds: 10 Wins
Odds to Win AFC North: +110
Odds to Win AFC: 6/1

2012 Pittsburgh Steelers Weekly Schedule
DATE OPPONENT TV
09/09/2012 at Denver N/A
09/16/2012 vs NY Jets N/A
09/23/2012 at Oakland N/A
10/07/2012 vs Philadelphia N/A
10/11/2012 at Tennessee N/A
10/21/2012 at Cincinnati N/A
10/28/2012 vs Washington N/A
11/04/2012 at NY Giants N/A
11/12/2012 vs Kansas City N/A
11/18/2012 vs Baltimore N/A
11/25/2012 at Cleveland N/A
12/02/2012 at Baltimore N/A
12/09/2012 vs San Diego N/A
12/16/2012 at Dallas N/A
12/23/2012 vs Cincinnati N/A
12/30/2012 vs Cleveland N/A

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