Jacksonville Jaguars v. Pittsburgh Steelers 2008 NFL Playoff Odds & Predictions
June 10, 2008
The Pittsburgh Steelers are pretty banged-up as they head into the NFL playoffs this season. That’s not good news for a team that a lot of people thought was the second or third best team in the AFC for much of the year. The team can’t be happy about being seen as a 2.5-point underdog on their home field, even with their 7-1 at Heinz Field this year. Of course, the Jags are the one team that put that loss on the record so that has to leave Ben and company a little worried.
Up to 50% Bonuses for New Accounts at BetUS and if you tell them we sent you then get our sports picks for FREE!
NFL Wild Card Playoff: Saturday, January 5, 2008 at 8 p.m. EST
Jacksonville Jaguars
–2.5 at Pittsburgh Steelers
+2.5
Willie Parker is on injured reserve so Najeh Davenport will be the starting running back for this game. Davenport, the former Packer, is not quite as speedy or shifty as Parker is but he is a pounding force that does a good job of picking up positive yardage and moving the chains on short yardage. His play will be an important factor with the Steelers going up against the stonewalling defense of Jacksonville. The real factor with Parker watching from the sidelines is they have little to no depth at the position now, and with Jacksonville being deep on their defensive front four they’ll have plenty of fresh legs down the stretch when Davenport starts to wear.
Ben Roethlisberger had a big year this season, rebounding from his horrific 2006 after he had his offseason motorcycle accident the previous offseason. If Pittsburgh is going to have a chance, they are going to need Big Ben to play a smart, fast game. Three weeks ago, the Jags were able to sack Ben five times and with pass protection has been an issue all year for the Steelers, the team has to be concerned heading into this playoff game.
Roethlisberger does has a weapon to throw to in Himes Ward, who has put up another great year this season. This tandem gives hope to the Pittsburgh faithful, but Big Ben does need to get other receivers involved to move the ball more effectively. Tight end Heath Miller is one of those guys that needs to get some touches as he is sure-handed and can take or deliver a hit.
The terrible condition of the turf at Heinz Field could be the intangible that decides this game. If you bet on the NFL playoffs and decide this is a game you like, make sure you check the Pittsburgh weather on Saturday before placing a bet because it could easily play a big role. With Pittsburgh’s running game hobbled if the weather turns bad we would have to think Jacksonville would benefit.