Does the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2020 meltdown leave behind any remnants?
When Pittsburgh takes on the Buffalo Bills as a significant underdog in the season opener, online sports bettors from Mountain State are eager to know the odds. The game is listed at +6.5 at DraftKings Sportsbook West Virginia.
Pittsburgh’s collapse last season raised concerns as they went from an impressive 11-0 to 12-4 regular-season record, ultimately resulting in a disappointing 48-37 playoff defeat to the Cleveland Browns, marred by numerous errors.
At the beginning of their decline, Pittsburgh experienced a 26-15 defeat against Buffalo during the regular season. This loss stood out because it marked the first time the Steelers were considered underdogs throughout the year, with a +2.5 point spread.
Not only in this game, but also in the AFC North, Pittsburgh is now considered a bigger underdog.
According to DraftKings, the division is predicted to be dominated by the Baltimore Ravens, with odds of +110, followed by the Cleveland Browns with odds of +155. The Pittsburgh Steelers, on the other hand, have odds of +500.
According to Johnny Avello, the director of race and sportsbook operations for DraftKings, the betting sentiments in that division have undergone a shift.
Regarding the aging yet talented Steelers quarterback, the concern for Pittsburgh centers around Ben Roethlisberger’s ability to maintain good health. The query at hand is whether he can successfully complete a full season and lead the team deep into the postseason. Given that this is likely his final year, there are numerous uncertainties surrounding this matter.
Betting On The Pittsburgh Steelers At WV Sportsbooks
Can This Harris Be THAT Harris?
Last year, the Pittsburgh team ranked at the bottom of the NFL for rushing yardage. In order to compensate, they relied heavily on short outlet passes, essentially treating them as their primary running game. However, as the season progressed, the receivers began struggling with dropped passes, while opposing defenses caught on and started crowding the short-passing routes. Consequently, the Steelers’ performance declined significantly.
The issue was tackled head-on during the NFL Draft, where the Steelers made a smart move by selecting Najee Harris in the 24th position. The talented player was snatched by the team, having showcased his exceptional skills by scoring three touchdowns (two rushing and one receiving) during Alabama’s dominant victory over Ohio State in the National Championship.
The size and speed of the back led to optimistic comparisons with Franco Harris, the legendary Steelers player who played a crucial role in securing the team’s first series of Super Bowl victories during the 1970s.
Can this current team also develop a strong offensive line, like the Steelers did?
Steelers Betting Options
Why wait three hours for the result at Caesars WV? Place bets on the first drive of the game for both teams.
Pittsburgh’s first drive:
- Punt -103
- Touchdown +295
- Field goal attempt +375
- Turnover +450
If you are fond of the Steelers’ defense, then here is Buffalo’s initial offensive possession:
- Punt +125
- Touchdown +210
- Field goal attempt +360
- Turnover +500
Bettors have the opportunity to tease the line with DraftKings.
The Steelers have odds of -110 with a spread of +6.5.
Purchasing a point to increase the spread to +7.5 comes at a cost of –140. While it may be on the pricier side, this option is worth contemplating for a dedicated bettor.
The line can also be changed by lowering it.
The Steelers are listed with a spread of +3.5, offering odds of +135. This price seems fair and allows bettors to have an advantage if they believe Pittsburgh can stay within a field goal.
If the Steelers manage to pull off the upset, bettors can enjoy a sweet price of +240 on the moneyline.
The prop of anytime scorers remains a beloved choice among fans on DraftKings.
Harris has odds of +120 to score at any point during the game, and odds of +800 to score first. He is anticipated to have a prominent role in the offense, potentially receiving around 20 carries. The Steelers’ objective is to establish a strong running game in order to safeguard Roethlisberger.
Among others, Chase Claypool, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Diontae Johnson are a few of the receiving props in the talented corps. The first touchdown payout (+1200 for Claypool, +1400 for Smith-Schuster and Johnson) is enticing, but it’s challenging to predict which player will be the likely first scoring target.
Last year, Roethlisberger relied on Johnson as his most dependable and skilled clutch receiver.
Season Angles With BetMGM Sportsbook
According to general agreement, Pittsburgh falls within the range of eight to nine wins.
BetMGM Sportsbook WV is offering a great opportunity to predict the precise number of wins and potentially earn a substantial payout.
- Eight wins +500
- Nine wins +700
- 10 wins +700
- 11 wins +800
Bettors have a few options available here. One option is to attempt to predict the exact win total.
Another strategy is to combine eight to 11 wins, similar to how UFC bettors link knockout rounds to improve the likelihood of winning. By doing this, bettors effectively enhance their potential profit, increasing the chances of winning at a lower cost.
To facilitate the discussion, let’s place a $100 bet on each of the mentioned totals. The lowest number, eight, guarantees a 25% profit. The numbers nine and ten yield a 75% profit, while eleven ensures a 100% profit.
This strategy will be carefully scrutinized by high-stakes gamblers who possess substantial funds, as they aim to capitalize on a probable payout. However, this method is not of interest to small-scale bettors.
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