2013 Super Bowl Odds: Steelers Again Expected to Contend for Lombardi Despite Early Playoff Exit and Aging Roster
by Michael Bean on Feb 6, 2012 12:58 PM EST
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PrintNot a day has passed since the final second ticked off the clock in Super Bowl XLVI, the final game of the 2011 NFL season, but Las Vegas already has posted their first set of Super Bowl Odds for the 2013 season. God Bless America.
So, where do the Pittsburgh Steelers stand? Let's take a look.
2013 SB Odds
Green Bay Packers: 6/1
New England Patriots: 7/1
New Orleans Saints: 8/1
Philadelphia Eagles: 12/1
Pittsburgh Steelers: 12/1
Houston Texans: 12/1
Baltimore Ravens: 14/1
New York Giants: 15/1
**********
Several things stand out to me. Firstly, even though the New York Giants have proven to be wildly inconsistent during the regular season in recent years, their roster seems to be well suited to contend with the league's best once again in 2013. They're not excessively old on either side of the ball, they have a top-shelf quarterback, and the defense will likely only get better collectively.
I like the way they stacked the AFC contenders (though I think the Pats are terrible value at 7/1 right now; they'll fall down to the pack a bit at some point next season when their defense again starts to look like it's not championship caliber). But I think it's fair to rank the Steelers and Texans as the next best teams in the AFC. Watch out for Houston next season. If they can catch a few breaks in the injury department, they'll be a load to handle.
Ravens fans could easily argue, however, that their team belongs ahead of both the Steelers and Texans.
They did, after all, have New England on the ropes in the AFC Championship Game. Despite getting long in the tooth in places, the Ravens have drafted well in recent years and should improve in more areas than they regress.
Plenty of time to assess the strength of teams' rosters later this spring and summer once free agency and the 2012 NFL Draft have come and gone, but a fun first look at who's again expected to be in the conversation in the final stages of next year.
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Better odds than Ravens
The Flacco Factor
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
Funny thing, tho
This was the first season I thought Flacco looked like a winner.
I mean, is he an elite quarterback? Aw, hell no! But, is he good enough to contribute to a Super Bowl run? Yeah.
Admittedly, that’s classes him with Neil O’Donnell, but by Ravens standards at QB that’s enough to get your jersey retired.
Flacco has proven he can take his team to the Super Bowl
I honestly don’t mind the Steelers being favored ahead of us because Ben has proven it. Hopefully our receivers will help him out a bit more next season.
Flacco has proven he can take his team to the Super Bowl
When was this?
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
be nice, that guys not a d-bag like other Raven fans that show up here. But to answer your question for him, he did make a beautiful pass that should have been caught. That would have been your ball game.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Wow FrankWyt...
…by that logic, the Steelers should have several more Lombardi’s.
I understand your defense of the poster, and have no issue with him, nor was I trying to be nasty, but either you get into the Super Bowl, or you don’t; and until you have gotten in, no way can you justify the statement that Flacco has proven that he can.
It like saying the Bills have proven they can win a Super Bowl; they were in it 4 times in a row, but lost all 4. So what exactly did they prove?
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
All I’m trying to say is that Flacco can lead us to the Super Bowl. Had Evans not dropped that pass, we wouldn’t be talking about this. I’m saying this because people think that the Ravens should try and get another QB, which I think is ridiculous.
I totally agree with:
I’m saying this because people think that the Ravens should try and get another QB, which I think is ridiculous
and the BB folks would rue the day Flacco left; he does have the potential, just hasn’t done it yet. He also has to contend with a wide receiving corp that hasn’t done him any favors the past few years.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
Down by 3, on the road, in the AFC Championship game, with less than 2 minutes to go, on our own 20 yard line
Flacco drives us down the field and throws a TD pass that is dropped by Evans. So we should have won there. Fine, at least we’ll tie the game right? Our kicker misses a 32 yarder that would have at least given us a chance. That TD pass should have been caught and we should have been in the Super Bowl.
Ifs, buts, shoulda, woulda doesn’t get us anywhere though. All I’m saying is the magnitude of that moment didn’t get to Flacco and he proved he could win the game, if not for our other players failing to execute.
^^^ This has not happened in the present day "reality" universe most of us not saddled with a serious hallucinatory condition live in.
But he doesn’t suck.
Except when he throws to the other team a lot in the playoffs.
http://tr4f.wordpress.com
Mountainbiking the Continental Divide in 2012 to raise awareness of human trafficking.
Big items
1. The Texans ranking is caused by two factors. One, they will come back with Matt Schaub healthy. Two, history favors the teams that sneak up on everyone — ask the Giants.
2. The Steelers at 12-1 feels fair, but a shade undervalued. That will lens into greater clairty with the draft.
3. The Pawts at 7-1 is criminal. I’d take 7-1 odds they don’t make the playoffs next season. 2-1 if the Bills come out with a strong draft and free agency period.
4. Saints at 8-1? Hmmm . . . I think we’re over-rating the QB influence a bit much even for the Joystick Age of pro football. Saints have gotten bounced too many times in the Brees era to really be mentioning them that high.
5. Eagles at 12-1? Mark my words: Michael Vick will never win a conference championship let alone an NFL title. You gotta survive a whole season to do either one.
Totally agree with 5
Vick is a fun, flashy player that’ll give you a handful of great games, but not enough to win anything substantial.
The Pats that high is ridiculous.
Especially when the team has a Super Model Soccer Mom watching out for them and a gimpy superstar tight end that somehow finds enough energy and peace of mind to go….party?
This is one reason why I am glad to be a STeelers fan, and one reason why the Patriots will not win another Super Bowl in Brady’s time wearing a Flying Elvi on his head.
http://tr4f.wordpress.com
Mountainbiking the Continental Divide in 2012 to raise awareness of human trafficking.
Of course we're in the mix.
Steelers don’t rebuild. They reload.
"Hey number 16! I'm coming to kill you and there ain't nothing he can do about it!" -James Harrison to Matt Cassel on his LT during the 08' beating of the Pats.
by SoCalSteelerFan on Feb 6, 2012 1:44 PM EST via Android app reply actions
Let's wait and see how the FO does this offseason...
…before we continue to repeat that Mantra (Steelers don’t rebuild. They reload). There’s a lot of changes that need to take place due to age, contracts, cap space, etc, and we’re not in the best draft position to capture the best talent this year.
An offensive weapon is no good if it doesn’t fire consistently, and we still don’t know who will be aiming the offense this coming season.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
Even with the coming changes
This is still a talented team. I worry the defense may have a few down years while transitioning to some younger guys, but this is a team that should be capable of being a threat to everyone on the schedule. We may not win every game but we should be a serious playoff contender and, if things work our way, we should be able to make some noise in the playoffs.
by steelerintexas on Feb 6, 2012 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
But.....
Nothing lends itself to us thinking otherwise.
We may have needs, but I think this is a deep draft, especially where our needs are needed.
http://tr4f.wordpress.com
Mountainbiking the Continental Divide in 2012 to raise awareness of human trafficking.
The Patriots and Ravens are past their prime. The Steelers may still be there because their offense can win games where the defense used to.
True
and we have better young talent on our roster than either of them – next will be EPIC
I pledge allegiance to the Terrible Towel and the only team in America, and to the franchise for which it stands, one nation under Rooney, indivisible, with the ability to crush you all.
"He was popping off down there the first time they were about to score. So you run your mouth, expect to get something. Everything's between the lines, so he got what he had coming. He was running his mouth and getting in the way of the train, and the train wasn't coming off the track."
-James Harrison on Kyle Orton
by TVsCHACHI on Feb 6, 2012 5:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Specifically our young Defensemen
I pledge allegiance to the Terrible Towel and the only team in America, and to the franchise for which it stands, one nation under Rooney, indivisible, with the ability to crush you all.
"He was popping off down there the first time they were about to score. So you run your mouth, expect to get something. Everything's between the lines, so he got what he had coming. He was running his mouth and getting in the way of the train, and the train wasn't coming off the track."
-James Harrison on Kyle Orton
by TVsCHACHI on Feb 6, 2012 5:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Past Their Prime?
Patriots have 2-1st round picks,2-2nd round picks in the upcoming draft.Their defense is 1 of the youngest in the league.They are not the Steelers defense but to say the Patriots are past their prime is inaccurate.
The reason why they are 7-1 odds is because of BB & Brady(as proven this year) nhot their defense.
If the Patriots use their picks this year on defense,then yeah I like those odds.
they’ve had extra draft picks for the last 6 years. I can’t think of one of them that has worked out.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Fo sho.
Despite what a lot of people want to believe, the Patriots aren’t amazing when it comes to drafting players.
"If you havin' dragon problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 arrows but my knee took one."
I would absolutely love it if the Philthedelphia Iggles once again fail to make the playoffs, despite them having the same Super Bowl odds as us.
"If you havin' dragon problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 arrows but my knee took one."
The philly eagles
being ahead of teams like the Steelers, Ravens, and Giants is laughable to say the least. Ha
There is a rumor flying around
That Haley will be announced as our new OC
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
by John Stephens on Feb 6, 2012 5:12 PM EST via Android app reply actions
I'm not....he was strong in AZ
Got in a fight on the sidelines with Boldin but that was when Boldin, you may recall, was griping in the NFCC about not getting the ball. I appreciate that fire and shut up and play the game mentality.
Don’t tell Neal.
"If you havin' dragon problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 arrows but my knee took one."
Some one call Neal's wife...
…and have her pop the circuit breaker to his work computer…else he may pop a synapse over this news.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
Keith Butler?
The people reporting the story about Haley, are the same guys who told us that Keith Butler was the Colts new DC. I’ll believe the news if, and when the Steelers make an official announcement.
by Greig Clawson on Feb 6, 2012 6:15 PM EST up reply actions
I think the odds are fair..but Steelers have issues that must be addressed. This is the time of the year for mock drafts…I know, I know almost all are worthless but most have Steelers going D with a NT or ILB in first round. HUGE mistake..must take best available tackle or guard with pick 24..must protect our million dollar QB. Draft is deep enough to get a NT and an ILB in the second and third rounds. We also need another OG… Lucas Nix from Pitt would look great in black and gold….another TE and maybe a running back depending on Mendy and Batch’s rehabs.
Any one have one of those air sick bags?.
Might wanna send it off to Neal after he heres who our new OC is
Nah man, F*ck the Baltimore Birdies
Art Modell cursed that organization when he stole them away from Cleveland in the night, it may look as if gold lie ahead of them but it’s just an acre of bilirubin shit
I pledge allegiance to the Terrible Towel and the only team in America, and to the franchise for which it stands, one nation under Rooney, indivisible, with the ability to crush you all.
"He was popping off down there the first time they were about to score. So you run your mouth, expect to get something. Everything's between the lines, so he got what he had coming. He was running his mouth and getting in the way of the train, and the train wasn't coming off the track."
-James Harrison on Kyle Orton
by TVsCHACHI on Feb 6, 2012 5:41 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I saw the Steelers odds as 6-1
earlier today
"Aye, do tiitieboy twochainz got twitter?"
by DwightWhite's Missing Tooth on Feb 6, 2012 5:48 PM EST reply actions
Breaking news 5:45
KDKA just reported that Todd Haley has been hired as OC for the Steelers, but the Steelers have not commented yet.
Stay tuned! But turn of the fans!
I think this is good
He’s creative, has a lot of experience and runs a playbook to the teams strengths. In AZ threw a ton and in KC ran a ton
Take the Haley news with a grain of salt
It was only about a week ago, that everyone was reporting that Keith Butler was hired as the Colts defensive coordinator.
The Steelers might have an aging roster, but I think they've been a team in transition the past couple of seasons.
If you look at certain positions, they’ve gotten pretty young in a hurry. Most notably, defensive line and at the cornerback position. I know Heyward and Hood haven’t totally stepped in to take over at defensive end, but it’s just a matter of time. And, of course, it’s just a matter of time for the likes of Allen, Brown and Lewis in the secondary.
Will those guys (mainly Hood and Heyward) be as good as the legends they will be replacing? That remains to be seen.
On the offensive side of the ball, I’m pretty sure I heard one of the talking heads say that they had the youngest offense in the league. The fact that they could get to a Super Bowl last year and win 12 games again this past season is pretty encouraging.
Well, maybe these odds will cheer this chick up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Qr2EF362Q0k#!
http://tr4f.wordpress.com
Mountainbiking the Continental Divide in 2012 to raise awareness of human trafficking.
I don't see how these odds mean anything at this time of the year. There are so many variables still to come
I mean who gets drafted
who gets traded
who gets signed
who gets hurt
who retires
I mean if Peyton is healthy do the Colts move up?
If TO signs with someone like the Lions?
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