Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5) at Miami Dolphins

Sunday, October 24, 2010

by Aengus Moorehead

Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5) at Miami Dolphins - Rashard Mendenhall

Last week’s result:
Pittsburgh (-14.5) beats visiting Cleveland 28-10. Miami (+2.5) beats host Green Bay 23-20.

Last week against the Spread:
Pittsburgh covers; Miami upsets.

Analysis:
After four weeks of watching from the sidelines, Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger took his turn being the one watched, returning to lead his team to a 28-10 win over the AFC North division-rival Cleveland Browns this past Sunday. The fans at Heinz Field showered their franchise quarterback with cheers and praise in support, and it better have provided a lasting memory. Pittsburgh now hits the road for their longest trip of the season, with three straight games away from home, beginning this Sunday in South Beach.

The Miami Dolphins haven’t won in regulation since week two, and despite squeezing out a crucial overtime road win against the Green Bay Packers week six; there is concern in the locker room over their performance against AFC opponents. After opening the year with a close 15-10 road win over the lowly Buffalo Bills, the Dolphins lost by double-digit to both the New York Jets and New England Patriots in successive weeks to fall back to .500. The win over the Packers has them back in the win column, but how long will it last?

Despite ranking ninth overall in the league in rushing yards, all football betting eyes will remain on Roethlisberger and what he is able to do from the pocket. The two-time Super Bowl champion provides the offenses with another element, one the team has lacked with Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon starting the first four weeks. Pittsburgh will open things up against a Dolphins’ defense that has struggled against the pass this season, and put things away later in the game with running back Rashard Mendenhall taking over. Miami’s offense has relied on rushing the ball the past couple of years, but will have a tough time against the best run defense in the league.

The Dolphins are undefeated outside of their division, and after consecutive home losses will be determined to bounce back and give the fans at Sun Life Stadium something to cheer for. Miami will play AFC North opponents the next three weeks, and should have the Steelers well scouted. After weeks of ranking around the middle of the league on offense, both running and passing, the Dolphins will finally break through as their new pass-heavy outlook begins to show through. Miami limited a strong Packers’ offense to 20 points, and will have to do the same this week to have any chance against the Steelers.

The Steelers are a team destined for greatness, and after climbing their way back into a tie for the AFC North with a big win in Roethlisberger’s return last weekend, they seemed primed and ready to make a run. The Dolphins have struggled at home with consecutive losses to open the season. This week will make it three straight. Take Steelers.

Be a player and bet on Pittsburgh (-2.5) at Miami at Bodog Sportsbook

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ben roethlisberger - charlie batch - dennis dixon - football betting - heinz field - miami dolphins - pittsburgh steelers - rashard mendenhall - sun life stadium - super bowl

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