2008 Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Predictions

The Steelers captured their 18th division championship since the 1970 NFL merger last season, which is more than any other NFL team. Will the Steel City continue to rule the AFC North this season? Find out in Jimmy Boyd's 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers predictions and season preview.
 

Bet on Football Using Your Credit Card

Offense

Ben Roethlisberger has already had a career that most QB's would kill for in just four seasons of work. His 13-0 run in his rookie season, becoming the youngest QB to ever win a Super Bowl in 2005, his quick recovery from a near-fatal motorcycle wreck in 2006, and his 32 touchdown Pro Bowl season in 2007. Roethlisberger will have to work the same kind of magic in 2008 if the Steelers want to add to their long list of division titles.

The Steelers made highly touted tailback Rashard Mendenhall their first round draft pick. He'll team up with the explosive Willie Parker to form the best tailback tandem in the NFL.

Big Ben wanted the Steelers to bring in a tall target and he got his wish when the team selected the 6'4'' Limas Sweed in the second round. Santonio Holmes gives the Steelers a deep threat. He led the NFL with an 18.1 yards per catch average last year. And Hines Ward still gets it done. 6'5'' tight end Heath Miller is also a major asset in the passing game.

The offensive line will likely keep some of Pittsburgh's good skill players from performing the way they have in the past. A weak unit got even weaker when it lost Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca to the Jets. The Steelers did nothing to replace him. With a third starting center in as many year projected to be stepping in as well as two to three new starters on the line, Pittsburgh could struggle offensively at times.

Defense

The Steelers are getting old up front and they have no depth behind their starters. Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel especially have no help at the ends. The Steelers are still strong up the middle with four-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton. Chris Hoke is a solid backup for him. Pittsburgh should still be effective against the run, but will likely struggle to mount a pass rush.

James Harrison was phenomenal at outside linebacker last season, earning the team's MVP award and a Pro Bowl selection. LaMarr Woodley will start on the left side and has been highly touted. Larry Foote is solid at inside linebacker and will share some time with 2007 top draft choice Lawrence Timmons. Defensive captain James Farrior is 33, but he can still make all of the plays.

An average secondary slipped last season when it lost three-time Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu. Polamalu has been the spark plug on the defense, but his injuries kept him from being the big play threat he has been in the past. He had no interceptions or sacks last season. The Steelers need a healthy Polamalu to bolster this unit.

Special Teams

Kicker Jeff Reed was about as good as you can be last season connection on 23 of 25 field goal attempts. Young punter Daniel Sepulveda appears to be a Pro Bowler in the making. The Steelers return game and kickoff coverage units were among the worst in the league.

Prediction – 3rd AFC North

I see the Steelers finishing behind the Browns and the Ravens in a tight AFC North division. The Bengals will be the odd team out because of their poor defense and team chemistry. Pittsburgh has very talented offensive skill players, but a weak line will hold them back.

Sign up for Jimmy Boyd's NFL picks package this season and make more money than you ever thought possible. Jimmy has been beating the sportsbooks for better than a decade and now you can bet the same plays that he does on a weekly basis at a very reasonable price. Hope to see you on board.

Check out the official site of the Pittsburgh Steelers and for more information.

July 1st, 2008