Pittsburgh (-2) @ Denver (+2); Total set at 37.5
This is the final “prime-time” game of the 2010 preseason and it features two teams that will being 2010 with a lot of questions and concerns. Pittsburgh’s faithful have to wonder how they will get out of the gates this year without Big Ben at QB, and Denver’s fans have to hope that their team won’t be affected too much by all the injuries they have suffered to key players.
For this game though, Big Ben will see a fair bit of action because the preseason is the last time he can train with the team and this is the game where all his fellow first stringers get to see the field the most. Both teams are considered running teams so this game could fly by with all the running plays called and the clock continuing to count down. Pittsburgh is 5-0 to the under the last five years during week 3 and that is largely due to their stellar defense and being able to shut down the opposition. Pittsburgh lost WR Santonio Holmes in the off-season and because of that they really are going to have to hope Mike Wallace steps up in his place. Tonight might be the night where they go to him early and often because he is the type of player that has struggled with drops and needs early success to build upon.
Denver has been hit hard by injuries this summer and the last thing they can afford is losing more key players by taking shots in a preseason game. The Broncos should take a more conservative approach this game and the starters might see a little less time than most anticipate. Besides there is always the Tim Tebow situation in Denver and giving him more work in the preseason will only add fuel to that argument.
Both teams have great defenses and this game should be a running affair with both teams relying on the strength of their defense in this game. Over 85% of the action likes the over in this game, and with it being a prime time game, many bettors out there will continue to pound the over, but I just don’t see how these two teams find a way to light up the scoreboard against each other.
My lean is on the under here, especially since you can get the hook on a key number at 37.5. If it does drop below 37 I would immediately stay away but, if it doesn’t it warrants a unit play on the under.
Related posts:
