NFL Predictions – Take the Under in Steelers vs Panthers Matchup

Two coaches that don’t know who they are going to start at quarterback can only mean one thing for preseason NFL football picks and bettors – a low scoring game.

Carolina Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Live from Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, PA
Kickoff: 7:30 pm Thursday, September 2, 2010
TV/Radio: WCCB, KDKA

NFL Game Odds:
Carolina Panthers +6
Pittsburgh Steelers -6
Total 37

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Both Carolina and Pittsburgh showed some upside towards the end of last season, but offseason adjustments may be working out for the worse.

Since Ben Roethlisberger’s six-game suspension this football betting offseason, neither of Pittsburgh’s backup quarterbacks seem keen on grasping the starting role.

Second-string quarterback Byron Leftwich completed a total of 9 passes out of 20 attempts in three 2010-11 football betting preseason games. Leftwich has recorded only a single touchdown over that span.

Dennis Dixon is Leftwich’s main competition as the starter in Pittsburgh, but he has also performed poorly during the preseason.

Dixon completed 22 out of 31 attempts, for 304 yards, one touchdown and two football picks in three preseason games.

Carolina can relate to the Steelers perilous quarterback depth. Starter Matt Moore and rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen combined for zero touchdowns and three interceptions during three preseason games.

Carolina also lacks depth at wide receiver. Aside from Steve Smith (who ranked 25th in the league in receiving yards last year), no receiver on the Panthers roster even came close to being an offensive threat.

As for the Steelers, they have their own troubles at wide receiver. Pittsburgh traded away their top wideout and Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes to the Jets for a 5th round pick.

Hines Ward (who only has three preseason receptions) and Mike Wallace are all that’s left to lead an aerial attack in which no other wide receiver caught more than 14 yards in a game the whole 2010 football betting picks season.

Although both teams are going through major offensive turbulence, their defenses are what decided my NFL football pick for this preseason matchup.

Last year, the Panthers were 3rd against the run in the NFL and retained many of the core run-stopping pieces on defense. In three preseason games, Carolina has allowed a mere 202 rushing yards.

Carolina’s stout rushing defense will halt any running back the Steelers decide to start. Between their sputtering running game and their non-existent aerial offense, Pittsburgh will be lucky to put up a few field goals.

The Panthers too will be fortunate to come away with a touchdown in this matchup. Their feeble passing attack accompanied by the Steelers 9th-ranked pass defense means there is high potential for an unproductive offensive game for Carolina.

NFL Football Picks: Under 37

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