Joseph D'Amico
Bobby Conn
One of the sharpest minds in the handicapping business.
Info Plays
Larry Cook began betting sports in the early 80's and took his fair share of bumps and bruises before he learned what it takes to win consistently as a sports bettor.
Johnny Banks
Johnny Banks has been betting on sports successfully for several years and in 2009 he decided to take his sports picks public to help the average sports bettor beat the books.
Vernon Croy
Vernon Croy is one of the most reputable sports Handicappers in the World and he has been very consistent at making his Clients money throughout his prestigious career in all Major and Minor sports.
Super Sunday! by Jim Feist
The Steelers are looking for their third Super Bowl title in six seasons while the Packers make their first trip to the big game since 1998. Back in August the Steelers and Packers were both 10-to-1 to win the Super Bowl, trailing four other teams.
Though they are the dog this game, we are in a golden age for the AFC. It’s almost as if the pendulum has swung. During the 1980s and much of the 90s, the NFC dominated, winning 15 of 16 Super Bowls, including 13 in a row. That changed in 1998 when Denver upset Green Bay, 31-24. Since then, the AFC has won 9 of the last 13, though the Packers would like to make it two in a row after the Saints won last season.
Since 2004 rules have been changed by the NFL to favor offense. That includes enforcing the 5-yard rule to help wide receivers get down field with less hindrance and the Brady rule, which protects quarterbacks. When the top-ranked offenses met last year, following the pass-happy Arizona Cardinals surprising run to the Super Bowl the previous season, many wondered if offense was now they way to build a championship team.
Defense has almost always been the name of the game this time of the season and it appears defense has made a significant statement. In the conference finals, the four teams (Steelers, Jets, Packers, Bears) were ranked in the Top 10 in total defense and Top 6 in points allowed. The Packers and Steelers are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in points allowed. So much for offenses taking over the game!
The Packers have been amazing in that they were a preseason pick to be one of the top teams in the NFC, got decimated with injuries, but still managed to persevere and get this far. The Steelers had to endure missing their starting quarterback for the first four games because of a suspension, but it didn’t matter as their depth and defense have been sensational.
The Steelers hope to continue a trend: The underdog is 7-2 ATS the last nine Super Bowls, winning four times, including last season. Here’s a look at what to expect this weekend as America’s unofficial national holiday, the Super Bowl, kicks off.
What the Steelers want to do: Blitz on defense and have balance on offense. The Steelers have a developed a ground game, something they lacked a year ago, averaging 120 yards per game (11th) behind RB Rashard Mendenhall (1,273 yards). They ran right at the Jets in the AFC Championship game for 166 yards which results in a significant edge in time of possession. They would like to do the same to keep the football out of the hands of the Packer air game.
Pittsburgh can throw the ball when needed behind Ben Roethlisberger (17 TDs, 5 INTs), TE Heat Miller and WRs Hines Ward and speedy Mike Wallace (1,257 yards, 10 TDs, averaging 21 yards per reception). This defense is dynamite, unleashing the zone blitz for coordinator Dick LeBeau with great linebackers and a hard hat physical style. The Steelers are on an 11-3 SU, 9-5 ATS run and 16-5 over the total their last 21 playoff games.
What the Packers want to do: Disrupt the Pittsburgh offensive line and attack through the air on offense. The Steelers have an improved run game but can be suspect in pass blocking, with Roethlisberger too often taking a beating (26 sacks the last eight games). The Jets tried that, but Big Ben is so good at stiff-arming tacklers and throwing on the run. Containing the Steeler ground game should be the top priority.
On offense, the Packers didn’t run athe football well during the regular season (24th) because of injuries, but rookie James Starks has given them a boost in the postseason. Still, this is a pass-first offense and Green Bay is likely to spread the field with 4-5 wide receivers for QB Aaron Rodgers (34 TDs, 13 INTs counting playoffs) and WRs Greg Jennings and James Jones. The offense is fifth in passing with 260 yards per game. Over the last 35 years, the “over” has gone 20-15 in Super Bowl play, though the under is 5-1 the last five years. Enjoy the big game!
