What can you say about the Pittsburgh Steelers that hasnt already been said? Winners of more Super Bowls than any other team in the long history of the NFL, including last seasons exciting last minute win over the surprising Arizona Cardinals, the Steelers have been nothing short of a model franchise.

Their long, long history of almost continuous success dates way back to the 1970s when their loaded rosters on both sides of the ball under Hall of Fame Head Coach Chuck Noll won three Super Bowls and terrorized the league

Those great teams had players like Terry Bradshaw as quarterback , receivers like the great and graceful Lynn Swann , and defensive stalwarts like Mean Joe Greene. And that team also had Franco Harris who was the fortunate recipient of the immaculate reception , one of the great catches in football history and a game-turner, as well.

Teams are not supposed to remain great forever, but the Steelers, under the Rooney family ownership, have been as consistently good as any team has ever been. The current crop of Steelers players include young quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who has already proven himself under fire in really big games one of the best and toughest defenses since the 1985 Bears … excellent special teams … and just enough offense to complement all of the team’s other components.

The Steelers have something else - a winning attitude. Consistently good play over a period of years has given this team confidence. They know they can win - against any and all competition - and they do. It seems to prove that success in athletics - regardless of the sport - is at least part mental. In other words, if you think you can win, there’s a good chance that you will win.

There is a downside for being so successful - for fans of the team and for those who enjoy wagering on them. Pittsburgh is almost always the favorite, based on the lines put out every week by Las Vagas odds makers. Frequently, that’s not a problem. The Steelers, especially when playing at home, deserve to be the favorite. But, they are often made the favorite on the road, too. And, from time to time, that makes this team a bad bet.

Keep this in mind: they have never gone undefeated and they have never “covered the spread” throughout an entire season. They lose games … and even when they win, can make you lose bets. The 1972 Miami Dolphins are the only team ever to go unbeaten … and even they did not “cover the spread” in every game they played.
There is no doubt that the Steelers are good and will be good again in 2009-2010, but as Super Bowl Champions they will also be targets. Every team they play will “get up” for them. That knowledge, if you use it, could present you with some great betting opportunities.

You can bet the Steelers this year - carefully!