NFL
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PITTSBURGH V SEATTLE – STEELERS NOW FAVOURED AT -4
Another week, another Super Bowl favorite. After the demise of Indy, it was Denver who took over the poisoned chalice of favouritism but that was short-lived, and the team that beat both the Colts and the Broncos are now favoured at 5/9 straight up. Pittsburgh, who were as big as 50/1 after Week 13, will now face Seattle in Super Bowl XL after becoming the first sixth seed to reach the big game. We make Pittsburgh 4-point favorites after winning on the road against the first, second and third seeds in their Conference. Seattle, who were available at 40/1 (Pittsburgh 16/1)pre-season, are in their first Super Bowl after easily disposing a

lack-lustre Carolina. The total is set at 47 here at bet365.


If anything, the Super Bowl line is based on the belief that the AFC is vastly superior to the NFC. Pittsburgh, a No.6 seed, is -4 against Seattle, the NFC’s top seed. That belief is backed up by looking at the teams that Pittsburgh have beaten in recent weeks – Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Denver – and they would have won all three by double-digits if it wasn’t for a Jerome Bettis fumble near the goal line against Indy.


In comparison, Seattle have had a relatively easy time of it getting to the Super Bowl, handing out a 20-10 the Redskins in the divisional round, and then blowing out the Carolina Panthers 34-14 in the NFC Championship Game. And neither the Redskins (little offence) nor the Panthers (too many injuries) brought anything close to their ‘A’ game against the Seahawks.


The Steelers also became the second team in history to win three consecutive playoff games on the road to land in the Super Bowl. Yes the Seahawks are extremely tough at home, but where were Seattle’s big road wins? During the regular season, the Seahawks’ road wins came against the Rams, 49ers, Cardinals, Titans and an injury-depleted Eagles club. They struggled to beat the 49ers and he Titans, and they might struggle again at Ford Field in Detroit on February 5th (live ‘In-play’ betting here at bet365).


BETTORS RIDING STEELERS BUS TO VICTORY AT -4
Bettors here at bet365 certainly think so after backing the early -3 down to -4. That could easily go to -4.5 next week, especially as there is more of a fan base for Pittsburgh, and the general public tend to bet up the favorite on these occasions. So, if you’re thinking of backing the Steelers, don’t wait till next week, take the -4 now.


Super Bowl XL Pick: Pittsburgh -4 @ 10/11



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