When you’ve been around football as long as I have, betting on the sport is bound to enter into your life. Like the game itself which a 365-day a year process, so too is wagering on it. The Pittsburgh Steelers will open the season on the first Monday night of the year and according to most online NFL odds, they are favored.
The Steelers will play their first game of the 2016 season in the nation’s Capitol against the Washington Redskins. As we sit here in June, there is still a lot to be figured out for both teams but on average the Steelers appear to be a three-point favorite.
While opening day is always a huge moment in the year for Steelers’ fans, this year will be a little tough to take. There is nothing worse than having to watch every other team on Sunday and then have to wait all day on Monday for your team to finally play.
It is what it is however and as Steelers’ fans this isn’t our first rodeo. The Steelers playing on Sunday night or Monday night is nothing new to us but that doesn’t mean we won’t complain just a little. Just seeing our black and gold back on the field is more than enough to satisfy us and our need for some Steelers’ football.
With weeks of training camp and four weeks of preseason games prior to the opener in “The House That Snyder Built,” both of these teams will look differently than they do currently. This isn’t abnormal either. Its typical for teams to keep an eye on what other teams are doing in terms of releasing vets who become expendable. No matter how good teams are they are always looking to get better especially in terms of depth.
The Steelers certainly fall into this category.
General Manager Kevin Colbert will likely look to add depth along the defensive line and possibly add a veteran in the secondary as well. Unfortunately what also can drive that need for adding players is injuries which are bound to happen as camp and preseason wear on.
Keep in mind the secondary is very young and has a lot of inexperience. William Gay is far and away the ‘old man’ of the cornerback position while Mike Mitchell and Rob Golden are the elder statesmen of the safety position. Obviously the injection of youth was much-needed but how much can the Steelers rely on Artie Burns? Sean Davis? Senquez Golson?
Don’t be surprised if a move is made there just add experience and no, I don’t mean Brandon Boykin either.
The Redskins seem to finally be settled at quarterback with Kirk Cousins and he has some decent weapons at his disposal especially with tight end Jordan Reed who has emerged as one of the better pass-catching tight ends.
September seems like a long ways away but it’s coming and even faster for the Steelers and Redskins. The three-point advantage sportsbooks are currently giving the Steelers isn’t likely to change unless there is a major injury to one of the two teams.
Either way, the game is approaching and it is never too soon to start thinking about the wagering aspect.
Photo courtesy redskins.com
