Behind the Steel Curtain: Game by Game Breakdown of the 2010 Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a tumultuous offseason that led to the suspension of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for the first six games of the season.

Sportsbooks like Bet Mania released the win/loss forecast for the Steelers and the over/under is set at 8.5. This is much lower than normal for a Steelers team and shows just how much this team can struggle without Big Ben at the helm.

The Steelers have one of best front offices in the league and are truly committed to winning. They made moves to make up for the loss of Big Ben and help complete an injured offensive line.

Here is a breakdown of the schedule with predicted outcomes for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010.

9/12, ATLANTA, 1 pm

Pittsburgh's opening day at home to kick off the season seems like a lock, but look for them to stumble to start the season. If this defense has a weakness, it is the secondary, as this team finished just 16^th in pass defense last year. The Falcons are vastly improved from a year ago and get the win in Week One. Steelers: 0-1

9/19, @Tennessee, 1 pm

The Steelers head to Tennessee and should realign the ship in Week Two. The defense can stack the run and that will be big trouble for Chris Johnson. The Titans finished at the bottom of the heap in pass defense and that will allow for the Steelers' offense to get going. Steelers win in Week Two. Steelers: 1-1

9/26, @Tampa Bay, 1 pm

This is a potential letdown game with the Baltimore Ravens on deck. The Steelers will keep this game closer than most people would predict but pull out in the end. Steelers narrowly defeat the Bucs in Week Three. Steelers: 2-1

10/3, BALTIMORE, 1 pm

If he satisfies requirements, Big Ben could have his suspension reduced and may be back for this game. This series always comes down to the wire and I give the edge to the home team by a field goal. Steelers: 3-1

10/17, CLEVELAND, 1 pm

For some reason, the Cleveland Browns have a way of playing tough against the Steelers. They won’t in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh beats the Browns by double digits. Steelers: 4-1

10/24, @Miami, 1 pm

The Dolphins are another team that will be vastly improved this year. In revenge mode, they upset the Steelers and get the win at home. The Steelers get caught looking ahead to three prime time games. Steelers: 4-2

10/31, @New Orleans, 8:20 pm

The Steelers play a Halloween game in New Orleans in what will be the best game of the week. The home-field advantage and the offense of the Saints will be too much for the Steelers to handle. The Saints win and the Steelers fall to 4-3.

11/8 (Mon), @Cincinnati, 8:30 pm

The Steelers play well on Monday nights and they have double revenge against the Bengals. They have this one circled on the schedule and win with physical defense in a close game. Steelers: 5-3.

 

11/14, NEW ENGLAND, 8:20 pm

The Steelers have a short week to prepare for Tom Brady and the Patriots. The Steelers don’t have enough in the end to win against the Pats and lose by a field goal. Steelers 5-4

 

11/21, OAKLAND, 1 pm

The Steelers were embarrassed when they lost at home to the pitiful Raiders last year. This year, they get revenge in a big way and blow the doors off the Raiders. Steelers: 6-4

11/28, @Buffalo, 1 pm

Another potential letdown spot, as the Steelers travel to Baltimore next. The good news is that the Bills are one of the worst teams in the league and won’t be able to pull off the upset. Steelers: 7-4

12/5, @Baltimore, 8:20 pm

These teams play tough games that are always close and I give the edge to the home team again. The Ravens win at home by a field goal. Steelers: 7-5

12/12, CINCINNATI, 1 pm

The Bengals travel to Pittsburgh to try and get revenge for an earlier loss at home. The Steelers come up short after a physical game against the Ravens and split the season series. Steelers: 7-6

12/19, NEW YORK JETS, 4:15 pm

The Jets focus on the run and the Steelers can contain the run. The linebackers of the Steelers force Mark Sanchez into making mistakes and ground the Jets. Steelers win and move to 8-6 on the season.

12/23 (Thu), CAROLINA, 8:20 pm

It's another short week, but there is a good chance the Steelers will see Jimmy Clausen under center. That equates to a win for the Steelers. Steelers: 9-6

1/2, @Cleveland, 1 pm

Last year, late in the season, the Steelers went to Cleveland and lost the game. This year, they will remember that and end the season with a road win.

 

Steelers 2010 Final Record: 10-6

BEST BET: Steelers OVER 8.5 Wins

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Other 2010 NFL Preview Articles:

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Game by Game Breakdown of the Tennessee Titans

Game by Game Breakdown of the New England Patriots

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