Sportsbook odds on the Pittsburgh Steelers could be affected by the latest player the Steelers added. Pittsburgh got quarterback Byron Leftwich from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a seventh-round draft pick. Normally this wouldn’t be big news at the online sportsbook but Leftwich could easily be starting the season for the Steelers as starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is expected to be suspended.
Sportsbook odds would likely be a little more favorable towards Pittsburgh with Leftwich at quarterback rather than third-year quarterback Dennis Dixon or longtime backup Charlie Batch. Leftwich backed up Roethlisberger in 2008 and that was a Super Bowl-winning year for the Steelers. Leftwich is very familiar with the Pittsburgh system and with offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. There is a real chance he could be the starting quarterback when the Steelers open up the regular season against the Atlanta Falcons. Most people believe that Roethlisberger is going to be suspended for the first four games of the regular season. The addition of Leftwich could be huge for Pittsburgh chances vs. the odds at the online sportsbook.
Pittsburgh opens the season with some interesting games. They play Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Tennessee and Baltimore. If Roethlisberger does not play as expected then Leftwich could be the starter in all four of those games. Dixon started one game at quarterback last year for Pittsburgh but it is very likely the Steelers would feel more comfortable with Leftwich as the starter with Roethlisberger out. In 2008, Leftwich threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns. Last season Leftwich was 58 of 107 passes for 594 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions before being injured.
Pittsburgh is a Super Bowl contender and every game that is won or lost is huge. Getting a veteran quarterback who knows the system and can step in and play immediately could be extremely important for Pittsburgh. Getting Leftwich for a seventh round pick sure looks like a great move for the Steelers in 2010. None of the first four games are automatic wins vs. the sportsbook odds. The Falcons are a very good team that should make the playoffs as are the Ravens. Tennessee is capable of making the playoffs while Tampa Bay could be improved this season. Pittsburgh is preparing for those games in anticipation that they will not have Roethlisberger available so the addition of Leftwich is not inconsequential.