Who'll take top prize?
The Steelers are clear favourites with many NFL followers in the US, but their nationwide popularity and Super Bowl history (four times winners) may be a factor
Dave Harris
03-Feb-2006
The AFC and NFC Champions meet in Detroit this Sunday for one of the
closest Super Bowl match-ups in recent years. Here are some thoughts on the grand final:
Pittsburgh Steelers v Seattle Seahawks
The Steelers are clear favourites with many NFL followers in the US, but their nationwide popularity and Super Bowl history (four times winners) may be a factor. Considering the similarities between these two sides, this could be a closer final than many are expecting. Sporting Index has priced up Pittsburgh to edge it by 2 to 4 points, and this one could be decided by a mere field goal.
The Steelers are clear favourites with many NFL followers in the US, but their nationwide popularity and Super Bowl history (four times winners) may be a factor. Considering the similarities between these two sides, this could be a closer final than many are expecting. Sporting Index has priced up Pittsburgh to edge it by 2 to 4 points, and this one could be decided by a mere field goal.
Offensively both teams like to run the ball, and have able quarterbacks as a second option. If anything, Seattle may have a slight edge here. The versatile running-back Shaun Alexander (NFL MVP) can run the ball down the middle or out wide, whilst Matt Hasselbeck (QB) is in the best form of his career.
The key to this game lies with Seattle's offensive line, arguably the best in the league. If they can hold their point of attack against Pittsburgh's defensive front line, this could give them the option to run or pass - an ideal position to be in. Interestingly, both teams are better at protecting leads, if either side goes down by 10 points they may struggle to find an alternative offensive game plan.
Defensively, both teams are very strong. Seattle lead the league in sacks, but do have a slightly suspect defensive back field. Pittsburgh's line-backers have had an outstanding season, and one would expect most of their big plays to come from these guys. A key player for the Steelers could be Troy Polamalu (safety). He's a big defensive playmaker
with the ability to unsettle opposing quarterbacks. For Seattle, Walter Jones is a key man (left tackle). He'll have to protect Hasselbeck's blind side and part the waves for Shaun Alexander. If he fails to do this, Pittsburgh's massive following could be the ones celebrating on Monday morning.
Tempted to have a punt? If so, check out the spread betting markets from Sporting Index. They allow you to back a team to perform well or badly, so you could be quids in no
matter what the result. With £100 on offer to all new clients**, it's a good time to open an account* and start punting:
Free £100 Cash for New Clients**
If you haven't got a Sporting Index account yet, it's a good time to
take advantage of the £100 cash on offer:
Open a Sporting Index account* and place ten sports bets, (each with the
potential to win and lose £20), and you can claim a free £100 straight
into your account**.
For full details of this offer, and to open your Sporting Index account, click here.
*Credit and suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply. See site
for further details about an account with Sporting Index. Sports spread
betting involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your
original stake. It is not suitable for everyone so please ensure that
you understand the risks involved and only bet with money you can afford
to lose.
Sporting Index is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services
Authority.
The information contained herein is for your general information and
use. In particular, it does not constitute any form of advice or
recommendation by Sporting Index Ltd and is not intended to be relied
upon by users in making (or refraining to make) any specific decisions.
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.