NFL Picks – Panthers Visit Steelers

The final tune up game for the Carolina Panthers sees them travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers in one of our last chances to make some cash on preseason NFL Picks. It is also the last chance for the Carolina Panthers to get it going as they have been downright embarrassing on offense in three games so far. They have managed a win, but have yet to score an offensive touchdown, so saying they’ve got some kinks to work out is an understatement. But with only hours left until kickoff, let’s get to the important stuff, making some winning NFL Game Picks!

Carolina Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, PA)

Thursday September 2nd at 7:30 PM ET – TV: WCCB, KDKA

NFL Lines:
Carolina – PS +6 (-110) ML +220
Pittsburgh – PS -6 (-110) ML -260
Total – 37

[Off topic: by the way, do you want to get a 60% bonus on your first deposit here at BetOnline? Find out more exciting details HERE.]

At least Carolina has one most chance in this 2010 preseason to get that ball in the endzone, because heading into the regular season sans a TD is not going to have anyone on that side of the ball very confident. The problem is that they’re facing the Pittsburgh Steelers, in the Steel City, where touchdowns are about as hard to come by as a decent looking girl, sorry Pittsburgh.

To the Panthers credit, they have been missing some big parts of that offense, but that isn’t much consolation to their betting faithful who have been laying NFL Picks against them. Those missing components have been wide receiver Steve Smith, who is recovering from a busted arm, and running back Jonathan Stewart who is dealing with a heel issue.

Matt Moore should get ample time tonight to try and get that offense going, err himself going, as he is only 28-of-57 thus far which equates to a very pedestrian 49.1 completion percentage. What is scary is that his 56.1 passer rating is the best on the team! With those numbers, I don’t know how you can justify making an NFL Pick against the spread against on the Panthers.

Pittsburgh offensive issues are in regards to the off-field antics of their starting quarterback, but we’ve known about his status for a while now. Roethlisberger is pleading his case with the commissioner in hopes of getting his six-game suspension reduced to three games, but no word as of yet as to whether that is going to happen.

In the mean time, it has been a battle between Dennis Dixon and Byron Leftwich for that starting gig that has many people in Pittsburgh buzzing. Dixon, who started the preseason behind Leftwich in the depth chart, has been the better option so far this preseason. He’s racked up 304 passing yards so far, but it has been what he’s been able to do with his legs that really gives him the edge over Lefwich. If you’ve watched any of their preseason games, you’ll know that Dixon has some serious speed and knows when to take off, his 91 rushing yards can attest to that.

Either way, if you’re making NFL Picks this week, the Steelers are a lock. Steve Smith and Jonathan Stewart are both expected to sit out this game, and with the Panthers having all kinds of issues on offense, don’t expect much from Carolina Thursday night.

NFL Game Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers (-6) -110