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A lot of folks believe the Pittsburgh Steelers are best equipped to win the 2009 Super Bowl. They were the 3rd ranked team after the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans throughout much of the season and their odds to win the 2009 Super Bowl were better than that of the Titans for some time.
There is a major concern that has prompted oddsmakers to give the Steelers slightly longer odds (the payout being $550 for every $100 bet at BetUS.com.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger did not stay in a hospital overnight after receiving a concussion Sunday against Cleveland, but it was uncertain if he will practice this week.
Roethlisberger lay on the ground for nearly 15 minutes after being leveled by two Browns defenders and was strapped to a stretcher as he was carried off the field. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital but left after tests were concluded.
With a week off before they begin practicing for their Jan. 11 divisional playoff game, the Steelers will work out Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, then take the weekend off. The Steelers expect Roethlisberger to be ready for that game but probably won't rush him back to practice with so much time off before they play again.
When Roethlisberger sustained a concussion against Atlanta on Oct. 22, 2006, he returned a week later against Oakland but had one of the worst games of his career -- throwing four interceptions, with two returned for touchdowns -- during a 20-13 loss.
A week after that, Roethlisberger threw for 433 yards but was intercepted three more times during a 31-20 loss to Denver.
"None of this bodes well for the Steelers chances of making another Super Bowl appearance," commented Don Shapiro, sports columnist for the Gambling911.com website. "At least the Steelers have plenty of time to come up with a backup plan."
The Steelers, who improved by two wins over last season, will play either Miami, San Diego or Indianapolis. All three teams have gotten red hot during the final weeks of the regular season.
But Shapiro believes the Steelers could have a tremendous edge nonetheless.
"Because Pittsburgh will have home field advantage, the weather could prove to be a factor for any of the three opponents. Miami and San Diego are both warm weather teams while the Colts play in a dome."
Mary Montgomery, Gambling911.com
