Game-day: 12/10/2009
Kick-off: 8:20 pm EST
Sometimes just betting a team to cover or beat a spread or on the total isn’t enough for NFL betting
fans. Sometimes, throwing a few bucks on a prop bet or two makes for
not only a more exciting game but could lead to more profits than just
going after a game straight-up.
Tonight the Pittsburgh Steelers, reeling after 4 straight losses, take on the Cleveland Browns as 10 point favorites. That’s an interesting bet, but so are some of these props. Let’s take a look at the best prop wagers in tonight’s Steelers vs. Browns game.
Best Prop Bets when Pitt takes on Cleveland Tonight
First Score of the Game
TD -125
Any other -105
Analysis: The Cleveland Browns are ranked 32nd in the NFL in total offense. They average only 12 points per game. The Pittsburgh Steelers have serious issues in the red zone, but should be able to move the ball against Cleveland which is why betting on the TD involves more investment with this prop. I’ll go for more profit and bet that either the Browns or the Steelers put up a field goal first.
Winning Pick: Any other -105Score in Last Two Minutes of the 1st Half
Yes -260
No +200
Analysis: This is strictly a wager on the NFL odds. How many bad things can happen in the last two minutes of the half? Mismanagement on part of either Pitt QB Ben Roethlisberger or Cleveland QB Brady Quinn? A blocked field goal? A field goal attempt at 50 yards that fails? A simple defensive struggle for two minutes? Three to four punts between two rival teams? I’m talking myself into this, but why not? Rarely do you get such great odds, 2 to 1, on something that could happen almost 50% of the time. Pull the trigger and go for the money, man!
Winning Pick: No +200Score in 1st 7 ½ Minutes
Yes -105
No -125
Analysis: I don’t get the odds on this bet. I mean, the Steelers are favored by 10 freaking points! 7 ½ minutes is a very long time. Shouldn’t the Steelers put up a field goal, at least, within those 7 ½ minutes? If not the Steelers, then shouldn’t the Browns who are better with Brady Quinn at QB than Derek Anderson?
Sure, the last time these two teams met a single point wasn’t put on the board until 11:26 of the second quarter but that was then and this is now. Quinn will move the ball against the Steelers’ D and Big Ben will get the Steelers in position for at least a field goal within the first 7 ½ minutes.





