Tennessee Titans vs Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Picks, NFL Odds & NFL Predictions: The NFL season kicks off tonight with a match up between the Titans and Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The game will be broadcast live on NBC at 8:30 pm ET. Online bookmaker Bodog.com has the Steelers listed as a -6.5 against the spread home favorite.
Pittsburgh made it through the preseason unscathed, going 3-1 and
allowing a league fewest 37 points. There are some concerns in Steeler land, however, as the running game still looks like a work in progress. Willie Parker, who is listed as the team's starting halfback, barely touched the ball in August. Rashard Mendenhall got the bulk of the work in his absence, leading the team to an average of just over 100 rushing yards per game in four exhibition contests.
That said, the team reached and won the Super Bowl without a stellar rushing attack, leaning on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the NFL's top ranked defense. They figure to do both of those things tonight against a rugged Titans outfit. Nevertheless, a little punch on the ground would certainly make life easier for Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
Jeff Fisher's squad finished out their preseason with a 3-2 mark. With the exception of a poor first half showing against the Buccaneers, Tennessee's starting unit looked much like the group that notched a 13-3 record last year.
The Titans offense figures to be better this season with the addition of wide receivers Kenny Britt (rookie) and former Steeler Nate Washington. However, it remains a question as to how the defense will respond without tackle Albert Haynesworth filling up the middle.
They answered the bell just fine without the big man when they met the Steelers at LP Field in week 16 of the 2008 season. The Titans came away with a 31-14 win, capitalizing on four Pittsburgh turnovers. Tennessee held the Steelers to just 73 rush yards (2.9 yards per carry), forcing Roethlisberger to air it out 39 times.
NFL Picks Betting Trend: The Steelers are 12-3 against the spread and 14-1 straight up in their last 15 games as a home favorite with a spread between 4 and 7.5.
Bodog.com Tennessee Titans vs Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Picks, Odds & Predictions:
Tennessee Titans +6.5 (-115), Over 35 (-110)
Pittsburgh Steelers -6.5 (-105), Under 35 (-110)
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