What a great night huh? We've got baseball, CFB and the NFL is back!
I'll be the first to admit I'm not a good NFL capper. I only hit roughly 50% and that really stinks but I'll still put out plays and do my homework and tonight is no exception.
I've been thinking about this game for some time and just don't think Pittsburgh is 7 points better than Tennessee. If you recall, Tennessee was 13-4 last year and in my book that's a solid year. They're a physical, tough and almost a clone of the Steelers in my opinion. I just can't get over the fact that the Titans destroyed the Steelers last year in Tennessee 31-14 without A. Haynesworth so that means little to me. I think what you see tonight is a hard-nosed tough matchup between two running defensive minded teams.
I do know the Steelers return 19 of 22 starters from last year's Super Bowl squad but one key loss is WR Nate Washington. Oddly enough they lost him to the Titans. Washington was a solid go to guy for Big Ben and I think they miss him this year. I also think Willie Parker gives up some rushing yards to Rashard Mendenhall so we'll see what roll he'll play tonight.
I believe Tennessee (13-4, 14-4-1 ATS in 2008) comes in to Pittsburgh with something to prove. They really should've gone farther in last year's playoffs in their mind but overcoming 3 turnovers in the red zone against Baltimore isn't easy. They have a very solid veteran QB that doesn't make mistakes, a very good defense and a great running game. What's not to love? I think Tennessee takes it to Pittsburgh on the ground with Johnson and White and Collins will make the plays he needs to make to get the job done.
I think Pittsburgh will try to establish a running game but realize it won't work and then it will be up to Ben to make plays in and out of the pocket. I really think the key to this game comes down to Pittsburgh's O-Line providing enough protection for Ben to throw the football to Ward, Holmes and Sweed. On the other side of the ball, the Steelers must keep C. Johnson inside the tackles or they can expect a big night from the 2nd year player.
What this play comes down to for me is two evenly matched teams duking it out in the first game of the year. I just don't think Pittsburgh is 7 points better than Tennessee. I think coach Fisher is just a better coach and the Titans will bring it tonight.
TENNESSEE TITANS +7
Key Stats:
TEN are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games in September.
PIT are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
I'll be the first to admit I'm not a good NFL capper. I only hit roughly 50% and that really stinks but I'll still put out plays and do my homework and tonight is no exception.
I've been thinking about this game for some time and just don't think Pittsburgh is 7 points better than Tennessee. If you recall, Tennessee was 13-4 last year and in my book that's a solid year. They're a physical, tough and almost a clone of the Steelers in my opinion. I just can't get over the fact that the Titans destroyed the Steelers last year in Tennessee 31-14 without A. Haynesworth so that means little to me. I think what you see tonight is a hard-nosed tough matchup between two running defensive minded teams.
I do know the Steelers return 19 of 22 starters from last year's Super Bowl squad but one key loss is WR Nate Washington. Oddly enough they lost him to the Titans. Washington was a solid go to guy for Big Ben and I think they miss him this year. I also think Willie Parker gives up some rushing yards to Rashard Mendenhall so we'll see what roll he'll play tonight.
I believe Tennessee (13-4, 14-4-1 ATS in 2008) comes in to Pittsburgh with something to prove. They really should've gone farther in last year's playoffs in their mind but overcoming 3 turnovers in the red zone against Baltimore isn't easy. They have a very solid veteran QB that doesn't make mistakes, a very good defense and a great running game. What's not to love? I think Tennessee takes it to Pittsburgh on the ground with Johnson and White and Collins will make the plays he needs to make to get the job done.
I think Pittsburgh will try to establish a running game but realize it won't work and then it will be up to Ben to make plays in and out of the pocket. I really think the key to this game comes down to Pittsburgh's O-Line providing enough protection for Ben to throw the football to Ward, Holmes and Sweed. On the other side of the ball, the Steelers must keep C. Johnson inside the tackles or they can expect a big night from the 2nd year player.
What this play comes down to for me is two evenly matched teams duking it out in the first game of the year. I just don't think Pittsburgh is 7 points better than Tennessee. I think coach Fisher is just a better coach and the Titans will bring it tonight.
TENNESSEE TITANS +7
Key Stats:
TEN are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games in September.
PIT are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
