Tennessee Titans Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers-6 (was -5)
Thursday Night Preview and Prediction

The Pittsburgh Steelers kick off the NFL season against the one team that had their number from a year ago. The last time the Steelers and Titans faced off was week 16 of 2008 in what was a surprising one sided affair. Big Ben threw two interceptions and fumbled twice in a 31-14 loss to the Titans. This time around the Steelers are playing in their house and are the Super Bowl champs, but does that change anything?

Both the Titans and Steelers were quiet in the off-season, not really adding any major weapons to their offense; if anything they were picked at by the league, losing the odd player to free agency. Titan fans seem fine with the loss of Albert Haynesworth, while Steeler fans could care less about seeing Nate Washington leave town. However, the wide receiver will be in Pittsburgh on Thursday, but he’ll be wearing blue and white.

Titans Keys to Victory

Getting pressure on Roethlisberger will be the top defensive assignment on Thursday, as it was in the win a year ago. Big Ben is a tough QB and is very hard to bring down. The Titans will need to get off the line quickly as Roethlisberger has become an expert at dealing with bad protection (see Super Bowl highlights).

The running game is the bread the butter for the Titans, but taking the odd shot down field is going to be very appealing for Kerry Collins with his upgraded receiving core. The Steelers defense is one of the leagues best and should be fired up at home; the Titans need to play mistake free football or the defense will be the top scoring unit Thursday night.

Steelers Keys to Victory

Despite the turnovers and final score, Pittsburgh was in control of the game the last time these two faced off. Big Ben had one of his bigger fantasy days throwing for over 300 yards and 2 touchdowns. The game was simply lost on turnovers. The offensive line needs to give their QB time in the pocket or the nightmare of sacks and fumbles may return.

The Titans run a very patient balanced offense and the defense will need to be effective on first down. Forcing Kerry Collins into 3rd and longs with the Pittsburgh crowd yelling in his ear will make things very difficult for the run first Titans.

Prediction:

The Steelers are favored by 5 in most Vegas lines with an Over/Under of 35. Gridiron Experts sees a defensive battle early on, with the Steelers putting together a couple of long, hard fought drives to come away with the victory. This game could trade leads a few times, but a field goal game is the way we see it. Steelers Win, Titans Cover, Over,

Pittsburgh 20-17