Betting Line
Point Spread: Steelers -3.5
Under/Over: 39
Matt Hasselbeck will be a challenge for the Steelers defense.
Devoid of a running game for the first three weeks, the Titans had been riding the arm of QB Matt Hasselbeck (8-3 TD/INT ratio, 104.7 QB rating). Last week, RB Chris Johnson ran for 101 yards and the offense had their best game of the year. Pittsburgh’s run defense allowed 63 yards-per-game in 2010 but that has ballooned to 120 this year. To make matters worse, OLB James Harrison (broken orbital bone) is out. That also hurts the pass rush. Hasselbeck has played well behind an O-line that has allowed only one sack per game this season. Despite the loss of WR Kenny Britt for the year, he has been able to keep the team moving. The Steelers vaunted pass rush has only seven for the year and Harrison was the only player with at least two.
The Steelers offense was dealt another blow as QB Ben Roethlisberger suffered a left foot injury in the loss last week. He has been sacked 14 times already this year and while he will try to gut it out, his mobility will be affected. The O-line remains as porous as at the beginning of the year and face a very good, young D-line. RB Rashard Mendenhall is averaging 3.0 yards-per-carry and is not a factor in the passing game. Tennessee has amassed 10 sacks this season as eight different players have gotten to the QB. Look for 2nd-year DE Derrick Morgan to be a factor. Pittsburgh has a deep group of wideouts but Roethlisberger hasn’t been afforded the time to hit them deep.
Pittsburgh has issues on both sides of the ball but still remain a solid club. Tennessee is surpassing expectations with great QB play and an inspiring effort from their defense. With Johnson looking like his old self and Pittsburgh having run defense issues (1 RB in 50 games had 100 yards before this year; 2 have done it in 2011), look for the Titans’ offense to keep the defense off balance and get the road cover.
Against the Spread Pick
Take the Titans +3 at Bodog
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