Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Tennessee Titans (-5)
Game Total Line: (38)
(wagering lines available at 5Dimes)

Pittsburgh is halfway to its goal of winning two games before Ben Roethlisberger returns from a four-game suspension after beating Atlanta 15-9 in overtime (it covered the 1.5-point spread). On the surface, Dennis Dixon's day looked fine enough-18-26, 236 yards, one interception-but it could have been much worse. Dixon under threw a few passes and probably could have been intercepted more if not for drops.

His life won't get any easier Sunday as left tackle Max Starks is out. Right tackle Willie Colon was already shut down, leaving Pittsburgh extremely thin. Even more emphasis will shift to Rashard Mendenhall and the running game. Mendenhall burned the Falcons for 120 yards on 22 carries, including the game-winning score on a 50-yard run in overtime.

Defensively, it's the same old Steelers. Pittsburgh dominated Michael Turner and Co., holding Atlanta to just 58 yards on 25 carries. Matt Ryan wasn't any better, throwing for just 252 yards on 44 attempts; he was intercepted once and sacked twice.

That formidable run defense will get a much bigger challenge this week in Chris Johnson. Johnson was his usual spectacular self in a 38-13 shellacking of the Raiders (Tennessee covered the 6.5-point spread). Last year's 2000-yard rusher put up another 142 on the ground, including a 76-yard score. That performance overshadowed a very effective day from Vince Young (13-17, 154 yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions). That's all the Titans need-and expect-from Young.

On the other side of the football, the Titans' front four wrecked havoc on Oakland; the Raiders were sacked four times and turned the ball over four times. With rumors still swirling about an Albert Haynesworth trade, that unit could get even better. Darren McFadden gave Tennessee a few problems (150 total yards, touchdown), though once the Titans opened up a lead, they relaxed a bit. Either way, it could spell some success for Mendenhall this week.

The Titans are 6-4 in their last 10 meetings with Pittsburgh, though the Steelers lead 6-4 against the spread in that span. Tennessee covered the 6.5-point spread in last year's 13-10 Steelers win. The total has gone over in seven of those 10 meetings. Sportsbook.com has the total for this week's match up set at 38.

Game Betting Pick

Not only will Steelers QB find the road a much more difficult place to play, the Steelers have some OL injuries. While i don't like laying more than 3 points, the Titans will be putting a far superior team on the field. Take Tenessee -5 at bodog.com.