Thursday, October 11, 2012

Thursday Night Pick

A much needed win for the Steelers last weekend rewards them with a short week, but against the Tennessee Titans, who have done nothing to prove that they aren't the worst team in football. They've been outscored by 93 points, twenty points clear of the Jaguars for the worst scoring differential in the league. Their only win occurred despite their defense giving up 41 points in the process. So do they have any chance tonight? Since the Thursday games tend to be different than the normal Sunday games (and they're home), I have to say yes.

Pittsburgh will be without Troy Polamalu and LaMarr Woodley, so their defense won't be as stout and Tennessee has proven they can score. Also, the Steelers haven't fared well on the road; both losses coming in Denver and Oakland. Of course, we get to put the spotlight on Chris Johnson tonight and the national audience gets to see how poor he's become. Perhaps some spotlight will lead to some sort of rejuvenation, even if that means three yards per carry. Instinct will tell you that the Pittsburgh offense will score plenty against the Titans; fully healthy in terms of skill players now that Rashard Mendenhall is playing and he made an impact on last Sunday's win over the Eagles with a touchdown reception (fantasy players, that was a scoring change from a TD run, so if you have Ben Roethlisberger, check your matchup last week) and 5.2 yards per carry. Tennessee will keep up with Pittsburgh though.

Steelers are favored by 6.5. Take the points tonight, though the Steelers will prevail 34-30.

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