Titans vs Steelers Odds- New Steel Curtain won’t allow Titans to run wild

The Titans vs Steelers odds will be an early season clash between two AFC powerhouses. The two teams are fairly similar in style except that the Steelers do everything the Titans do, but better. On top of that, the Titans are on the road so don’t expect a win for Jeff Fisher’s crew in NFL betting odds.

Titans vs Steelers odds: Steelers -5

• WHAT: NFL betting
  
• WHEN: Thursday, September 10th – 8:30 PM ET
  
• WHERE: Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, PA
  
• PICK: Steelers -5

Titans vs Steelers odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Tennessee Titans are out to prove that they weren’t a fraud last year and that they can build on their impressive 2008 regular season. A win in Pittsburgh on opening night would go a long way to proving that point.

As for the Steelers, they are the Super Bowl Champions, and they are at home on opening night. Their fans will be charged up, and if they plan on making a run at a second Super Bowl, they simply can’t lose games like this.

Betting Edge: Steelers

Titans vs Steelers odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Titans offense returns intact from last year but with a few tweaks. Quarterback Kerry Collins now has more weapons in wide receivers Nate Washington, first-round pick Kenny Britt and tight end Jared Cook, but the problem is that it’s still Kerry Collins at quarterback. Although he doesn’t make many mistakes, he doesn’t always make the big plays necessary to win, and against an elite defense like Pittsburgh’s, he can’t be trusted.

Regarding the Steelers, their offense always seems to do just enough to get the job done. With Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed slowly being integrated, the Steelers now have a fairly complete unit. Both offenses like to run the ball and move it through the air with short passes, but the Steelers have the better quarterback, which is why they get the edge here.

Betting Edge: Steelers

Titans vs Steelers odds maker breakdown: Defense
The sportsbook has set a low total on this contest, which indicates that this should be a tight, defensive affair. The Titans defense is a tough unit to face, but we’ll have to see how they fare without Albert Haynesworth in the lineup. They still have a top-notch secondary along with a fast linebacking corps, but on offense alone, the Steelers have a similar brand, yet better.

The Steelers’ smash-mouth defense isn’t going to let the Titans combo of running backs, Chris Johnson and LenDale White, get going. That means the pressure to move the ball for the Titans offense will be on Collins’ shoulders, and with ferocious linebackers like James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley bringing the pain, the Steelers defense could very well hold the Titans to less than 10 points.

Betting Edge: Steelers

Titans vs Steelers odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
The special teams are about even as both teams have reliable kicking games, but the Steelers have the edge with better returns. With Santonio Holmes fielding punts and kicks, the Steelers have a home run hitter at any point. The Titans simply don’t have a weapon like that.

Betting Edge: Steelers

Titans vs Steelers odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Both teams are fairly healthy and although they have some nagging injuries, such as Titans center Kevin Mawae’s elbow, everyone should be ready to go by game time.

Betting Edge: Even

Titans vs Steelers betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
NFL betting fans know that this is just a bad matchup for the Titans. Their plan on offense is to run the ball but the Steelers, who had the NFL’s top rushing defense last year, won’t allow that. That will put too much pressure on both Collins and the Titans’ questionable passing game. Look for the Steelers to get the hard-fought win and cover.

STAN’S PICK: Steelers -5

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Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions?