Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers The defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers open the 2009 season at home against their AFC rival Tennessee Titans on Thursday night in the hopes to repeat 2008's success.

The last time these two met, the Titans blew-out the Steelers, 31-14, to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Titans were unceremoniously ousted in the Divisional Round 13-10 by the Baltimore Ravens.

Tonight, NFL odds makers are calling the Steelers home favorites. Vegas has the line at -6.5 with the total in the game sitting at 35.

One of the major things to look for in this game is how the Titans run defense will play without Albert Haynesworth. In the five games that Haynesworth did not start for Tennessee in 2007-08, the Titans were just 1-4 and gave up over 25 points per game.

Pittsburgh running
back Willie Parker always plays his best early in the season and has averaged over 100 yards rushing in opening games as a starter.

The Titans ground game should be out in full force as well. Tennessee had the league's best record last season (13-3). That was in no small part to running backs Chris Johnson and LenDale White coming into their primes. New receivers Nate Washington and rookie Kenny Britt should help quarterback Kerry Collins in the downfield passing game.

Another huge factor is Heinz Field. Since the NFL began the season on Thursday with the Kickoff game, the home team has won six of seven times.

This should be a very good game, however the Steelers will com out on top. Tennessee is a good team but are a little over hyped. I just don't think they will have the kind of year they had last season.

Take the Steelers and give the 6.5 points.