STEELERS GAME ONE PREDICTIONS (MUST READ!)

I thought it would be fun to take a stab at coming up with some predictions and final outcomes of the Steelers games through out the year.  It goes without saying that I am a huge fan of Pittsburgh but I plan to remain as objective as possible each week in my analysis and predictions. 

Let it be known that I have already predicted a double digit win season for the Steelers Nation. 

T minus 4 days and counting until kick off.

GAME ONE-

Atlanta Falcons vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Dennis Dixon Will Make Enough Plays

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - AUGUST 29: Quarterback Dennis Dixon #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scrambles against the Denver Broncos during preseason NFL action at INVESCO Field at Mile High on August 29, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Despite a rough preseason game vs. the Denver Broncos, Dennis Dixon has impressed this preseason.  We all know that the run will be heavily relied upon during Ben Roethlisbergers suspension but don't think for one minute that the Steelers will completely keep Dixon under wraps.  Dixon is good for at least 2 big plays a game and they will be huge in this game.

GAME PREDICTION-

195yds passing, 45yds rushing, 1 pass TD, 1 run TD

Mendenhall Will Get His Touches

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - AUGUST 14: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs by Zach Follet #49 of the Detroit Lions during the preseason game on August 14, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The Steelers have finally found a back that they believe is an "every down" back and can carry the heavy load of the rushing attack.  The knock on "Mendy" is ball security and running behind a suspect Offensive Line.  The line has an above average day and makes some lanes for Rashard. 

GAME STATS- 21 carries 118yds & 3 rec for 27yds (1 fumble)

Steelers Defense Is Back

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - AUGUST 29: Safety Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers defends against the Denver Broncos during preseason NFL action at INVESCO Field at Mile High on August 29, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 34-17. (Photo

Just take a look at this picture.  Is that a sight for sore eyes or what?  I have no doubt that the Steelers Defense will be in the top 5 yet again this year.  Michael Turner will find very little running room and the pass rush will be harassing Matt Ryan all game.  Ryan will find himself looking up at the sky a few times, stripped of the football once, and throwing a critical INT down the stretch.

GAME STATS- 3 SACKS, 1 INT, & 1 FF/FR & 1 TD

Special Teams Stepping Up

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - AUGUST 14: Daniel Sepulveda #9 of the Pittsburgh Steelers congratulates teammate Jeff Reed #3 after kicking a field goal against the Detroit Lions during the preseason game on August 14, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Pho

Antonio Brown will have a good return game but will not break one for a TD this week.  He does enough to win the field position battle all game.

Jeff Reed kicks 2 Field Goals and actually puts a kick off in the end zone.

So........the Out Come Is?

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - AUGUST 29: Wide receiver Jabar Gaffney #10 of the Denver Broncos makes a reception and is tackled by linebacker Lawrence Timmons #94 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during preseason NFL action at INVESCO Field at Mile High on August 29, 2010 in Denve

In conclusion Dennis Dixon will not lose the game for the Steelers and in fact goes beyond being the game manager and contributes two scores.  Steelers offense controls the clock and the Special teams do enough to keep the offense out of bad field position.

The Defense gets stingy in the second half and gets a critical turnover and score in the 4th quarter.

The home field advantage proves to be too much for the Falcons

FINAL PREDICTION: STEELERS 27  -  FALCONS 17