2011 NFL Preseason Picks: Philadelphia Eagles at Pittsburgh Steelers on FOX

The second week of the National League Football preseason kicks off Thursday night with a marquee matchup featuring the Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) and Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1) on FOX at 5:00 (PT) from Heinz Field.

Philadelphia is coming off a 13-6 home win over the Baltimore Ravens as three-point home favorites and the starters are expected to extend their playing time from a single quarter to the entire first half.

Head coach Andy Reid has made it clear that his players should relish the opportunity to play an exhibition game against a team of this caliber.  He will likely have his squad ready due to his 10-2 ATS (against-the-spread) during the second week of preseason action.

The Eagles have had the best of this series during the regular season, posting a 47-27-3 record, but have dropped 12 of the previous 21 exhibition meetings.

Plenty of new faces have been acquired during the offseason, most notably, cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie on the defensive end. 

Running back Ronnie Brown and wide receiver Steve Smith have been brought in to add further depth offensively.

All four players are expected to see playing time and will be joined by wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who missed the opening week contest against the Ravens due to a hold out.

Pittsburgh was out-gained by 266 yards in its 16-7 road loss to the Washington Redskins last Friday, which caused head coach Mike Tomlin to have a spirited post-game news conference.

The Steelers continue to play low-scoring games during the preseason, as the "under" is now 13-4 under Tomlin.  Last week’s 23 points stayed well below the posted total of 33.

Expect more of the same with Tuesday’s announcement out of camp that Pro Bowl outside linebacker James Harrison and safety Troy Polamalu will make their 2011 preseason debuts Thursday. 

The secondary will still be without its top cornerback, Ike Taylor, who just underwent thumb surgery and will not be ready until the regular season.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to back the Steelers due to their 3-0 ATS mark in preseason home openers.  Opponents have managed to score just 27 combined points over that span and the team will want to send a message to its in-state rival.