Tennessee Titans vs Pittsburgh Steelers: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, and More

After a loss to the Houston Texans last week, the injury-riddled, 2-2 Pittsburgh Steelers will host the surprising, 3-1 Tennessee Titans. This particular game could have a major impact on the AFC playoff picture moving forward.

The Steelers bounced back with two wins after being destroyed by the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, but their momentum was halted by the Texans last week. Pittsburgh is also hobbled with linebacker James Harrison already declared out and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and running back Rashard Mendenhall questionable.

The Titans have kept pace with the Texans in the AFC South and could very well be 4-0 if not for a Week 1 hiccup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tennessee has excelled thanks to the play of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and has yet to get Chris Johnson and the running game on track.

Despite the injuries, Pittsburgh is a slight favorite at home, but the Titans will certainly be eager to prove that they are for real.

Where: Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa.

When: Sunday, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m. EDT

Watch: CBS; WTVF 5 (Tennessee) and KDKA-TV (Pittsburgh)

Listen: WKDF 103.3 FM (Tennessee) and WDVE 102.5 FM (Pittsburgh); Sirius XM Satellite Radio: XM Internet 864 (Tennessee) and XM 225 (Internet 861, Pittsburgh)

Live Streaming Audio:  NFL.com Audio Pass ($29.99 for year, $27.99 team specific, $9.99 a month)

Betting Line: Pittsburgh Steelers (-3)

What's at Stake?

Both teams seem to have the makings of playoff contenders, although the season is still young. The Titans will need to continue to win on order to match the Texans, but they have a little more breathing room than the Steelers.

The Steelers are in a tough position as they trail Baltimore by one game in the AFC North and have already lost to the Ravens. There is plenty of time to atone for that loss, but the Steelers must be careful not to fall further behind as Baltimore is idle this week.

Titans Injury Report

Out: WR Kenny Britt (knee - IR), DB Chris Hope (arm)

Questionable: LB Gerald McRath (knee)

Steelers Injury Report

Out: LB James Harrison (eye)

Questionable: QB Ben Roethlisberger (foot), LB Jason Worilds (quadriceps), OL Jonathan Scott (knee), RB Rashard Mendenhall (hamstring), RB Mewelde Moore (ankle), DL Aaron Smith (foot), C Doug Legursky (shoulder), DB Bryant McFadden (hamstring)

What They're Saying

After he left Sunday's game in a walking boot, it isn't yet known if Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will play this week. Despite that, the Titans and head coach Mike Munchak are preparing as if he will, according to Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. 

"

“So there is another history lesson for us,” Munchak said. “We all know what he has accomplished and what a great player he has been in this league, and how he has played with injuries. We are assuming he’ll be healthy and ready to go.”

"

Steelers linebacker James Harrison is expected to be out for three to four weeks after fracturing the orbital bone near his right eye, according to Scott Brown of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

"

Lawrence Timmons will move outside to replace Harrison at right outside linebacker, and Larry Foote will take Timmons' spot at right inside linebacker. Rookie Chris Carter and second-year man Stevenson Sylvester will provide depth at outside linebacker.

"Obviously, we have some adjustments that need to take place in terms of who is playing where and preparations," Tomlin said.

"

Titans Player to Watch: RB Chris Johnson

Prior to last week's game against the Cleveland Browns, All-Pro running back Chris Johnson had just 98 rushing yards through three games. While he still has yet to score a touchdown, he got back on track in Week 4 with 101 rushing yards.

The Titans have been heavily committed to the pass this season thanks to Hasselbeck, but the Steelers are among the league's best at stifling opposing passing games. They have uncharacteristically struggled against the run, though, so Johnson may need to carry the Titans on Sunday.

Steelers Player to Watch: LB Lawrence Timmons

With Harrison out for the foreseeable future, linebacker Lawrence Timmons will vacate his post inside and go back to his more natural position of outside linebacker. Timmons has grown into the his role nicely, so it will be interesting to see if he can readjust to life on the peripherals. 

One of the main reasons for Pittsburgh's defensive success over the past few years has been the pass rush provided by Harrison and LaMarr Woodley. With Woodley likely to get doubled, Timmons will have to adapt quickly and make Hasselbeck's life miserable.

Key Matchup: Titans CB Cortland Finnegan vs Steelers WR Mike Wallace

Few one-on-one matchups on a football field are more intriguing than a teams shutdown corner against another team's No. 1 receiver. Presumably, that is precisely what we will see on Sunday as Titans Pro-Bowl corner Cortland Finnegan will likely be tabbed to cover Steelers speedster Mike Wallace.

While the Steelers have traditionally been a power running team, Wallace has been a big factor in their evolution toward more of a pass-first team. If Finnegan can handle Wallace, then the Titans have an excellent chance of winning the game, but if Wallace can beat him deep, then it could be a long day for the Tennessee defense.

On the Hot Seat: Steelers OT Jonathan Scott

Even though the Steelers have been one of the premier teams in football for the past few seasons, their offensive line has always been an issue. Due to injuries and general ineffectiveness, the line has performed worse than ever in 2011.

One of the biggest weak links is left tackle Jonathan Scott. While Scott is questionable, one would think that he'll suit up with so many injuries on the line. If he performs poorly, though, then it could open the door for Max Starks, who the Steelers re-signed this week for depth purposes.

Prediction

Steelers 20, Titans 17