NFL Picks Week 5: Tennessee Titans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

On Sunday, at Heinz Field, the Tennessee Titans (3-1) will face the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2). Both teams struggled Week 1. Since then, one has regained life, while the other hasn't shown much improvement.

The Injuries

It’s not a big secret that the Steelers are banged up. However, coach Mike Tomlin still decided to have two practices with pads this week. The Steelers also announced that Ben Roethlisberger will play. However, I expect him to wear a special shoe. RB Rashard Mendenhall is also bothered by an injury. And, finally, James Harrison, a key component of the Steelers defense, will be out.

As for the Titans, they also have some problems. Their star wide receiver, Kenny Britt, is done for the year. Safety Chris Hope had a forearm surgery and is now rehabbing. Also, on Thursday, tight end Craig Stevens (ribs) and safety Michael Griffin (illness) didn’t practice. However, on Friday, Griffin should be back on the field.

There is some good news for the Titans. Fullback Ahmard Hall will be eligible for this game since he returns from his suspension. Chris Johnson should have an easier game with Ahmard back in the depth chart.

Current edge: None

Quarterback Situation

Ben Roethlisberger is usually a reliable quarterback. However, he struggled early on this year. He can’t get out of the pocket since his line is awful. He has only three touchdown passes and five interceptions. Those are not the usual numbers of Big Ben. I can’t see how he will bounce back against a solid Titans defense.

On the opposite, Matt Hasselbeck is doing a terrific job in Tennessee.  Many people thought that the former Seahawks starter was done. Obviously, he is not. When Chris Johnson struggled in the first few games, Hasselbeck was able to step up and put big numbers on the board.  On first downs, he has an amazing 143.2 QB rating with five touchdowns and 553 yards.

Current edge: Titans

Offense

Coach Tomlin hasn’t pressed on the panic button yet. However, if his squad doesn’t win this week, he might be forced to. The new Steelers are not an improved version; their past strengths have now become their main weaknesses.

Steelers were known for their offensive line strength. As of now, this unit is not doing its job. The linemen can’t protect Big Ben appropriately and they can’t open lanes for the running backs. Their inability to block impacts the entire offense.

Overall, the offense unit is ranked No. 27 in the league, averaging only 16 points per game. They only scored 17 total points against Baltimore and Houston.

On the opposite, the Titans are putting things together in the past weeks. John Madden has selected the Titans offensive line as the top-performing unit in Week 4, attributing to Chris Johnson's first 100-yard game of the season. Johnson should get his second this week.

Current edge: Titans

Defense

Steelers were also known for their defensive line strength. After four games, they are No. 25 in rushing defense (4.9 YPC). Outside the Seahawks game, the Steelers defense only has two sacks and have only managed to create two turnovers this year.

As for the Titans, they had 10 combined sacks versus Cleveland and Baltimore. The Titans rank first in the NFL in points allowed. Indeed, they are allowing an average of 14.0 points per game and have not given up more than 16.

Current edge: Titans

Who will win?

The Titans are currently set as three-point underdogs by most Las Vegas sports books. The Steelers are in a must-win situation.

Currently, the better team is the Tennessee Titans. They have the edge in almost all aspects of the game. The Steelers are getting slow and old and have big holes in their starting lineup.

I believe the Steelers will not live up to the expectations this season. The good old Steelers are gone. This is the new version, and sadly, it’s not an improved one. The Steelers could very well  be under .500 after this game.