Atlanta Falcons Vs Pittsburgh Steelers: Las Vegas Line & Pick Against Spread

One of the teams being touted as a Super Bowl contender this season are the Atlanta Falcons. They travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers and their third string QB Dennis Dixon Sunday September 12th. The Key to this game is the same as several other first week match ups, defense. The Steelers defense suffered without Troy Palomalu and Aaron Smith last season.

Steelers Defense is Back to it's Hard Hitting Style With Return of Key Players

The Pittsburgh Steelers spiraled into mediocrity as their defense was thinned out by injuries. This season they will return to key position players to the line up. Troy Palomalu is a man possessed in the middle of the field on the Steelers defense and intimidates receivers coming across the middle. With him in the middle it will distract quarterbacks and receivers equally.

On the other side of the ball is the Atlanta Falcon defense. Atlanta's defense is average at best but they have added some youth to address their holes for the 2010 NFL season. Atlanta's 4-3 defense is decent but beatable by a good offense. At the moment the Steelers are not a good offense. The edge on defense goes to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Running Games for Both Atlanta and Steelers Fairly Close

The Pittsburgh Steelers running game has been suspect over the years but they appear to be happy with Rashard Mendenhall heading into the 2010 NFL season. If Mendenhall struggles the Steelers could be in trouble with their ground game.

On the other side of the field, Michael Turner is a solid production running back. He can knock off four to five yard runs all day and punish the defensive line and linebackers. Turner is going to have a tough time making it through a season in one piece with his running style. The running game edge goes to the Atlanta Falcons.

Passing Game Will be in Spotlight from Opening Kick Off

Matt Ryan is back and every sports writer in America is falling all over themselves to call him the best quarterback in the NFC South. Anyone remember Drew Brees? The hype on Ryan has been non stop and in this game he will have a rough game. The Steelers defense will take it upon themselves to win this game while Ben Roethlisberger serves his suspension. Look for Ryan to throwing off his back foot and running away in fear much of this game.

The Atlanta Falcons defense will also pressure the young Dennis Dixon in the pocket all game. Dixon will be more inclined to be using delayed hand offs and short dink passes to avoid the blitzes. Dixon will be used much like Roethlisberger his rookie season. A good game from him will be 130 yards passing and no interceptions. The edge in the passing game will actually go to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Don't Laugh.

Atlanta Falcons -3.5 vs Pittsburgh Steelers: Pick and Breakdown

Home underdogs are almost always and automatic pick but this game is tough. A relative unknown quarterback in Dennis Dixon for the Pittsburgh Steelers and an inexperienced receiving corps aside from Hines Ward make Pittsburgh a tough pick.

The deciding factor in this game is the Pittsburgh defense. If the Pittsburgh Steelers defense gives Matt Ryan happy feet and makes him uncomfortable early they will win a close game. In the end this game is a gut call. Try not to bet the game on parlays and if betting straight up, make sure to get a good number on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Take the Steelers +3 points or more against the spread over the Atlanta Falcons.

sources:

Las Vegas Hilton Superbook Week One Lines
www.lasvegasinsideinfo.com
www.lvhilton.com
www.profootballtalk.com