With a record sixth Lombardi Trophy in their possession, the Steelers carry the biggest of targets on their black-and-gold jerseys this season. Yet it’s Mike Tomlin’s champions – and all of Pittsburgh, for that matter – looking to settle a score in the NFL season’s opener Thursday night.
Into Heinz Field come the Terrible Towel stompers themselves, the Tennessee Titans. After the Titans whipped the Steelers 31-14 in Nashville in the penultimate game last season, linebacker Keith Bulluck dropped a towel, then swiped his foot across it. Running back LenDale White stomped on a towel, and defensive end Jevon Kearse used one as he pretended to blow his nose.
The Steelers, who are 5 1/2-point favorites in the now traditional opener hosted by the Super Bowl winners, didn’t lose again after that game. And they haven’t forgotten the Titans’ terrible behavior toward their towels.
Even if Tomlin wants it put far into the rear view mirror.
ear ago.”
The Steelers’ top-ranked defense will concern itself with what White, Chris Johnson and rookie Javon Ringer try to do on the ground. Tennessee is no slouch on D, either, even with All-Pro tackle Albert Haynesworth now in Washington. With both sides likely to be stingy, this could come down to one key play by an offensive standout. We’ll bet that’s Hines Ward.
STEELERS, 16-10
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Buffalo (plus 10) at New England (Monday night)
BEST BET: Hello T.O. from Buffalo. No matter how much you do in your Bills debut, Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Patriots will do more.
PATRIOTS, 35-13
San Francisco (plus 6 1/2) at Arizona
UPSET SPECIAL. Niners nearly beat Cardinals in Mike Singletary’s debut as interim coach last November. They win his debut as full-time coach.
49ERS 21-20
Minnesota (minus 2 1/2) at Cleveland
Everybody loves Brett Favre-led Vikings. Doesn’t seem like anyone likes Eric Mangini-led Browns.
VIKINGS, 24-10
Miami (plus 4) at Atlanta
A year ago, this was considered an early-season dud. Now, it’s a matchup worthy of prime-time. AFC is superior to NFC, so …
DOLPHINS, 24-21
Detroit (plus 12) at New Orleans
Let’s see, Lions haven’t won since two days before Christmas – in 2007.
SAINTS, 31-7
Kansas City (plus 8 1/2) at Baltimore
sel is better off not facing Ravens’ fierce D.
RAVENS, 20-3
Philadelphia (plus 1) at Carolina
Two franchises that had very busy offseasons. Brian Westbrook and DeAngelo Williams are worth admission price.
EAGLES, 24-20
Denver (plus 1) at Cincinnati
Bengals might be jealous that Broncos have stolen the dysfunctional thunder.
BENGALS, 20-3
New York Jets (plus 4) at Houston
Mark Sanchez, meet Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans. OUCH.
TEXANS, 24-10
Jacksonville (plus 7 1/2) at Indianapolis
With Tony Dungy retired, Colts might take some missteps. Not here.
COLTS, 27-10
Dallas (minus 3) at Tampa Bay
Cowboys tune up for big debut game of their billion-dollar stadium. Are they looking ahead? Nope.
COWBOYS 30-13
Washington (plus 6) at N.Y. Giants
Redskins might be best fourth-place team in NFL. Giants are likely first-place team.
GIANTS, 24-14
St. Louis (plus 7) at Seattle
Jim Mora takes over as Seahawks coach. He’s got better roster than Steve Spagnuolo does in his Rams debut.
SEAHAWKS, 16-10
Chicago (plus 3) at Green Bay
Longest running rivalry in pro football, and both franchises have strong teams. Pack looks bit stronger right now.
PACKERS, 28-17
San Diego (plus 7) at Oakland (Monday night)
Regardless of Chargers star LB Shawne Merriman’s status, Oakland is outmanned.
CHARGERS, 33-7