Bucs: What are the Chances...?

The Steelers are a slight favorite for tomorrow’s game at Tampa Bay, mildly surprising considering Pittsburgh’s currently feeble offense, the Bucs’ 2-0 start, and the predicted heat index. The way the Steelers’ defense is playing right now, I wouldn’t be surprised if the black-and-gold ekes out another win. That’s why I’m giving Pittsburgh a 55 percent chance of winning tomorrow’s game. Of course, I haven’t been right yet this year, though I remain 48-22 all-time in terms of predictions.

Titans: What are the Chances...?

History is not on the side of the Pittsburgh Steelers when they visit Nashville, which is one of the reasons I'm giving the Steelers just a 40 percent chance of winning tomorrow at LP Field. The other main reason is that Dennis Dixon will again be Pittsburgh's starting QB, so the Steelers aren't likely to score a lot of points.

Of course, I was wrong about the outcome in week one, so here's hoping I'm wrong again. "What are the Chances...?" is 0-1 in 2010 and 48-21 all-time.

Steelers release Leftwich, sign McLendon from practice squad

The Steelers released QB Byron Leftwich today, opening a roster spot for DL Steve McLendon (#69), who was signed from the team's practice squad. With NT Casey Hampton out this week due to a hamstring injury, Pittsburgh felt compelled to add another defensive lineman to its rotation. The Steelers say they plan to re-sign Leftwich following tomorrow's game.

Falcons: What are the Chances?

Today marks the return of “What are the Chances…?”, in which I predict the outcome of the current week’s game. Last year, I finished a mediocre 9-7, during a year in which the Steelers’ performance was wildly unpredictable.

The Steelers are a 2.5 point underdog at home against Atlanta this afternoon. That seems like an accurate assessment, as the Falcons have a huge edge at QB, starting Matt Ryan against third-year man Dennis Dixon, who will be making just his second career start. The Steelers have history on their side, as Pittsburgh is 11-2-1 vs. Atlanta all-time, and the Steelers have won eight straight openers. On the other hand, Pittsburgh lost its last meeting with the Falcons (a game at the Georgia Dome in which Ben Roethlisberger was concussed), and their next-most-recent-matchup ended in a 34-34 tie.

Expect Pittsburgh’s D to focus on shutting down Atlanta RB Michael Turner, leaving Ryan opportunities to attack via the pass. Nevertheless, I believe the Steelers can win, assuming Dixon can avoid turning the ball over more than once. But that’s a very big if.

I give the Steelers a 45 percent chance of winning.

For what it’s worth, “What are the Chances….” Is 48-20 all-time (71 percent).