We’re getting down to end of the season and Sunday’s game between the Steelers and Titans should be one of the best games of the season.  This is a highly anticipated game and the weather conditions are looking perfect.  Below are the game particulars and our prediction. We are 8-0-1 in our last 9 predictions.

                                                           GAME INFO

Date: Sunday, Dec 21, 2008
Kickoff:  1:00 PM ET
Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) vs Tennessee Titans (12-2) 
Location: LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee

THE LINE (subject to change)
The Pittsburgh Steelers are the Underdog (+2).  The Under/Over is 34

THE MATCHUP
The Pittsburgh Steelers have already clinched the AFC North Crown.  They are 11-3 overall and 6-1 on the road.  They have scored 302 points in 14 games while giving up only 192 – that leads all of the NFL.

The Tennessee Titans also have clinched their division – the AFC South.  The are 12-2 overall and 6-1 at home.  They have scored 344 points while giving up only 197 in the 14 regular season games this year

AGAINST THE SPREAD (ATS)
The Steelers are 8-6 ATS overall, 5-2 ATS away, 5-1 ATS as the underdog and 5-1 ATS as an away underdog

The Titans are 11-2 ATS overall, 5-1 ATS at home,8-2 ATS as the favorite and 4-1 ATS as a home favorite

PREVIEW
Kerry Collins is just a mediocre QB with a rating in the mid-60s. He doesn’t throw many interceptions but he doesn’t throw many TDS either.  The Titans will have a key part of their defense  out on Sunday.  Their Pro Bowl bound Defensive End Albert Haynesworth is out.  The Steelers are averaging over 100 yards on the ground and that number should increase with Haynesworth out. 
 
PREDICTION (ATS)
Pittsburgh Steelers 17  Tennessee Titans 14.
Although the Titans are playing at home and are 8-1 ATS as a favorite, the Pittsburgh Steelers defense will be the difference in the game.  The Steelers also have the edge at the QB position – Ben Roethlisberger over Kerry Collins.
Another key factor is the Titans Pro Bowl bound defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is out.  This will give the Steelers running attack the ability to grind the ball on the ground. It will result in the Titans over committing to the run. Roethlisberger will take advantage and sneak in some deep passes.

As reported in USA Today, Jacksonville’s Matt Jones just had one of the best games of his career during what has easily been the best season of his career. So, why is he available in over half of SN leagues?

It probably has a lot to do with that pesky three-game suspension he’s facing for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Jones was arrested for cocaine possession back in July. He pled guilty and entered a drug treatment facility, but the league still handed down a three-game ban. Jones was only able to play last week because he was appealing the ruling, but that appeal is expected to be denied this week.Likely best case scenario is it gets reduced to two games.

It comes at a terrible time for Jones’ owners. He caught eight passes (tying a career high) for 117 yards and a touchdown against the Browns last week, and Jacksonville faces Cincinnati and Detroit the next two weeks. When you factor in that Jones is tied for (64), easily first on the Jags, you would have had a borderline WR2.

As it stands, owners should expect Jones to be suspended this week, but keep checking back for updates just in case the NFL drags out the appeal for another week. If Jones is eligible to play, you’ll want him in your lineups.

It’s tough to hold on to Jones during his suspension, but he’ll get the Vikings (home), Texans (road), Bears (road), Packers (home) and Colts (home) in Weeks 12-16. Those aren’t the bset matchups, especially in the fantasy playoffs, but they’re good enough to make  Jones a WR3 most of those weeks. If he’s dropped, don’t forget about him in a couple weeks.

NFL players know the risks and have to pay the piper if they are caught!