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NFL Preseason Pick – Week 2

Game Overview

Indianapolis ran over St. Louis 38-3 as a one-point home favorite last Sunday in its first preseason game. For a team that only won twice last season, it must have been happy with the overall outcome, but the main take away from this game was the play of rookie Andrew Luck. The Colts’ new franchise quarterback looked sharp in his NFL debut with 188 yards passing and two touchdown throws.

This Sunday, Indianapolis will get a chance to prove last week was not a fluke against much tougher competition. Look for Luck to get an extended opportunity to show he is ready for the NFL against a defense that should provide much more of a challenge than the Rams did.

Pittsburgh lost its preseason opener against Philadelphia 24-23 as a one-point road underdog, but clearly outplayed the Eagles when both team’s starters were in the game. The Steelers built a 13-0 lead by halftime and completely shutdown Philly’s first-team offense, but both teams scored at will in the second half to take the total ‘over’ the 35-point line. Ben Roethlisberger looked sharp in limited action; completing seven of eight attempts for 49 yards as he continues to adjust to the Steelers’ new offensive scheme.

The main concern for head coach Mike Tomlin in Sunday night’s game will be keeping his team as healthy as possible. Pittsburgh already has some major issues at running back with an injury to Isaac Redman, who is backing-up Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall is still recovering from knee surgery. The defense also took a major hit with the loss of linebacker James Harrison. He underwent a minor procedure this past Wednesday to treat a nagging knee injury.

Prediction

A win on Sunday is far more important to Indianapolis, as new head coach Chuck Pagano tries to restore a winning mentality to his team. Pittsburgh may be reluctant to play its starters more than a few series especially if it gets off to another fast start, while the Colts should keep its first team on the field well into the second half. There little doubt that the Steelers are the better team, but stick with Indianapolis to win the battle on the scoreboard. Indianapolis 27 Pittsburgh 24