 NFL Pick - Minnesota @ Pittsburgh
Minnesota (0-1 SU and ATS) at Pittsburgh (0-1 SU and ATS)
The Vikings and Steelers look to rebound from preseason-opening losses when they clash in Pittsburgh.
Minnesota QB Brad Johnson was sharp in Monday’s 16-13 home loss to the Raiders, going 5-for-6 for 32 yards while leading the offense to its only touchdown. Johnson is expected to play into the second quarter tonight, with Mike McMahon taking over for the remainder of the first half and playing into third quarter. Rookie Tarvaris Jackson will play the fourth quarter.
The Vikings lost first-round draft pick Chad Greenway to a season-ending injury on Monday, while WR Koren Robinson won’t play following his arrest this week. Travis Taylor moves into the starting lineup for Robinson, while Troy Williamson will start on the other side.
Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is questionable for tonight’s game after suffering a thumb injury this week in practice. The Steelers’ starters will only play a quarter, and if Roethlisberger can’t go, Charlie Batch will play with the starters, followed by Omar Jacobs and Shane Boyd. Jacobs looked good in last week’s loss to the Cardinals, completing 5 of 7 passes for 61 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The Steelers are hurting at wideout, with Hines Ward, Isaac West and Sean Morey all out for this game.
Minnesota is 12-9 SU and ATS in the last five preseasons, including 6-3 ATS on the road.
The defending Super Bowl champs are 7-3 at home (5-5 ATS) in preseason action since 2001.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PITTSBURGH  | 
