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    Tennessee Titans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions: 3 Crucial Stats and Players To Watch on Thursday Night Football

    The Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers will face off in a Thursday Night Football bout. Can Will Levis avoid the wrath of T.J. Watt for four quarters?

    The Week 9 slate is arguably the most exciting of the NFL season, with blockbuster matchups in every Sunday window. Although the Thursday Night Football matchup between the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers isn’t necessarily the best of the week, there is a ton of intrigue surrounding the game.

    Tennessee Titans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions

    Once again, the PFN selection committee was unanimous in their Thursday night decision. The selectors were much better in Week 8, going a combined 51-23, more than making up for their horrendous 25-40 combined effort the week before.

    • Beasley: Steelers
    • Bearman: Steelers
    • Miller: Steelers
    • Morrison: Steelers
    • Robinson: Steelers

    Titans OL Has T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith Licking Their Chops

    The Titans had serious issues on the offensive line heading into 2023. They signed Andre Dillard in free agency to play left tackle after Taylor Lewan’s retirement, but he hasn’t been a starter since entering the league. Nicholas Petit-Frere was a third-round pick a season ago but was suspended for the first five games for violating the league’s gambling policy.

    MORE: Ranking the Best Edge Rushers in the NFL

    Traditional NFL stats have T.J. Watt at 8.5 sacks, and while Alex Highsmith only has 2.5, that number could skyrocket in this game. Highsmith’s 28 pressures are tied for 21st in the NFL, and pressures are normally a better indication of sack production than sacks alone. In short, he could be due.

    According to Inside Edge, the Titans have allowed hits on 30% of quarterback attempts in 2023. The strength of Pittsburgh’s defense comes on the edge, and it’s a glaring weakness in Tennessee.

    Levis spent most of his time completing passes around five yards from the line of scrimmage in his first start, save for the three long touchdown passes. But despite having a majority of his pass attempts coming inside of 10 yards, Levis’ time to throw was still in the back half of the league for the week.

    That’s perfectly natural for any young QB, let alone one making his first career start.

    According to ESPN’s pass rush win rate, the Steelers’ rushing duo each ranks inside the top 20. Watt is 14th and Highsmith is 20th. Watt’s wins have been devastating. If Levis can’t get the ball out of his hands promptly, it will be a long day for the rookie.

    DeAndre Hopkins vs. Joey Porter Jr.

    Pittsburgh has a lot of firepower on the edge, but they’re struggling to find consistently productive CB play. Levi Wallace is questionable to play, and rookie Joey Porter Jr. has been playing in his place.

    The rookie cornerback has a long way to go, but Porter’s flashed the talent that made him the first pick in the second round. He’ll need to hone every bit of athleticism and physicality in his frame when DeAndre Hopkins aligns in front of his left cornerback position.

    MORE: Week 9 Power Rankings

    Hopkins doesn’t hold anything back at the top of routes. He gets away with aggravated assault arguably more than any receiver in the league. He’s a savant. The Steelers should have the advantage in this game, but a few explosive plays to Hopkins could change that in a flash.

    Porter has earned a spot on the outside with his play in Weeks 7 and 8. A strong performance against one of the most physical receivers in the NFL could keep him on the field even when Wallace is fully healthy.

    Steelers fans would welcome that.

    Cameron Heyward’s Triumphant Return

    If the league had a “Perpetually Underrated” award, Cameron Heyward would be a yearly contender.

    Heyward has been in the tier below Aaron Donald for the entire last decade as a top-five interior defender in the league. He’s a wonderful pass rusher and run defender. His presence is a shot in the arm for Pittsburgh’s defense.

    Adding him to the lineup with Keeanu Benton, DeMarvin Leal, and Montravius Adams makes for a sturdy front.

    But Heyward’s pass-rushing prowess has been sorely missed on the interior. Peter Skoronski battling him will be one of the highlights of Thursday night. It would behoove the Steelers to align him against Daniel Brunskill and Aaron Brewer, considering how much of a mismatch that will be for the veteran.

    From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!

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