Steelers home dogs vs. Falcons

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be in the unusual spot of a home underdog Sunday afternoon when they host the Atlanta Falcons in the season opener for both squads.

When asked if the suspended Ben Roethlisberger would regain his starting job in Week 5, Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said, "I'm going to dodge that one and not artfully. I'm not going to back myself in a corner."

Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, the seven-year veteran has backed Tomlin and the Steelers into a corner with his suspension.

Because of Roethlisberger's suspension, Byron Leftwich's injury, and a lack of confidence in Charlie Batch, it is Dennis Dixon who will start this Sunday versus Atlanta. The third-year vet has one career start to his name, a 20-17 loss in 2009 against Baltimore.

Since there will be more time for him and Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians to prepare, Dixon's mobility could make a bigger impact over the next four weeks.

At the very least, Dixon is not exactly being thrown to the wolves. The Falcons have finished 20th or worse in total defense in each of the last five seasons.

Because Jonathan Babineaux is serving his own suspension, the Falcons will have three new starters along the defensive line playing next to John Abraham, who is coming off his least productive season with only 5 ½ sacks.

While the Falcons revamped defense and the patchwork Steelers offense figure things out, somebody must score to justify the 37 ½-point total at Easy Street Sports.

Atlanta brings back virtually its entire offense, led by QB Matt Ryan. It is a different unit when workhorse Michael Turner is healthy. With LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison prepared to be their usual disruptive selves, an ineffective Turner would cause major issues for Atlanta's solid passing game.

The line at Easy Street Sports is currently set at Atlanta minus 1 1/2. Pittsburgh hasn't been an underdog at home since defeating Philadelphia at home, 27-3, during a November 2004 game. They held the Eagles to 113 yards of total offense.

If Atlanta hopes to avoid a similar fate, it will need to keep the Heinz Field faithful and Dixon's comfort level as low as possible.