Ben Roethlisberger has a 27-4 record while leading the Steelers to two AFC championship games and one Super Bowl in two seasons. However, Pittsburgh will be without their leader in this Thursday's NFL opener against the Miami Dolphins after having an emergency appendectomy Sunday.  After this news broke, our partners at Sportsbook.com moved the line from Pittsburgh –4.5 to a pick.

Veteran Quarterback Charlie Batch will take the helm bringing with him a 2-0 record as a starter for the Steelers.  With the absence of Roethlisberger, the Steelers figure to fall back on the running game for which they are known.  Running Back “Fast” Willie Parker will be relied on with the departure of Jerome Bettis in the off-season.  Parker is known for his game-breaking speed can change the dynamic of game on one play.  The Steeler defense will return 9 of its 11 starters from 2005 this year.  Considered by most to be one of the top three defenses in the league, they figure to keep the Dolphins scoring to a minimum.  The Steelers were given some positive news Sunday night after star wide receiver Hines Ward returned to practice earlier in the morning.  Head coach Bill Cowher said after the practice "He's good and ready to go”. 

The Miami Dolphins enter this primetime game with a renewed interest from NFL oddsmakers.  In past years the Achilles' heel of the team had been the quarterback position.  They have addressed this problem by acquiring Daunte Culpepper in the off-season.  Second year running back Ronnie Brown enters the game with a lock on the starting job after the suspension of Ricky Williams.  Brown will see the ball early, often, and consistently in this game.  This will open up the passing game with Culpepper throwing to pro bowl receiver Chris Chambers and top tight end Randy McMichael.  After adding one of the best defensive coordinators in the league in Dom Capers this off season, the Dolphins figure to keep this game low scoring as well. 

This figured to be a very close game before the Roethlisberger news broke.  With the downgrade at quarterback to Charlie Batch for the Steelers we think it will be hard for them to pull this one out.  The dolphins will stack the box early to try to force Batch to throw.  You can ask fans of the Detroit Lions, Batchs’ former team, what results to expect from that scenario. Our pick is Miami at the current odds, so hedge 'em if you got 'em.