Ben Roethlisberger has been medically cleared to play tonight vs. the Jaguars, but the question is will he play?  The odds makers think so as the line is trending towards Pittsburgh.  Sportsbook.com has the Steelers favored at (-3)

The Roethlisberger question seems to loom upon us.  After a difficult off-season it is very likely that Big Ben will return to the field for his 2006 debut against the Jaguars.  This line has moved at sportsbook.com from (–1) Pittsburgh a few days ago to currently (–3).  Obviously people were paying attention to the Charlie Batch performance last week against the Dolphins and now they are even more confident that its seems Roethlisberger will return.  Pittsburgh enters the game with one of the toughest defenses in the league.  Teams seem to be able to get the ball downfield against them, but are unable to score touchdowns.  Last year, NFL teams only scored 10 rushing touchdowns all year against the Steelers.  The Steelers also allowed less than one passing touchdown per game.  This makes for a tough match-up for the Jacksonville offense.  The Jaguars have a decent defense of their own.  In the red zone last year they put up a force-field, allowing just 4 rushing TDs (1st in the NFL.)  If Roethlisberger returns, it looks like he will be with a healthy Hines Ward at wide receiver.  Heath Miller boosts his confidence at tight end after last week’s big performance.  “Fast” Willie Parker enters the game having rushed for at least 115 yds 3 games in a row.  Jacksonville’s offense comes into the game with its hands full with the young receivers quarterback Byron Leftwich will be throwing to.  The Steelers will be difficult to score on in this phase of the game.  Running back Fred Taylor has a tough match-up against a stiff Steelers run defense. 

With the line sitting at (-3) Pittsburgh currently we think the Steelers will cover.  However, if the line creeps much past (-3) we feel that he home field advantage for Jacksonville will take over and the Jaguars will cover.

PICK : Steelers

Monitor the line at sportsbook.com and make your bet.