This is a horrible match-up for the Steelers to draw without Ben Roethlisberger.  Dennis Dixon will be getting this start and he will have to be careful with the football for them to have any chance of winning this football game.  Here is a close look at the match-ups:

When the Steelers have the ball:  The Steelers are going to likely try to pound Rashard Mendenhall at the Falcons’ front seven on D.  For that to happen the Steelers are going to have to control DTs Peria Jerry and Trey Lewis.  If they have to double team either of those guys they are going to find it hard to run on the Falcons because of MLB Curtis Lofton.  With Dunta Robinson likely covering Hines Ward the Steelers should look to Mike Wallace or TE Heath Miller when throwing the ball.  For the Steelers to have success throwing the football they are goinng to need to keep Dennis Dixon clean which means that they are going to have to account for DEs John Abraham and Kroy Biermann. 

When the Falcons have the ball:  The Falcons are going to be balanced on Sunday so the Steelers better be ready for anything.  Michael Turner is going to get his fair share of carries so the D better tighten the chinstraps as he is like a bowling ball with wheels.  The Steelers are going to have to blitz a lot this Sunday because if Matt Ryan has time to throw the ball the Steelers are going to be in trouble.  Roddy White and TE Tony Gonzalez are Ryan’s favorite targets so the Steelers will have to try to blanket them.

PREDICTION:  FALCONS 20, STEELERS 9