Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos
4:25pm ET @ Mile High Stadium. Denver, Colorado.
Projected Score: Steelers: 28 / Broncos: 16
Game Lines: Steelers: (-3) O/U: 47.5
TV Broadcast:
Broadcast begins at 4:25pm on CBS, broadcast locally on KDKA-TV-2, with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo as commentators and Tracy Wolfson the sideline reporter. Check the national broadcast map to see if the game is on in your area.
Radio Broadcast:
Steelers Radio Network- Game coverage begins at 4 p.m. ET. Calling the game will be Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play), Tunch Ilkin (color analyst) and Craig Wolfley (sideline).
All fans in the Pittsburgh area can listen locally on WDVE 102.5 FM & WBGG 970 AM.
Injury Report:
OT Matt Feiler (Pectoral) - Questionable
OT Marcus Gilbert (Knee) - Out
DE Stephon Tuitt (Elbow) - Out
What to Watch For
1.Steelers Right Tackle
With Marcus Gilbert out and Matt Feiler questionable the team could be forced to use 3rd string rookie OT Chuks Okorafor from Western Michigan University. Okorafor was taken in this year's draft in the 3rd round, number 92 overall. When he was drafted he was seen as a very raw prospect with a very high ceiling. Should he get the start, he'll be facing a very tough task in blocking All-Pro LB Von Miller. This is definitely a matchup to watch all game.
2. Turnovers
The team will need to take better care of the football this week. They will face another average offense this week that relies on the ability of their defense to force turnovers. Denver is scoring only 22 points per game, compared to 30 points per game for the Steelers. If the Steelers do not allow the Denver defense to force turnovers and give Case Keenum extra possessions they will be in great shape.
3. James Conner
Without a doubt, James Conner will need to be better this week. The Steelers are at their best when then run the ball effectively and control the time of possession. Denver has allowed 127 yards rushing per game this season which ranks 27th in the league. I fully expect a bounce back game for Conner after his 25 yard performance and 2 drop last week.
Betting Advice
Denver Broncos
The Broncos are 4-6 overall and 4-5-1 ATS. The Denver Broncos cannot afford to lose many more games if they have any hope of making the playoffs this season as they are 4.5 games back in the division and 1 game back of a five-way tie for the 2nd wild-card spot. Denver is 4-5-1 ATS overall, 1-2 ATS after a win, 1-3-1 ATS at home and 3-3 ATS as an underdog.
Case Keenum leads the team in passing with 2,605 yards for 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Phillip Lindsay leads the team in rushing with 670 yards and 5 touchdowns. Emmanuel Sanders leads the team in receiving with 60 receptions for 763 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Denver is averaging 22.8 points per game which ranks 19th in the NFL. They are averaging 124.8 rushing yards per game which ranks 8th in the NFL. They are averaging 247.1 passing yards per game which ranks 15th in the NFL.
The Broncos are allowing 23.5 points per game which ranks 14th in the NFL. They are allowing 127.9 rushing yards per game which ranks 27th in the NFL. They are allowing 247.6 passing yards per game which ranks 18th in the NFL.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are 7-2-1 overall and 6-3-1 ATS. The Steelers started the season off at 1-2-1, but have since won six games in a row to improve to 7-2-1 and have 2.5 game leads in the AFC North. Pittsburgh is 6-3-1 ATS overall, 4-1-1 ATS after a win, 3-1-1 ATS on the road and 3-3-1 ATS as a favorite.
Ben Roethlisberger leads the team in passing with 3,202 yards for 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. James Conner leads the team in rushing with 796 yards and 10 touchdowns. JuJu Smith-Schuster leads the team in receiving with 64 receptions for 866 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Pittsburgh is averaging 29.9 points per game which ranks 4th in the NFL. They are averaging 97.7 rushing yards per game which ranks 26th in the NFL. They are averaging 312.5 passing yards per game which ranks 3rd in the NFL.
The Steelers are allowing 22.5 points per game which ranks 10th in the NFL. They are allowing 99.6 rushing yards per game which ranks 8th in the NFL. They are allowing 227.5 passing yards per game which ranks 7th in the NFL.
The Broncos had an impressive win on the road last week against the Chargers, but are not an elite team are even a playoff caliber team. The Steelers have been on a roll as of late and have looked good on both sides of the ball improving on defensive especially since the beginning of the season. I look for the Steelers to come away with the win and cover on the road against the Broncos in this game.
