Steelers vs. Broncos Prediction – Steelers Depot

As I have in the past, below are the keys and my prediction for how the Pittsburgh Steelers will win (or lose) tonight's game. Three things need to happen for them to end up on the right side of the scoreboard, and vice versa, in their Week 2 game against the Denver Broncos.

My prediction for the Steelers is below.

The Steelers will win if …

1. Run defense puts strain on Broncos offense

The formula for beating the Atlanta Falcons translates well to the Denver Broncos. Stop the run, create “and long” situations and put pressure on rookie QB Bo Nix. Denver's offense got nothing done on the ground in their Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and faces another pause this weekend.

Pittsburgh's front seven should be able to overwhelm at the point of attack while running back Javonte Williams isn't up to the level of Bijan Robinson last week. Don't let running back Jaleel McLaughlin find space, and Pittsburgh can put Denver under pressure, allowing the defense to attack on third down.

2. Other wide receivers play

The Steelers still need wide receiver George Pickens to impress in the passing game, although he faces a tough matchup in CB Patrick Surtain II of the Broncos. But another wide receiver needs to step up, especially against rookie CB Riley Moss, who was selected last weekend. Against Atlanta, the rest of the wide receivers except Pickens caught two passes for 8 yards.

You don't have to lead the team or be the hero. But even one play can make the difference in a close game. A great catch by Calvin Austin III. A crucial chain catch by Van Jefferson. And the entire group, including Pickens, needs to block better.

3. Corliss Waitman hangs out with Riley Dixon

Special teams won for Pittsburgh in Week 1. They will be tested without P Cameron Johnston, who is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Waitman is familiar with Denver, having previously punted for the Broncos. But the Broncos have a weapon in P Riley Dixon, who sank a 65-yard punt at the 1 last weekend that gave a safety an edge.

There could be some booming kicks in the thin air of Mile High. Would Pittsburgh give Boswell a chance to set a career-high 60 yards? Maybe.

The Steelers will lose if …

1. QB Bo Nix fights his way to the light of day

Nix looked like a rookie through and through in his debut last week, but he showed the ability to fight through and make plays with his legs. As a rookie, you're just trying to survive and make the next play. Against the Steelers' aggressive rush, Nix could use his legs heavily to create. Pittsburgh's rush and coverage will have to be careful and not allow him to gain yards in key moments to keep drives alive. That's a different element than what they saw last week in Kirk Cousins.

2. History repeats itself

On paper, Pittsburgh has a stronger roster than Denver. But history is not on the Steelers' side. Including the playoffs, the Steelers have a 1-9 record in their last 10 games in Denver. Mike Tomlin has an overall record of 0-3 against Sean Payton. And only once in the last six seasons has Pittsburgh finished a season 2-0, their 11-0 start to 2020.

Playing at Denver's high altitude isn't easy, and that's something Cam Heyward and TJ Watt talked about. Denver has a real home-court advantage here.

3. The Steelers’ offense is again inefficient

Pittsburgh had the ball under control last week. But they couldn't win the game. Despite over 35 minutes of offense and seven drives past midfield, the Steelers failed to reach the end zone and relied on K Chris Boswell to make six field goals. That keeps the game close and the score low. And if you make a team wait, they can still win it in the end.

forecast

Steelers: 20
Broncos: 18

Steelers season prediction record

1:0