Steelers at Broncos

Steelers are lucky to be here, but paid a price, as they hobble into Denver. Key offensive players are hurting or out. Near league-leaders (ranked 2nd, 7.4 yards per pass attempt) they face league's stronges pass D in the Broncos (see chart, below). Steelers won 4 games back but that was in Pittsburgh. This is different: Mile High is unkind to visitors.

This isn't to say Denver is without problems as their offense is league-average at best. League-average is not championship level by definition. Bronco scoring reached the 30-point level only twice all season, with more than half their games below 20 (see chart below). And the Steelers bring a stronger than average D to this game.

The computer picks by the Broncos by a slim point. Of course, it's not factoring in the injuries. I'll take the Broncos because they are tough at home but a Steeler upset, despite the injuries, looks entirely possible.

Bill Sanders for BudGoodeSports.com
dr.bill@wrsanders.com

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