The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Denver Broncos in a game with huge playoff implications. The Steelers need a win to keep pace in the AFC wild card race, while Denver could use a win to help hold off the surging Kansas City Chiefs, as well as to further improve their chances of having a bye in the first round of the playoffs. This game looks like it's going to be a defensive battle, something not usually said about games involving the Steelers.
Roethlisberger and Company - Broncos Secondary
What a juicy matchup. Arguably the best passing offense in the league goes head-to-head with the best (by far) pass defense in the league. Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib and Bradley Roby have been great this year. The same thing can be said for Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant. Earlier in the season, Roethlisberger and company went off against the Seahawks' Legion of Boom, so Pittsburgh is capable of winning this matchup. Heath Miller will definitely be an x-factor in this game, as Big Ben could look to Miller a lot when the receivers are covered on the outside.
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Establish A Running Game
Just like their passing defense, Denver has one of the best rush defenses in the league. DeAngelo Williams has been on fire lately, and he will definitely need to continue that trend this week. The passing game likely won't be as successful as it usually is, so Williams will need to get a lot of touches and make them count. If Pittsburgh fails to get it going on the ground, the aerial matchup could definitely be won by Denver.
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Get After Osweiler
After seeing some success, Brock Osweiler struggled majorly against the Oakland Raiders last week. The main reason that Osweiler struggled was because Oakland put pressure on him. Pittsburgh must do the same thing this week. The Broncos' offensive line has been shaky all season, and that could play right into the hands of the Steelers, whose front seven has come alive as of late. James Harrison and newly-named starter Bud Dupree are both capable of recording multiple sacks, which would definitely be a huge boost for this inconsistent defense.
Prediction
Big Ben and company will pull through and do just well enough to get the win. Miller will be targeted at least ten times and record at least eight catches. Williams will find his way into the end zone yet again. Dupree, Harrison and Cam Heyward will combine for five sacks, and their pressure will force Osweiler to throw an interception late in the game. Denver will never be able to establish a running game, and they just won't be able to put up enough of points to come out on top.
Steelers 23, Broncos 20