The bruised and battered Pittsburgh Steelers play the rested and potentially-rejuvenated Denver Broncos on Sunday. It will by no means be an easy one for the Steelers, but the game is definitely winnable with proper execution and coaching.
Injury Update
Pittsburgh will be missing some very important pieces for this game. Their team MVP, Antonio Brown, will not be able to play due to a concussion he sustained last week. When the Steelers played the Broncos in the regular season, it was Brown who led the team to victory. DeAngelo Williams will also miss this game, due to an ankle injury. Williams has been a key part of the Steelers' offense ever since Le'Veon Bell went down with a knee injury. On the bright side, Pittsburgh's most important player will be playing. The team confirmed that Ben Roethlisberger will be the starting quarterback, huge news for a team that otherwise can't seem to catch a break.
Stay Within Roethlisberger's Limits
Though he will start, it is unlikely that Big Ben will be his usual self. Roethlisberger hadn't thrown a ball all week until Friday's practice. There's a great chance that his arm strength won't be near what is usually is. Because of all of these factors, the Steelers can't make Roethlisberger try to do anything he isn't capable of. Heath Miller should play a huge role as Roethlisberger safety blanket, a role Miller has been playing for the past decade. However they do it, Pittsburgh has to make sure they don't make an injured Big Ben try to play like a super hero.
Put Pressure on Manning
This is most definitely the biggest key to the success of the Steelers. Last week, they did a great job of pressuring the opposing quarterback. With Peyton Manning's arm strength and mobility at possibly an all time low, it is imperative the the Steelers' front seven are right up in the face of Manning. Rookie Bud Dupree has been on fire as of late, and another strong day from him would go a long way in helping the defense slow down the Broncos' offense.
Win the Turnover Battle
If a strong pass rush isn't the Steelers' biggest key to victory, winning the turnover battle is. In a game that will likely be low scoring, cutting back turnovers and time of possession are crucial parts of the game. Roethlisberger will likely be checking down a lot, which will play right into Pittsburgh taking care of the ball. Manning was a turnover machine in the games he played in the regular season, which will definitely help the Steelers' shaky secondary.
Prediction
Steelers 14, Broncos 11
Manning throws one too many interceptions en route to yet another one-and-done. Roethlisberger doesn't do anything crazy, but he does take care of the ball and connect with Martavis Bryant for a 40+ yard touchdown. The Steelers secure their rematch with the defending Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots.