Denver Broncos vs Pittsburgh Steelers Picks and Predictions September 15th 2024

The Steelers are favored on the road as they face off against the Broncos at 4:25 ET on Sunday, September 15th. The game, being played at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, is being televised on CBS. The Steelers’ money line odds are -161, while the Broncos’ odds are +135. Pittsburgh’s point spread is -3, and the over/under line is 36.5 points.

Pittsburgh vs. Denver Key Information

• Teams: Steelers at Broncos
• Where: Empower Field at Mile High Denver
• Date: Sunday, September 15th
• Betting Odds PIT -161 | DEN +135 O/U 36.5

The Steelers Can Win If…

The Steelers are now 1-0 after their 18-10 win over the Falcons. Pittsburgh was on the road in this one, and they were +4 point underdogs heading into the game. The 18-10 final score meant the game finished with a combined total of 28 points, which was well below the over/under line of 43 points. Pittsburgh’s win also came with an 8-point margin of victory.

After the 1st quarter ended in a 3-3 tie, the Falcons took a 10-3 lead in the 2nd quarter. However, the Steelers managed to hit a late field goal before halftime, and they added two more field goals in the 3rd quarter to take a 15-10 lead heading into the 4th. Pittsburgh added one more field goal in the 4th quarter to secure the 18-10 win.

The Steelers’ offense struggled to move the ball through the air in their 18-10 win over the Falcons, managing just 133 passing yards on 23 attempts. Pittsburgh’s running game put up 137 yards on 41 attempts, with Najee Harris leading the way with 70 yards on 20 carries. The offense had 16 first downs and was 47.1% on third down. Justin Fields, who threw for 156 yards, was the team’s leading passer.

Fields completed 73% of his passes and added 57 rushing yards on 14 attempts. George Pickens was the top receiver for the Steelers, finishing with 85 yards on six receptions. The Steelers didn’t find the end zone through the air and Fields was not sacked in the game.

In their 18-10 win over the Falcons, the Steelers’ defense limited Atlanta to 137 passing yards on just 16 completions. They also forced two interceptions and held the Falcons to a 22.2% third-down conversion rate. Atlanta managed only 89 rushing yards on 22 attempts against Pittsburgh.

Despite allowing one passing touchdown, the Steelers’ defense made things difficult for the Falcons throughout the game. Pittsburgh’s pass rush recorded two sacks and had a positive quarterback hit differential, although they did lose the tackles for loss battle by -4.

• Through their last three games, the Steelers have a record of 2-1. Their strong play has also resulted in an ATS mark of 2-1 (last 3). They had an over/under mark of 1-2 in those same games.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Pittsburgh has a record of 5-5. The team’s record vs the spread was just 5-5, in addition to an over-under mark of 5-5.

The Broncos Can Win If…

The Broncos are coming off a 26-20 loss to the Seahawks, in which they were +6.5 point underdogs on the road. Denver battled back from a 19-13 4th quarter deficit to make it a one-score game, with Bo Nix scoring on a 4-yard touchdown run with 2:17 remaining in the 4th. This was a non-conference matchup for Denver, and the combined 46 points exceeded the over/under line of 42 points.

Bo Nix and Josh Reynolds connected for a 25-yard touchdown just before halftime to give the Broncos a 16-13 lead. However, the Seahawks outscored Denver 10-0 in the 3rd quarter, which proved to be the difference. Geno Smith’s 34-yard touchdown run and Bo Nix’s late touchdown run were the only two Denver touchdowns in this one.

In a 26-20 loss to the Seahawks, the Broncos’ offense struggled, managing just 132 yards passing on 42 attempts. They also had a tough time running the ball, finishing with 99 yards on 25 attempts. Denver picked up only 13 first downs and was held to 20 points despite a late push.

Bo Nix, who threw for 138 yards, led the team in rushing with 35 yards, including a 23-yard run and one touchdown. Nix completed 26 of 42 passes (61%) and threw two interceptions. Josh Reynolds was the leading receiver with 45 yards. The Broncos’ offense also allowed two sacks and converted only 27.8% of their third down attempts.

Denver’s defense held Seattle to just 158 yards passing in their most recent game, but they still came up short, losing 26-20. The Broncos allowed 146 yards on the ground on 33 attempts, with Seattle averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. Despite their struggles against the run, the Broncos’ run defense was better than their overall performance might suggest.

Their defense also recorded two sacks and held Seattle to a 33.3% conversion rate on third downs. Overall, the Broncos forced the Seahawks into a 72% completion rate and allowed just 304 total yards.

• Spanning across their last three games, Denver have gone 2-1. In terms of betting, the team went 2-1 ATS in these matchups. Their over/under record in these matchups is 2-1.
• Across Denver’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 6-4. The team’s record vs the spread was just 4-6, in addition to an over-under mark of 5-5.

The Lean

Our pick vs. the spread is to take the Steelers to cover as road favorites. The current line has the Steelers at -3, and we have them winning 22-18 in this week two matchup against the Broncos.

For an over/under pick, with the line sitting at 36.5 points, we like the over, projecting a combined score of 40 points.

Bo Nix to Start as Broncos Face Steelers in Pivotal Week 2 Matchup

What was supposed to be a highly anticipated Russell Wilson revenge game has taken an unexpected turn as the Denver Broncos introduce rookie quarterback Bo Nix in their Week 2 showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Wilson sidelined due to a calf injury, Nix will lead the charge for Denver (0-1), facing a tough Steelers defense after the Broncos’ season-opening loss to the Seahawks.

Steelers Ride Momentum with Justin Fields

The Steelers (1-0) are coming off an impressive 18-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, where new quarterback Justin Fields showcased his dual-threat abilities. Fields, who took over starting duties in Week 1, rushed for 57 yards and completed 73.3% of his passes, leading the Steelers to victory. Head coach Mike Tomlin has expressed confidence in Fields remaining the starter as long as Wilson is unavailable.

Fields’ strong debut gives the Steelers added momentum heading into this crucial matchup against Denver.

Bo Nix’s Big Moment

The spotlight will now be on rookie quarterback Bo Nix, making his first home start for the Broncos. Nix had a challenging NFL debut last week, rushing for a touchdown but throwing two interceptions in the Broncos’ 26-20 loss to the Seahawks. Denver’s offense struggled to protect Nix, with head coach Sean Payton calling the pass protection “average at best.”

The Broncos’ offense, which failed to gain any yards after contact in Week 1, will need a stronger performance to support their rookie quarterback.

Injury Concerns for Both Teams

Both the Broncos and Steelers are dealing with significant injuries heading into Week 2. Denver is hopeful that left tackle Garett Bolles can return after missing part of the season opener with an ankle injury. Additionally, rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele (ribs), who caught eight passes in Week 1, has been ruled out.

For the Steelers, wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) is questionable after being limited in practice, while offensive guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) has been ruled out, potentially weakening Pittsburgh’s offensive line.

Steelers Defense Ready to Feast

Pittsburgh’s defense was a key factor in their Week 1 victory, allowing only 10 points and forcing two interceptions in the second half. T.J. Watt played a critical role, registering a game-ending sack and a forced fumble that secured the win. With the Broncos fielding a rookie quarterback and an inconsistent offensive line, the Steelers’ defense is poised for another strong performance.

The Steelers have historically thrived against rookie quarterbacks, winning 10 of their last 12 games when facing a first-year starter. Patrick Surtain II, Denver’s star cornerback, will be tasked with containing Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, who averaged 14.2 yards per catch in Week 1.

Russell Wilson’s Contract Saga Continues

The Broncos’ quarterback situation is further complicated by Russell Wilson’s contract. Despite being sidelined with injury, the Broncos are still on the hook for a significant cap charge related to his previous deal, with $53 million due in 2024 and $32 million next season. Wilson, who was traded from the Seahawks to the Broncos in 2022, now finds himself on the sidelines in what could have been a highly anticipated revenge game.

Head coach Sean Payton downplayed the situation, emphasizing the team’s focus on the Steelers.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Steelers Defense vs. Broncos Rookie QB: The Steelers’ defense, led by T.J. Watt, will look to put pressure on rookie Bo Nix, who struggled in his NFL debut. With Pittsburgh’s track record of success against rookie quarterbacks, this will be a key factor.
• Broncos Pass Protection: Denver’s offensive line will need to improve significantly after a poor showing in Week 1. A better run game and solid protection for Nix will be crucial to Denver’s success.
• George Pickens vs. Patrick Surtain II: This marquee matchup will pit one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks against a rising star at wide receiver. Pickens, who was a deep threat in Week 1, will look to break through against Surtain’s lockdown coverage.

What’s at Stake?

A win for the Steelers would move them to 2-0 for the first time since 2020 and solidify Justin Fields as the starter while Wilson recovers. For the Broncos, avoiding an 0-2 start under Sean Payton is critical, especially with rookie quarterback Bo Nix under the spotlight. Denver is eager to find some offensive consistency and will look to lean on its defense to keep the game close.

This pivotal matchup in Week 2 could set the tone for both teams moving forward, as the Steelers seek to continue their momentum and the Broncos look to rebound with a rookie under center.