Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos - September 15, 2024

As I settle into my seat at Empower Field at Mile High, the electricity in the air is palpable. Fans are buzzing with excitement as we prepare for what promises to be an intriguing match-up between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos. Oddsmakers have opened the Steelers as 3-point favorites, while the total for the game is set at 40.5. As I glance around the stadium, I can’t help but feel the anticipation for what awaits us on the field.

Coming off a hard-fought battle against the Seattle Seahawks, the Broncos are looking to rebound from their close 26-20 loss. They fought valiantly in that game and managed to cover the spread, showing they can compete despite their record. With an average of 20 points per game and a balanced offense showcasing 138 passing yards and 99 rushing yards, the Broncos are capable of moving the ball. However, their completion percentage at just under 62% raises questions about their ability to convert crucial plays in high-pressure situations.

On the other hand, the Steelers enter this contest with confidence following their 18-10 victory over the Falcons. With 156 passing yards and an impressive completion percentage of nearly 74%, they seem to have built a rhythm on offense. Additionally, their rushing attack has averaged 137 yards per game, providing a solid ground game that could prove vital against a Broncos defense that has shown vulnerability.

Let’s break this game down further. The Steelers have shown resilience, going 4-1 against the spread in their last five games. Given the current form and their ability to secure wins against solid competition, I can see them taking the momentum into this game. With strong offensive stats and a defense that has shown promise, they appear poised to continue their successful start to the season.

On the flip side, the Broncos have struggled, going just 1-4 straight up in their last five games. While they are able to put up points, their inconsistency can certainly be a concern, especially as they face a Steelers team that will be equipped and ready to challenge them at every turn. I expect the defense from Pittsburgh to apply pressure on the Broncos’ offense while stifling any potential long drives.

As I consider the spread, I predict that the Steelers will indeed cover the line. They have shown the capability of succeeding as underdogs and their recent road performance gives them an edge in this match-up. However, the inherent unpredictability of the NFL means that anything can happen, and the Broncos may surprise us.

In terms of the Over/Under, I anticipate the score to remain under 40.5 points. The defenses on both sides will likely play a pivotal role, with the Steelers being particularly effective in slowing down opposing offenses. Overall, I predict a tightly contested duel, but I foresee the Steelers walking away with a victory, a covered spread, and a lower total score securing the under. It’s time to feast on the excitement of NFL action as we kick off this thrilling matchup!