Steelers (

19.5) at
Broncos (

17)

Game Overview ::

By mike johnson >>

• The Steelers appear set to start Justin Fields at quarterback for the second consecutive game after a season opening victory over the Falcons. 
• The Broncos are coming off a loss to the Seahawks in which they were unable to create much in the way of offense.
• Pittsburgh used a high rate of “13” and “14” personnel (multiple tight ends) in Week 1 as offensive coordinator Arthur Smith continued his run-heavy ways.
• Denver was gashed on the ground by Kenneth Walker and gave up a touchdown in the passing game to fellow running back Zach Charbonnet.
• TJ Watt and the Pittsburgh defense picked up where they left off in 2023, terrorizing Kirk Cousins and the Falcons offense.

How Pittsburgh Will Try To Win ::

The Steelers won their Week 1 game with a steady dose of running the ball and playing elite defense. TJ Watt and their stellar defensive front wreaked havoc on the Falcons and the immobile Kirk Cousins. Next on their list is rookie Bo Nix and the underwhelming Broncos. The Steelers are also likely to start Justin Fields at quarterback for the second consecutive game as Russell Wilson tends to his calf injury. The Steelers stayed true to form in Week 1 as they ranked last in the NFL in pass rate over expectation, instead relying heavily on Najee Harris and their running game along with designed runs and scrambles by Fields. 

This week the Steelers approach seems very straightforward. Jaylen Warren is another week removed from his hamstring injury and may be more involved, while Harris will remain the centerpiece. The Broncos defense gave up a 34 yard touchdown run to 33-year-old Geno Smith last week, which is not a good sign when they have to deal with Fields this week. Likewise, Kenneth Walker was on his way to a monster game before departing with an abdominal injury but Zach Charbonnet made some plays once he took over in the second half including a 30-yard touchdown reception. Given the lack of weapons beyond wide receiver George Pickens in the passing game, it would seem likely that star Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain will follow Pickens all over the field. Considering how risk averse offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is and how the Steelers try to win games, this feels like a spot where they will not force the ball to their star wide receiver. The areas where the Broncos defense was beaten last week were in the running game, on quarterback scrambles, and with secondary receivers. Seattle was able to stay conservative offensively due to the lack of offensive threat that the Broncos presented and the Steelers defense looked elite in Week 1, suggesting that Pittsburgh will be able to approach this game in exactly the manner they want to.

How denver Will Try To Win ::