2016 AFC Divisional Playoff Preview: Pittsburgh At Denver
Sunday, January 17th 2016, 4:40 ET (CBS)
Announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson
Online: CBS Sports
The final divisional playoff game will be a meeting between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos. The previous meeting was on December 20th that was one of the more exciting games of the year resulting in a 34-27 win for Pitt. The previous game was quarterbacked by Brock Osweiler and Ben Roethlisberger as it is possible neither one finishes the game in this meeting. Let’s take a look at why each team will win with the winner facing New England with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.
Why Pittsburgh Will Win:
- Peyton Manning Is Abysmal In The Playoffs
Peyton Manning is set to start this game for Denver. Are we so sure head coach Gary Kubiak made the right decision by benching Brock Osweiler? Osweiler of course did hand the Patriots there first loss of the season no big deal I guess. Manning holds a less then stellar playoff record that stands below .500 at 11-13. He also has 24 costly interceptions to go along with those games. Did we mention this isn’t the same Peyton Manning either? Manning was 2nd in the NFL in interceptions this season with 17 in only 10 games played. It is very possible that Manning implodes in this game giving the victory to the Steelers.
- Pitt Put Up 34 In Their Last Meeting
Denver has one of the best defenses in football and there is no denying this but this Steelers offense is just as dynamic. We saw how this team battles through adversity as well. No Le’Veon Bell or DeAngelo Williams last week against Cincinnati and they somehow found a way to win. Even with Antonio Brown out for the game the Steelers do have an outstanding receiving core. Darius Heyward-Bey is expected to pick up the slack and can be effective in the vertical passing game. Let’s face it Pittsburgh’s going to put up points it is a matter of if Manning will be able to keep up with them. As much of the attention that surrounds Roethlisberger is being drastically over hyped, he is going to play and play well.
- The Steelers Have An Elite Pass Rush
The Steelers defense for the most part is very average but one thing they really thrive at is their pass rush. Pittsburgh ranked 3rd in the NFL with 48 sacks. The defensive line duo of Stephon Tuitt and Cameron Hayward can be down right frightening and could cause one costly turnover to turn the game in Pittsburgh’s favor. Linebackers Bud Dupree, James Harrison, and Lawrence Timmons also have the ability to get after the quarterback. Pittsburgh matches up very well in this category. Denver’s offensive line is average at best. Did I mention Peyton Manning isn’t the most mobile quarterback either?
Why Denver Will Win:
- Denver’s Defense Is Elite
Where do you even start with this defense? How do you go about game planning an attack? The hire of Wade Phillips as the defensive coordinator cannot be understated. For starters the ball has to come out in seconds, as the Broncos combo of Vonn Miller and DeMarcus Ware is terrifying. Then along the defensive line is Derek Wolfe who was one of the league’s best-run stuffers. The secondary is elite with three corners who deserves to be in the pro bowl (Aqib Talib, Chris Harris, Bradley Roby). Was the 34-point outing a fluke? Denver did hold a 20-point lead last meeting that was squandered in minutes. Even if Manning struggles this is a unit that can win the game by itself as it has all season long.
- The Steelers Are Banged Up
Fitzgerald Touisant will get the start at running back for Pittsburgh. He is the same guy that couldn’t make the 5-11 Ravens roster this past season. The best receiver in football Antonio Brown will also miss the game due to a concussion. Injuries matter and its safe to suggest this offense will not be the same without Brown. Big Ben is also dealing with a shoulder injury that could spell trouble. If Roethlisberger reinjures the shoulder it will virtually end Pittsburgh’s season. The Broncos on the other hand will have most of their assets and are well rested coming off a bye week.
- Vegas Expects A 2 Score Win
The line of this game has shifted quite a bit. When Antonio Brown was ruled out the line was moved from 7.5 to 9.5. Now it has moved by to 7.5 but they anticipate Denver to win by 9. In these incidents something doesn’t seem right does it? Do they know something we do because to me this seems like a close game. The difference in my opinion could be the running game. Manning as we know is one of the best pre snap quarterback of all time. The running game in effect is way more effective when Manning starts as compared to Osweiler. Maybe this will be the difference for the Broncos.
Def Pen Staff Picks:
David Morrow – Denver Broncos
Rob Lopez – Denver Broncos
Honi Ahmadian – Denver Broncos
When picking this game I’m going against the grain to pick the Steelers outright. Sometimes you get gut picks and this one goes against conventional wisdom. Also if you are as risky as me and likes under dogs your odds are +300 if you pick the Steelers to win the game outright.
PREDICTION: Pittsburgh Defeats Denver 20-18
