Welcome to Week 2 of the NFL season, where I’ll be diving deep into the Steelers at Broncos matchup.
Some weeks you like a lot of betting options. Some weeks, you like less. This is one of those weeks.
A few matchups caught my attention, but only one kept the intrigue for me to settle with.
The Steelers are coming off an upset win while the Broncos are looking to bounce back from a tough loss.
With potential quarterback uncertainties on both sides and strong defensive units, this game promises to be a tight contest.
Week 2 Prediction: Steelers -2.5 at Broncos
Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt is one of the most prolific pass rushers in NFL history.
His elite pass-rushing ability will put immense pressure on rookie quarterback Bo Nix, forcing him into rushed or ill-advised decisions.
If Week 1 was any indication, Nix is in for a tough day against the veteran rusher.
Nix struggled against the Seahawks, getting sacked twice and throwing 2 interceptions while passing for 3.3 yards per attempt.
The Steelers defense will capitalize on this and limit the Denver offense, especially with injuries to the offensive line.
A lack of full health for players like left tackle Garett Bolles and center Luke Wattenberg could further hamper the Broncos’ ability to move the ball against Pittsburgh’s defense.
Plus, the Steelers have Mike Tomlin as head coach, who is 24-6 all time against rookie quarterbacks.
I trust Tomlin’s ability to game plan against and exploit the inexperience of first-year NFL quarterbacks.
These reasons also lead me to my best bet below.
Week 2 Best Bet Prediction: Steelers at Broncos Under 36.5
I trust the Steelers defense to do their part.
I also trust the Steelers offense to remain limited, keeping this game total low.
Pulled from Rich Hribar’s Fantasy Football Worksheet, Sunday was the first Pittsburgh win in a game without a touchdown since Week 11 of the 2008 season.
Justin Fields is expected to get the start again with Russell Wilson dealing with an injury.
Fields showcased limited passing production in Week 1. The Steelers ranked 28th in passing yards with only 133 and 29th in pass attempts.
It was a conservative game plan from Arthur Smith, possibly due to the lack of trust in Fields’ ability to push the ball downfield.
Settling for field goals instead of touchdowns is good for low scoring games.
So is a run-heavy offense. Smith is known for implementing a run-first offensive philosophy. The Steelers have signaled they want to be a run-first team, and in Week 1 this proved to be accurate.
The Steelers finished first in team rush attempts in Week 1 with 41.
Using a combination of a zone read, triple option, under center heavy offense is a style that tends to be more methodical and less prone to quick-strike scoring plays.
I liked a few other options, but I love this matchup.
Still early in the season, this game stands out as a prime opportunity on which bettors can capitalize.
