Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos | NFL – Oct. 10, 2021
The Pittsburgh Steelers had an impressive start to the season last year by winning their first 11 games. Unfortunately for them, they failed to maintain that rhythm until the very end, and they celebrated only once in the last five matches, and then they suffered a heavy defeat in the playoffs from the division rival Cleveland Browns. At the beginning of this 2021 season, the Steelers unexpectedly defeated the Buffalo Bills, after which they also unexpectedly lost three games in a row. They lost first to the Las Vegas Raiders, then to the Cincinnati Bengals, and then to the Green Bay Packers. Many have long doubted the ability of Ben Roethlisberger not looking at the desired level and the question is whether he can play another season at the playoffs level.
The Denver Broncos are one of the most pleasant surprises of the season so far. The defense is at a very high level which is not strange if it is known that head coach Vic Fangio is a specialist for that part of the field. The attack is commanded by offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, who did not become famous as the head coach, but this role suits him well. The main problem of the Broncos since the departure of Peyton Manning is the position of the quarterback. The signing of Teddy Bridgewater seems to have partially solved that problem and the Broncos offense is now much better. They are full of talent, plus the defense is at a high level and they meet all the prerequisites that a team that wants to be in the playoffs should have.
Injuries
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter this match without James Washington, Cam Sutton, Carlos Davis and Rashaad Coward.
When it comes to the Denver Broncos, the latest news is that tight end Albert Okwuegbunam will not be on the team and he has joined from previously injured Jerry Jeudy, Jonas Griffith and Bradley Chubb.
Previous games and H2H
The Pittsburgh Steelers have only one win and three defeats so far this season. After a surprising triumph against the Buffalo Bills, they lost to the Raiders, Bengals and Packers and must now win if they want to keep realistic chances of qualifying for the playoffs.
When it comes to the Broncos, they lost to the Baltimore Ravens at home last week. Before that, they had beaten the New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets in a row.
In last season’s duel they played in Pittsburgh, the Steelers defeated the Broncos 26:21 in the second week.
Predictions
Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers +2,5 handicap
Odds: 1.80
Bookmaker: Bet365
The Steelers play at home and must win this match. It hasn’t happened many times in the Mike Tomlin era to lose four games in a row, and knowing what Tomlin’s motivator is, the team will be very ready. The strength of the Broncos may be overestimated due to victories against very weak rivals, which was also seen last week when the Ravens demolished them.
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