Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos predictions: How Steelers can improve to 2-0

Looking to build off a strong performance against the Atlanta Falcons, the Pittsburgh Steelers will look to improve to 2-0 against the Denver Broncos, who suffered a 26-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on the road.

When the Steelers head to Empower Field at Mile High, they will deal with unique challenges, such as the altitude and a completely different offense from the previous week. With Justin Fields set to start likely, the Steelers will have continuity at quarterback.

Here are my predictions for the Steelers' matchup with the Broncos:

PLAYERS ON THE SPOT: The Denver offensive line better be ready fo what T.J. Watt and company can bring. We can talk about all the other matchups in this game, but if this Steelers defensive line wrecks the game like they did Week 1 in Atlanta, it might not matter much. Watt and company will face the highest-paid offensive line in football in the Broncos, who struggled against the Seahawks' front. Absent their individual play, rookie quarterback Bo Nix ran into pressure and caused sacks, too. All of that comes into mind when they will face a Steelers team that will have it be their goal to rattle Nix. The Broncos will likely try to offset it with some quick game, but the defensive line can still wreck the game if they are not careful.

DON'This is the game where Pat Freiermuth really shines. The Steelers need to get some quick game going with Pat Surtain II against George Pickens. Pittsburgh still needs to target Pickens anyway, but we will see how fruitful those expenditures will become. Freiermuth can be a chain mover and win against these safeties and linebackers in the middle of the field. He was signed to an extension to become the start of this team and had four receptions a week ago. That might double this week with over ten targets heading his way. Expect a significant focal point of the Steelers offense to be around Freiermuth.

PREDICTION: On paper, the Steelers have the advantage across most units. However, this Denver defense is better than most people will give them credit for, especially on the interior defensive line and edge rusher. Surtain needs no endorsement, and although Tyler Lockett won many of the matchups, first-year starter Riley Moss had some encouraging snaps opposite of him, too. The Broncos need to slow down Justin Fields to have chance. If the Steelers can run the ball, and they probably should if they lean into more gap schemes in this one, then they might have a chance to put up a few touchdowns. The Steelers' defense should dominate, but they must respect Bo Nix's mobility and can not let Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin take over the game on the ground. I lean Steelers here in a win.

Steelers 23, Broncos 13

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