Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) vs. Denver Broncos (0-1)
As the NFL strides into Week 2, the clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos promises to electrify fans and bettors alike. The Steelers, riding high with a 1-0 start, will visit the Broncos, who are looking to rebound from an initial stumble. This showdown is set for Sunday at the Empower Field at Mile High—a venue known for its raucous crowd and altitude challenges. Fans won’t want to miss a single play, especially those looking to engage in some of this game’s best live betting opportunities.
In their first match of the season, the Steelers demonstrated a well-rounded attack on offense. The power back Najee Harris pounded the ball for 70 yards on 20 attempts, showing that he can move the chains, though he is yet to score a touchdown after two weeks. His target zone predominantly included George Pickens, who finished with six catches and 85 yards. His take, which featured a long reception of 40 yards, played an important role in establishing and widening the scope of the passing game for Pittsburgh.
The Broncos are staring at a loss, but there have been sparks of good plays, especially with their receivers. Josh Reynolds could snag 5 receptions, though only for a meager 45 yards. To the surprise of many, the running game failed, with Jaleel McLaughlin managing a paltry 27 yards on 10 carries. In light of the previous point, this further increased the burden on their ground game since if the team does not improve, then beating a very physical Steelers D that limits big plays and tight coverage will be difficult.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos Game Info
| When: | Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 4:25 PM ET |
| Where: | Empower Field at Mile High |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Justin Fields QB vs. Bo Nix QB
Justin Fields was calm and efficient in his work for the Steelers, hitting almost 74% of passes and throwing for 156 yards. He didn’t have any touchdowns, but he didn’t throw any interceptions as well while managing the game well and had a passer rating of 91.9. Fields have quick instincts as well as the ability to run around, which will come in handy against a Broncos defense which is going to try to hunt the quarterback down and create turnovers.
In contrast, Bo Nix performed poorly in his first game, where he completed 138 passing yards at a 61.9 completion percentage but had a dreadful 2 interceptions. Nix finished at a low passer rating of 47.5 as he struggled to find his men and get the ball down the field. Nix has to concentrate very much on his accuracy and correct decisions for the Broncos to stand a chance of winning to even the scores.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Pittsburgh Steelers -160, Total Odds: 40.5
The betting lines have the Steelers as the favorites with a -3 spread and a moneyline of -160, reflecting their strong showing in Week 1 and the historical difficulties the Broncos have faced in containing Pittsburgh’s offense. The total set at 40.5 points suggests that oddsmakers are expecting a moderately high-scoring affair, likely banking on both teams to capitalize on their offensive talents.
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends
The Steelers are 4-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last 5 games and have seen the total go OVER in 5 of their last 7 games. This trend suggests a robust offense capable of putting up points and a defense that, while solid, may give up scores in challenging matchups. Their road game record shows a tendency towards lower-scoring affairs, which might influence betting strategies focused on the total.
Denver Broncos Betting Trends
Denver has had a rough patch with a 1-4 SU record in their recent outings but has seen the total go OVER in 4 of their last 5 games, indicating potential in their offense to score or allow significant points. Their strong home record against Pittsburgh, winning 5 of the last 6, could play a psychological advantage, potentially making them a risky but rewarding underdog pick.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos 9/15/24 Betting Picks
Given the Steelers’ balanced attack and the Broncos’ struggles, especially at the quarterback position, the smart money might lean towards Pittsburgh covering the spread. However, the Broncos’ historical home advantage and desperation to avoid a 0-2 start could lead to a surprise upset. Considering both teams ‘ recent trends, the total going OVER might be a safer bet.
In conclusion, while Pittsburgh seems the safer pick, given their form and matchup advantages, the Broncos’ resilience at home cannot be overlooked. Prop bets on individual performances, such as Najee Harris for an anytime touchdown or Justin Fields for over 200 passing yards, could offer additional value. Remember, in NFL betting, sometimes the best football expert picks come from analyzing the trends and the potential for turnaround performances in high-pressure situations.
