Steelers vs Broncos Picks & Predictions for Week 2: Poor QB Play Keeps Scoring Low at Mile High

Neither Justin Fields nor Bo Nix looked sharp in Week 1, but their defenses kept them in their respective games. Bettors should be comfortable backing the Under at this tiny number even if Russell Wilson is given the green light vs. his former team.

Sam Farley - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Sam Farley • Betting Analyst
Sep 14, 2024 • 09:54 ET • 4 min read
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This article contains predictions for an old game!

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Sunday sees a Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos game with the lowest total of Week 2 at just 36.5 points.

The bookies aren’t expecting a great offensive game after what we witnessed from both clubs in Week 1, and neither are my Steelers vs Broncos predictions and NFL picks for September 15.

Steelers vs Broncos prediction

My best bet
Under 36.5 (-110 at BetMGM)

My analysis

Nobody but the fans of both teams are excited for Sunday’s Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos matchup.

The game started with the lowest total points line of the weekend at 40.5 but it’s since dropped even further, going a whole four points lower. If what we saw in the opening week is anything to go by, then we aren’t set for a great game of offensive football.

The main storyline heading into this game is Russell Wilson, with the quarterback arriving in Pittsburgh this offseason after having been sent packing from the Broncos. Sean Payton made a bold move in getting rid of the QB, and he has put all his faith into rookie Bo Nix.

That made this game seem unmissable when it was revealed in the schedule release but as of Saturday morning it appears we will not see Wilson on the field. Wilson is currently questionable and the Steelers have been preparing Justin Fields to start if Wilson’s calf injury doesn’t heal.

The lack of Wilson is one of the many reasons we saw the total plummet, with Fields looking poor against the Falcons and the team winning in spite of their QB and not because of him.

What won the Steelers that game was their defense. They got two sacks, forced the Falcons to punt four times, recovered a fumble, and recorded two picks.

They were excellent on third down too, with the Falcons converting just two of nine attempts. TJ Watt was incredible, registering a sack with two tackles and two assists.

This is a defense that can stop anyone, and they face a Broncos’ offense that struggled against the Seahawks in Week 1.

Nix managed only 138 passing yards, and to make matters worse, the team only gained 99 yards on the ground. The offense really struggled to get going but their defense did keep them in the game against Seattle.

The Under may be low at 36.5, but there’s no evidence from either team to suggest that we’re likely to see a track meet unfold.

Steelers vs Broncos same-game parlay

Under 36.5

Bo Nix Under 172.5 passing yards

Bo Nix Over 0.5 interceptions

In addition to my best bet, I’m also going to back Nix to have a subpar afternoon.

He looked awful in his debut against the Seahawks, averaging just 3.3 yards per attempt — an almost impossibly low number. His passing yard line sits at a low 172.5, but given he got 138 yards last time and now faces an elite pass rush, I’m going to bet on the Under hitting.

I’m also going to back him to get Over 0.5 interceptions. He got picked off twice against the Seahawks and plays with a recklessness that invites turnovers.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

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Steelers vs Broncos odds

Steelers vs Broncos live odds

Steelers vs Broncos opening odds

  • Spread: Pittsburgh -3 | Denver +3
  • Moneyline: Pittsburgh -145 | Denver +120
  • Over/Under: Over 40.5 | Under 40.5

Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Steelers vs Broncos spread and Over/Under analysis

  • The Steelers have won and covered in four of their last five games.
  • The Steelers have only hit the 2H Over in five of their last 17 games (-8.05 Units / -44% ROI).
  • The Broncos have covered the spread in four of the last six meetings between the teams (4-1-1).
  • The Broncos have only hit the 1Q Over in six of their last 20 games (-6.50 Units / -28% ROI).

Steelers vs Broncos betting trend to know

The Steelers have scored first in nine of their last 13 games (+4.60 Units / 29% ROI). Find more NFL betting trends for Steelers vs. Broncos.

Steelers vs Broncos game info

Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
Date: Sunday, 9-15, 2024
Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET
TV: CBS

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Betting Analyst

Sam is based in the United Kingdom, where he grew up living and breathing soccer, before discovering - and playing - a different kind of football at the University of Bristol. He’s worked in the media covering soccer and the NFL for the better part of a decade, and has been a regular on the Matchbook NFL Podcast. His work has also appeared in a wide range of publications including The Telegraph, The Independent, VICE, and MSN.

The search for great betting value is a daily one, and Sam always hunts out big prices with a particular focus on player props. Sam’s best advice for bettors is to track their bets on a spreadsheet, that way you can keep an eye on your P&L but also the types of bets and sports that you are most successful in. He also recommends using a variety of different sportsbooks, with bet365, Betfair and Paddy Power amongst his favorites.

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