The Steelers have their 88th NFL home opener today here against the Broncos, and our football staff at DK Pittsburgh Sports predicts the game:
Dale Lolley (1-0): The Steelers are a little banged up on the offensive line. But the Broncos have been hit even harder by injuries before this season even began, losing star Von Miller. That only got worse last week, when Bouye was lost and placed on IR. Lock will be making just his seventh career start, so he's essentially still a rookie. The Steelers' defense should force him into some mistakes, much the same way they did with Jones last week. And the offensive line, even with Dotson at guard, should more than hold its own. Steelers, 24-10
Christopher Carter (1-0): T.J. Watt noted earlier in the week how the Steelers were keyed in to stop Barkley, but this week they're facing a much lesser threat in Gordon. Why does that matter? Because defensive linemen and edge rushers use different moves when focusing on the run than when they want to rush the quarterback. That means Watt and Bud Dupree will be free to rush off the edges and will get to abuse either left tackle Garrett Bolles, who struggles every week, or his backup, who can't be any better. Watch out, Lock. Steelers, 31-13
Ramon Foster (1-0): I can see, with the Broncos' defense being a bit depleted, Ben spreading that ball around. Hey, he tossed up three touchdowns against the Giants like it was nothing. And I think this Denver defense is lesser than New York's defense. For that matter, the way the Steelers' defense is going, they might score, too. That pressure is real. I know Bud didn't get a sack, but he made the big play and, if someone other than Cam Heyward catches that ball, that's a house call. (No disrespect to Cam!) Steelers, 31-7
Tom Reed (1-0): For anyone who stayed up to watch Titans-Broncos after the Steelers' win Monday night, those are three hours of your life you won't be getting back. That was a bad game, featuring terrible clock management by Fangio at the end. The Steelers have an excellent chance to go to 2-0 against another young quarterback. The right side of the Steelers' offensive line is a concern, but not enough to trouble them. Steelers, 27-10
Dejan Kovacevic (1-0): Here again, like last week, the outcome can be condensed to a single prominent factor: The Steelers' defense in pin-the-ears-back mode versus a baby-faced quarterback. Lock's shown precision and creativity early in his career. He's promising. There's a reason John Elway and Co. are entrusting the franchise's future to him. But that won't matter a whit, when Bud, T.J., Cam and all of the walls come caving down on him. The home team will have issues protecting their own quarterback but it won't be comparable. Steelers, 34-16
Feel free to share your own picks in comments!