IT’S GAME DAY!!

That means while we all wait for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos to kickoff at 4:25pm EST in Week 2 on Sunday, it’s time to take a look at who the SCN staff likes in this game. The current line for the game is PIT (-2.5) with a Total of 36.

But these picks are vs. the spread, or based on an over/under. These are straight up picks. So, let’s get to the prognostications…

Jeff Hartman

The Steelers are 1-5 in the Mike Tomlin era in the Mile High city, but for some reason I think that is a record which is bound to move in Tomlin’s favor after Sunday. Why do I feel this way? Maybe it’s because of the Steelers formidable defense going against rookie quarterback Bo Nix? Maybe it’s a week where a game plan for Justin Fields has been implemented and practiced? Maybe it’s the fact the Steelers aren’t likely to have to rely on Chris Boswell for all their points for the second straight week?

Maybe it’s all those things, and more, but I like the Steelers, even spotting 2.5 points.

Prediction: Steelers 24, Broncos 17

Dave Schofield

I believe the Pittsburgh Steelers are better than the Denver Broncos. I believe the Atlanta Falcons are better than the Denver Broncos. For that reason, I have to admit that this game scares me a little bit. I hope the Steelers don’t have any kind of letdown after starting the season 1-0 on the road. The offense should be motivated to get the ball into the end zone, and the defense just needs to keep doing what they were doing last week. This is how everything should work out, and I’m going to predict that it works out this way. But the Steelers winning in Week 2 after an upset win in Week 1 has alluded them their last two opportunities. So saying these words as “cautiously optimistic” is a huge understatement.

Prediction: Steelers 24, Broncos 12

Jeremy Betz

This Week 2 game against the Broncos is a clash of historical trends. Mike Tomlin is 1-5 in Denver all-time, his one win coming in 2009 (a game I was actually in attendance for), but he’s also 24-6 all-time vs. Rookie QBs and the Broncos will be fielding one this weekend. My matchup to watch in this edition is the Steelers LBs against the mobility of Bo Nix. If PIT can keep the Rookie in the pocket and force him to read the field, I think the Steelers win. It will likely be closer than the 2 teams’ trajectories would indicate, but Pittsburgh heads home 2-0.

Prediction: Steelers 20, Broncos 12

Anthony Defeo

The Broncos and Steelers were two of dozens of teams that played ugly games in Week 1. But at least Pittsburgh won its first game. The Broncos lost in Seattle and are expected to lose at home in Week 2. However, Vegas thinks it will be a field goal margin, and I tend to agree. Yes, the Broncos will be starting a rookie quarterback in Bo Nix, but Justin Fields is still playing like a rookie in his fourth season. No, Denver doesn’t have much on offense outside of Courtland Sutton and Javonte Williams. But you can say the same thing about Pittsburgh outside of George Pickens and Najee Harris. I expect it to be another low-scoring affair that’s settled by the right leg of Chris Boswell…but only with one field goal which may be the game-winner late.

Prediction: Steelers 17, Broncos 14

Big Bro Scho

I’m going to write my prediction in reverse this week. I’m picking the Steelers to win this game, but it’s the kind of game that in the past the Steelers have found a way to lose. If the Steelers lose this game the fan base is going to go nuts. The Steelers have not played well in Denver in the last 20 years. This game comes down to how dominant the defense of each team can be against the other’s offense. Right now I see it that the Steelers defense is better than the broncos defense, and the Steelers offense is slightly better than the broncos offense. Just those two things make it obvious to pick the Steelers. Will I be surprised if the Steelers lay an egg in Denver and start 1-1 instead of 2-0? No I would not be, but I’m picking based on what my eyes told me after watching both of these teams last week.

Prediction: Steelers 20, Broncos 11

K.T. Smith

The Steelers’ defense was great last week in Atlanta, but I really enjoyed watching the offense find its form. Granted, they were unable to put the ball into the end zone and had to settle for six Chris Boswell field goals, but Arthur Smith got better as the game progressed, and so did Justin Fields. I don’t think the Steelers will light up the scoreboard Sunday in Denver, but I think the offense will continue to grow and will ultimately be more effective. With the way this team is playing defense, that should be enough to get them to 2-0.

Prediction: Steelers 23, Broncos 17

Corey Eckenroth

This is exactly the type of game that the Steelers should dominate, which is why it’s going to be a nailbiter. One of those annual inevitable “Tomlin Game’s” where the Steelers play down to their opponent. Rookie Bo Nix has no business playing against this Defense, which is why he will have 200 yds and 2 TD’s before Halftime. Listen, I don’t make the rules, this is just how it is for the Steelers. The Wizard of Boz kicks 7 FG’s because, why not? The Steelers offense is what it is, and Boz will have plenty of opportunities this year. The thin Denver air gives him the advantage, and Boz kicks his first 60+ yarder as time expires to deliver the Victory Monday (#RideOrDieCrew).

Prediction: Steelers 21, Broncos 20

Jason Murphy

After watching a replay of the Broncos first game against the Seahawks, I now feel much better about the Steelers offense. Do not let the 26-20 final score in that game mislead you. The Broncos had one offensive pass play they ran over and over – a roll out to the right followed by a check-down pass to the flat. Passes over the middle were thrown to the wrong team. Donte Jackson and Deshon Elliot could be looking at more receptions than Steelers receivers not named George Pickens. Bo Nix was most effective with his legs on broken play scrambles, so as long as the Steelers defense keeps him in the pocket and tackles the ball in the flat, it will be a long day for the rookie QB.

Prediction: Steelers 20, Broncos 9

Sadie Hubler

George Pickens proves he is elite as he is able to haul in contested catches against Pat Surtain II, one of which is Fields’ first touchdown pass as a Steeler. The tight ends are more involved in the passing game this week, and Najee Harris has another productive day behind a line that is becoming an increasingly cohesive unit. As for the defense? TJ Watt and company again play lights out (get it?) against a rookie quarterback and his offense. I’m predicting 4 sacks and 2 takeaways on the day, as the Steel Curtain gives Bo Nix a not-so-warm welcome to the NFL.

Prediction: Steelers 21, Broncos 16

What is your prediction? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the upcoming Week 2 game between the Steelers and Broncos.