The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to embark on their second consecutive road game, aiming to secure a win after their victory last week. The Denver Broncos will be playing their first home game following a loss in their season opener.
As the teams prepare for their matchup in NFL Week 2, the Steelers are favored by 2.5 points according to various online sportsbooks.
This betting line raises the question: is it justified for a team that failed to score a touchdown last week? Read on for our prediction regarding the Steelers vs. Broncos match and our recommended wager for NFL Week 2.
In the betting landscape, the Steelers are consistently listed as 2.5-point favorites at leading sportsbooks, which may indicate an effort by oddsmakers to entice sports bettors. While the notion of betting on Pittsburgh is appealing—given that a field goal would secure a victory—it is inherently risky to wager on a team playing away.
For those inclined to avoid the spread, there are options to bet on the Steelers’ moneyline priced between -140 and -154 at FanDuel. Conversely, if you believe the Broncos can secure a win at home, their moneyline ranges from +118 to +130.
The total points over/under for the game is set at 36.5, the lowest in NFL Week 2.
Reasons for Pittsburgh’s Favoritism
The Steelers boast a formidable defense and a seasoned head coach, a combination that is advantageous in the NFL landscape. Their offense may not overwhelm opponents, but their strong defense and coaching strategy keep them competitive.
While it’s unfortunate they didn’t score touchdowns in their win over Atlanta, quarterback Justin Fields orchestrated multiple scoring drives on the road. Expecting a grind-it-out game in Denver, the Steelers can rely on their recent experience of managing just enough to secure a victory.
Fields is anticipated to start once again with Russell Wilson out due to a calf injury, having adapted to his new team, he is likely to contribute more this weekend.
Reasons for Denver’s Underdog Status
On the flip side, the Broncos have a seasoned coach in Sean Payton, who knows how to rally his team after a setback. The challenge was steep for them last week against Seattle, with rookie QB Bo Nix making his debut start.
This week, however, presents a different scenario. Playing at home for the first time, the Broncos demonstrated promise against Seattle, leading early in the game but ultimately falling short in the second half. Their home field advantage could lead to a complete performance against the Steelers.
Prediction for Steelers vs. Broncos
While the Steelers managed a win in Atlanta, the fact remains they did not find the end zone. Strong defense and solid coaching are assets, but ultimately, scoring touchdowns is crucial.
Although the Steelers will remain competitive, it seems questionable for them to be favored in a road matchup. The line appears to be a reaction to the results of Week 1.
Denver’s performance against Seattle indicates they might be better prepared than expected with Nix at the helm. Expect the Broncos to not only cover the spread but potentially clinch an outright victory.