The Denver Broncos are set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL divisional playoffs. What five bold predictions can be made for the game and what should fans be on the lookout for throughout the game?
1. Peyton Manning Returns to the Starting Lineup with a Huge Performance
After seeing Peyton Manning come back in Week 17 and lead his team to victory, Gary Kubiak has made the decision to start him this week in the playoffs. Denver was able to lock up the No. 1 seed in the playoffs with that win and are hoping to get some payback on the Steelers for their regular season loss. Manning is going to have a big game and will give his team a good chance to pull out a win.
2. Martavis Bryant Steps Up to Replace Antonio Brown
Pittsburgh is going to need someone to step up and replace the production that Antonio Brown brought to the field, due to the concussion that has knocked him out of the game. That won't be easy, but Martavis Bryant is ready to be that guy. Ben Roethlisberger or whoever is under center will go to him early and often and Bryant will put up a huge game against a strong Denver defense.
3. Denver's Defense Will Record at Least Five Sacks in the Game
There is no denying that the Broncos have one of the top defenses in the NFL. That is a fact and the Broncos are going to be sending a lot of pressure at the Pittsburgh offensive line. Pittsburgh has a good offensive line, but they are going to give up at least five sacks throughout the course of the game on Sunday.
4. Pittsburgh's Running Backs Come Through with a Huge Performance
Obviously the Steelers are going to have to get creative when it comes to the running back position, but they will find a way to put up big numbers. They will be running with both Fitzgerald Toussaint and Jordan Todman and need them to take pressure off of the passing game. That is exactly what they will do and Mike Tomlin's offense will be happy with their production.
5. Denver Pulls Out the Win to Advance to the AFC Championship Game
Maybe the magic of Peyton Manning returning will help power the Broncos, but they are the better team. With Antonio Brown being out and all of the other injury problems for the Steelers, the Broncos are going to win. It won't be an easy win, but they will pull it out when everything is said and done and advance to the AFC Championship game.
Who do you think will win this game and what are your final score predictions? Let us know in the comment box below!
