Broncos (3-1) at Steelers (1-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Heinz Field, Pittsburgh.
TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Steelers by 2 ⁄2
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Broncos’ keys to victory: The Broncos will have uncertainty at quarterback because Teddy Bridgewater suffered a concussion in Week 4. If Bridgewater is not able to return this week, backup QB Drew Lock will have to do a better job protecting the ball than he has to begin his career. Lock led the NFL with 15 interceptions last season and he threw another one while filling in for an injured Bridgewater last week. Denver can’t afford to turn the ball over in a game its defense must own.
Steelers’ keys to victory: Pittsburgh is facing questions this week about who is to blame for the team’s terrible play on offense. QB Ben Roethlisberger was hot and cold all game long last week and missed some easy throws that could have kept Pittsburgh in its Week 4 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The team also has to find a way to take pressure off of the defense, which is already showing signs of fatigue.
Matchup to watch: Broncos RB Javonte Williams vs. Steelers RB Najee Harris. This will be a showdown between the first and third running backs selected in the 2021 NFL draft. Both rookies are big, bruising backs who are starting to find their way this season.
Who wins? If the Broncos don’t get Bridgewater back, they will struggle to move the football against a stout Steelers defense. At the same time, the Steelers have struggled to move the football regardless. This one is going to be physical and likely low scoring, but Pittsburgh finds a way to snap its three-game losing streak in front of a home crowd.
Steelers, 21-17