Ahead of the Denver Broncos‘ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, we asked Curt Popejoy of Steelers Wire five questions about Pittsburgh and this week’s showdown at Empower Field at Mile High.
View our questions and Curt’s answers below.
1. Russell Wilson or Justin Fields — who do you think should start against the Broncos?
If he’s healthy, it has to be Russell Wilson. Fields did a nice job in managing the game last week and didn’t turn it over but winning without scoring touchdowns is the same old story and has to change.
2. Does Pittsburgh have an under-the-radar player who Denver fans should be aware of this week?
The guy who really stood out to me last week that might not be known yet is rookie inside linebacker Payton Wilson. He played nearly half the defensive snaps last week and outplayed Elandon Roberts and Patrick Queen.
3. Do the Steelers have a notable weakness that the Broncos might be able to exploit?
On defense, there isn’t much the Steelers did wrong last week. It might be better to look at it in terms of the Broncos attacking the issues the Steelers have on the offensive line and try and create turnovers. Pittsburgh offensive line is starting a rookie center and backup left guard and the Broncos want will want to focus on that.
4. Najee Harris was way more involved than Jaylen Warren in Week 1, do you expect that trend to continue?
I think it will depend on Jaylen Warren’s health. He’s been dealing with an injury and I have to believe it is still giving him issues. Ultimately Harris and Warren need to be co-starters because they offer different things but until Warren is healthy, it’ll be a heavy dose of Harris.
5. What’s your prediction for Sunday — who wins and why?
I went back and watched the Broncos game from Week 1 and these two teams feel pretty evenly matched. Both teams are feeling their way at quarterback and have solid run games. I give the Steelers the edge just based on how well the defense played and the kicking game. It’ll be low scoring but it’s going to be that way all year. Steelers 20, Broncos 14
The Broncos’ game against the Steelers will be regionally televised on CBS. Denver is considered a betting underdog despite playing at home.
