NFL Monday Nighter Week 9 - Steelers vs. Broncos

If the Denver Broncos want to prove that their 6-1 SU record is no fluke, then they’ll get their chance when host the resurgent Pittsburgh Steelers at Mile High tonight. The oddsmakers are still giving the Broncos credit despite a 30-7 loss against Baltimore coming off a bye week.

The Broncos still have control of the AFC West, but San Diego’s win over the New York Giants is going to start to put pressure on the Broncos to deliver. Big Ben’s time is tolling and he has to prove that he can be the big game buster he has proven to be in the past.

Pittsburgh is just 2-6 ATS this season, and they’re winless in their last five road games against the betting line. Pittsburgh also hasn’t been that fruitful when playing Denver overall, toting just a 2-4 SU and 3-3 ATS record in their past 6 meetings.

With Kyle Orton and the Broncos proving everyone that doubted them early on in the season, it’s no wonder that the betting line is so tight. But remember that all games start with a natural home line of minus-3. What the oddsmakers are really saying in this game is that Pittsburgh is 6-point favorites…

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) vs. Denver Broncos (6-1)

Monday, November 9th
INVESCO Field, Denver --- 8:30pm EST

NFL Betting Line: Pittsburgh -3 (41)

The Broncos have been stunning people all season, and despite a 3-7 -1 ATS record in their last 11 games, they’ve ripped off a 6-1 ATS record this season. Kyle Orton and the offense are matching up admirably, but one of the league’s best defenses just received another boost with the signing of Ty Law to an already decorated secondary that features Brian Dawkins and Champ Bailey. It’s a very similar insertion for Ty Law who did the same thing mid-season with the Jets last year.

Pittsburgh’s road offense, powered by the fearsome foursome of Hines Ward, Heath Miller, Santonio Holmes and Mike Wallace will test the newly formed secondary all night long. Ranking ninth in the league in road passing, the Steelers romp opponents for 245.3 passing yards per game. It’ll be a legendary battle between the offensive resiliency of Big Ben and the stalwart defense in Denver. For Willie and Mendenhall, there won’t be much room to run. Denver’s home rush defense give up just 74.7 yards against, ranking them sixth in the league.

I don’t think that Denver is a fluke in the slightest. Good coaching prevails in the NFL (are you listening, Chicago?) and the Broncos have one of the best staffs and head coaches in Josh McDaniels. A stunning lopsided loss to Baltimore isn’t enough to sway me away from Denver. What I’m scared of is a Pittsburgh team that has ripped off four straight wins. Plus they’re coming off a bye week.

Furious Free Pick: Pittsburgh -3 (OVER)