Steelers vs. Broncos 2016 picks and predictions: Peyton Manning expected to lead Denver to AFC Championship
Given all of the adversity he’s faced this season, Sunday’s game could be one of the most impressive wins of Manning’s career.
It's not hyperbolic to say Peyton Manning was the worst quarterback in football this season. He threw the second-most interceptions in the league despite only playing in 10 games, and posted the lowest passer rating among all starters. Yet, he probably gives the Broncos the best chance to advance to the AFC Championship.
Denver is starting Manning against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Divisional round after handing the job to Brock Osweiler while Manning recovered from plantar fasciitis in his foot. The Broncos went 5-2 with Osweiler under center, though one of those wins came against the Chargers in Week 17, in which Denver's offense didn't get going until Manning was brought into the game.
If the Broncos’ season-finale win was their most thrilling victory of the year, then perhaps their most disheartening loss was their effort against the Steelers in Week 15. Denver held a 27-13 halftime lead before allowing 21 unanswered second-half points to lose the ballgame. Osweiler was unimpressive in the final two quarters, only completing six passes and throwing an interception.
Though Manning’s teams have been one-and-done in the playoffs nine times, the pressure isn’t solely on him to make plays this time around. The Broncos have the best defense in the league and could look toward a seemingly reenergized running game as well. All Manning needs to do is make good decisions and take advantage of a mediocre Pittsburgh pass defense when the opportunity arises.
The Steelers' offense can be prolific when Ben Roethlisberger is under center, but the Broncos' potent pass rush could make it uncomfortable for him -- especially because he's dealing with a shoulder injury. Pittsburgh's offense has been contained recently, too. The Steelers haven't scored at least 30 points in a game in one month.
With that in mind, seven of our eight experts at SB Nation are picking Denver at home Sunday. Five of CBS Sports' eight writers think the Broncos will win, whereas ESPN is heavily leaning toward Denver.
| Week 16 | Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | Matt Ufford | PFT Commenter | OddsShark |
| PIT vs. DEN | DEN | DEN | DEN | DEN | DEN | DEN | PIT | DEN |
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