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5 Bold Predictions For Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos In AFC Divisional Playoff

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Following a crazy victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card Round, the Pittsburgh Steelers will travel west to take on the No. 1 seed Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round. Both Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown‘s playing statuses are up in the air while Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will be making his first start since Week 10.

5. C.J. Anderson Will Rush For 100 Yards

C.J. Anderson Will Rush For 100 Yards Getty Images
On the surface, this may not seem like a very bold prediction, but when you delve deeper into the stats, it certainly is. The Steelers' run defense is ranked No. 5 in the NFL, allowing only 91.2 yards rushing per game this season, and Anderson has only broken the 100-yard barrier twice. With that being said, Anderson turned it on the last two weeks of the season, rushing for 168 yards on 24 carries which equals a whopping 7.0 YPC average.

On the surface, this may not seem like a very bold prediction, but when you delve deeper into the stats, it certainly is. The Steelers' run defense is ranked No. 5 in the NFL, allowing only 91.2 yards rushing per game this season, and Anderson has only broken the 100-yard barrier twice. With that being said, Anderson turned it on the last two weeks of the season, rushing for 168 yards on 24 carries which equals a whopping 7.0 YPC average.

4. Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown Will Both Play

Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown Will Both Play Getty Images
Everything we've been hearing out of Pittsburgh is that it's extremely uncertain whether Roethlisberger or Brown will suit up. Don't let that fool you; these two guys are gamers and know they're too important to their team to sit out. They'll find a way to play on Sunday.

Everything we've been hearing out of Pittsburgh is that it's extremely uncertain whether Roethlisberger or Brown will suit up. Don't let that fool you; these two guys are gamers and know they're too important to their team to sit out. They'll find a way to play on Sunday.

3. Von Miller Will Get To Roethlisberger Multiple Times

Von Miller Will Get To Roethlisberger Multiple Times Getty Images
Roethlisberger is one of the most difficult quarterbacks to bring to the ground, but playing with this shoulder injury may make him think twice about fighting to stay on his feet. Miller is one of the top-five pass rushers in the NFL and will have his sights set on Big Ben all evening long.

Roethlisberger is one of the most difficult quarterbacks to bring to the ground, but playing with this shoulder injury may make him think twice about fighting to stay on his feet. Miller is one of the top-five pass rushers in the NFL and will have his sights set on Big Ben all evening long.

2. Martavis Bryant Will Have Over 150 Receiving Yards

Martavis Bryant Will Have Over 150 Receiving Yards Getty Images
With Antonio Brown being dinged up, Bryant will have to be the guy to step up on Sunday. He has the talent to be a top receiver in the NFL, but he has occasional struggles with effort and drops. After the team called him out on it prior to the playoffs, Bryant responded with an amazing touchdown catch against the Bengals last week. I expect an even bigger performance from him against a stout Broncos secondary.

With Antonio Brown being dinged up, Bryant will have to be the guy to step up on Sunday. He has the talent to be a top receiver in the NFL, but he has occasional struggles with effort and drops. After the team called him out on it prior to the playoffs, Bryant responded with an amazing touchdown catch against the Bengals last week. I expect an even bigger performance from him against a stout Broncos secondary.

1. Peyton Manning Will Play Like Peyton Of Old

Peyton Manning Will Play Like Peyton Of Old Getty Images
Manning saw his first game action in Week 17 since Week 10, and although he was only a modest 5-of-9 for 69 yards, his ability to see the field prior to the playoffs will be huge for his confidence. I expect to see Manning light up the Steelers' horrible secondary as the Broncos move on to the AFC Championship Game.

Manning saw his first game action in Week 17 since Week 10, and although he was only a modest 5-of-9 for 69 yards, his ability to see the field prior to the playoffs will be huge for his confidence. I expect to see Manning light up the Steelers' horrible secondary as the Broncos move on to the AFC Championship Game.

Jason Fletcher is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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