Steelers vs. Broncos: Preview and Predictions for 2012 AFC Wild Card Game

It's official. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos are set to face off in one of the 2012 AFC Wild Card games.

In a matchup that heavily favors the Steelers, the Broncos will hope that starting QB Tim Tebow can help provide the spark that he has brought to the table late in games countless times this season.

Meanwhile the Steelers hope to continue winning games heading into the playoffs and take care of business at Mile High, as the Steelers finish the season 12-4 with wins in five of the team's last six games.

Here are the significant details pertaining to what should be matchup of epic proportions in the first-round of the NFL playoffs.

Where: at Denver Broncos, Invesco Field

When: Sunday, Jan. 8 at 4:30 p.m. EST

Watch: NFL on CBS

Listen: 850 KOA Broncos Radio, WDVE 102.5 in Pittsburgh

Betting Line: TBD

What's at Stake

The Denver Broncos come into this game on a three-game losing streak after winning six of the first seven games after QB Tim Tebow was named the starter for the team. Tebow is in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, the Steelers come into this game with an older team that may be putting together one of its final postseason runs with arguably the best defense in the league led by defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.

Steelers Injury Report

Both LB LaMarr Woodley and RB Rashard Mendenhall enter the NFL playoffs fresh off of injuries. Mendenhall was listed as probable for the final game of the season and injured his knee in Week 17, as his status for the first-round playoff game is in big-time question. Woodley's continued to suffer from a hamstring injury as his status is still unknown.

Broncos Injury Report

The one standout injury for the Denver Broncos is the injury to Brian Dawkins, who was inactive for the team's Week 17 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. There were also two injuries to starters in the first half of the Week 17 game against the Chiefs.

What They're Saying

The Denver Post and Huffington Post are reporting that the team lost two starters in the first half of the Week 17 matchup with Kansas City, losing right guard Chris Kuper and fullback Spencer Larsen. 

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Mendenhall left the game against the Browns in the second quarter. This could significantly hurt this team's chances, as it is a team that runs on the play of their defense and rushing attack.

Steelers Player to Watch

QB Ben Roethlisberger has been in and out of the lineup with his ankle injury towards the end of the season. With a team that has struggled mightily offensively as of late, Roethlisberger will have to put up significant numbers to pull out a win for his team.

Broncos Player to Watch

All eyes are on QB Tim Tebow going into the first round matchup, as the young quarterback will attempt to pull off the upset over the Steelers. When Tebow struggles in the fourth quarter, so do the Broncos. Multiple games this season have been won by Tebow down the stretch, something that has failed to happen in the team's last three outings.

Key Matchup

Steelers running game vs. Denver Broncos defense

The Broncos boast one of the weaker defenses against the run, while the Steelers boast the No. 16 rushing offense. The health of Mendenhall will be key in this matchup, as a healthy Mendenhall should give the Steelers a significant advantage in this game. The Broncos will have to stop the running game of the Steelers in order to keep it close down the stretch.

On the Hotseat

There is no question that Tebow is the man in the hot seat. With three losses in a row, Tebow has to redeem himself in order to save his struggling team from going home and secure his starting job in Denver.

Prediction

In what will be a close game for close to three quarters of play, the Steelers will run their way to victory in the fourth quarter. Expect Roethlisberger and WR Mike Wallace to make plays throughout this contest and eliminate the Broncos from the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Steelers 27, Broncos 14