Steelers vs. Broncos: Spread Info, Line and Predictions for 2012 AFC Wild Card

The Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) and Denver Broncos (8-8) will finish Wild Card Weekend with a Sunday afternoon clash. Tim Tebow will be the game's main focus as you might expect, but the biggest storyline will end up being the Steelers' ability (or inability) to overcome injuries.

Pittsburgh lost star running back Rashard Mendenhall to an ACL injury in Week 17, and they will also be without underrated safety Ryan Clark, who the team doesn't want to put at risk in high altitudes due to his sickle cell trait. So their respective backups will be counted on to step up.

The Broncos have watched Tebow Mania come to a screeching halt following three straight losses. Defenses have adjusted to the quarterback's unorthodox style, which has made life much tough on Denver's offense. It will be interesting to see if they have a couple tricks of their sleeve on Sunday.

Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colo.

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

Watch: CBS

Spread: Steelers -9

The betting public's faith in Tebow has clearly waned in recent weeks, and that's caused the Steelers to become a heavy favorite in this weekend's game. Pittsburgh has a more talented roster, but winning a playoff road game is never an easy task, regardless of the opponent.

For some reason, this matchup is giving me the same vibe as last season's New Orleans Saints vs. Seattle Seahawks opening round game. The Broncos get to play the underdog role, which was the case when they began to excel around mid-season, and should keep this one closer than people expect.

Pick: Broncos

Over/Under: 34

Talk about a remarkably low line. In today's age of high-powered passing attacks and vulnerable secondaries, an over/under of 34 is rare. It's likely driven by the fact that oddsmakers don't think Denver will be able to score much on Pittsburgh's stout defense.

With that said, the Steelers will probably be taking to the air more often without the services of Mendenhall, which should increase the number of possessions for each team. That will be enough to push the total over the line.

Pick: Over

Key Injuries (via USA Today)

Steelers: RB Rashard Mendenhall (out, knee), S Ryan Clark (out, precautionary) and LB LaMarr Woodley (probable, hamstring)

Broncos: RB Knowshon Moreno (out, knee) and S Brian Dawkins (questionable, neck)

X-Factors

Troy Polamalu—Polamalu is still a solid safety, but it seems like all of the damage his body has taken over the years has sapped his big-play ability. He has just two interceptions this season. With Clark out, he'll need to some off some of his vintage skills to elevate Pittsburgh's defense to an elite level.

Von Miller—Tim Terrific got most of the credit when the Broncos went on their extended winning streak, but Miller's relentless pass rush was a major factor. He's battling a thumb injury and just hasn’t been the same player. If he doesn't get pressure on Ben Roethlisberger, the Broncos are in trouble.

Keys to Steelers Win

1. Establish the run—Isaac Redman will fill in for the injured Mendenhall and is a very capable back in his own right. It's important for him to find a rhythm early so he can be counted on in the second half. The Steelers can't afford to become one-dimensional from the opening kickoff.

2. Special teams—Whenever there is a major upset in the NFL, there seems to be a big play or two by the underdog's special teams that turns the tide in their favor. Stopping Denver from stealing momentum in the game's third phase is vital.

Keys to Broncos Win

1. Ground and pound—The more Tebow drops back to pass, the lower the chances of a Broncos victory becomes. That's the harsh reality for offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, who is charged with developing a game plan that will allow for as many running plays as possible.

2. Conservative secondary defense—Denver can't afford to give up any quick strikes to Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown or any of Big Ben's other weapons. It's important that they play this game at a reduced pace to give Tebow and Co. a chance in the fourth quarter.

Prediction

Steelers 24, Broncos 17