Steelers vs. Broncos: TV Schedule, Live Stream and More for 2012 AFC Wild Card

The Pittsburgh Steelers are the unlikely road team in this first-round AFC matchup against the Denver Broncos, but they could be one of the most talented wild card teams in the history of the sport.

While Tim Tebow turned the culture around in Denver and instilled a winning mentality, the Broncos haven’t faced a defense the caliber of the Steelers and will soon understand why Pittsburgh is so feared.

Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, CO

When: Sunday, January, 8, 4:30 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Live Streaming Audio: NFL.com Audio Pass ($29.99 for year, $27.99 team specific, $9.99 a month)

Listen: Sirius Satellite Radio

Betting Line: Over/Under: 34, Spread: Denver +9 (Covers.com)

What's at Stake?

For the Pittsburgh Steelers, they are a road team expected to win, but will be missing a few of their stars with Big Ben hurting and Rashard Mendenhall blowing out his knee.

If Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos use their home-field advantage and sneak out a victory over the ailing Steelers, the aura of the Tebow-led Broncos may be enough to carry them on a dream Super Bowl run.

Steelers’ Injury Report (NFL.com)

Doug Legursky, G, Out

Mewelde Moore, RB, Out

Ryan Clark, S, Out

Rasahrad Mendenhall, RB, Out

LaMarr Woodley, LB, Doubtful

Chris Carter, LB, Questionable

James Harrison, LB, Probable

Troy Polamalu, S, Probable

Maurkice Pouncey, C, Probable

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Probable

Broncos’ Injury Report (NFL.com)

Brian Dawkins, S, Doubtful

David Bruton, S, Probable

Quinton Carter, S, Probable

Chris Harris, CB, Probable

Von Miller, LB, Probable

Steelers’ X-Factor: Pittsburgh’s Defense

With the top pass defense in the NFL and the eighth best run defense, the Steelers defense will have to come up huge if they want to stop the relentless attack of Tim Tebow and the Broncos. As mediocre as Tebow’s passing is, he is a dangerous man with his feet and could kill Pittsburgh if he gets loose.

Broncos’ X Factor: Tim Tebow

The Denver Broncos will win or lose Sunday depending solely on what Tim Tebow does at quarterback. If Tebow protects the ball by limiting his turnovers and avoiding sacks, the defense could stifle the hampered Steelers offense and give Tebow a chance to win it in the fourth quarter.

What They're Saying

Pompous ESPN personality Rick Reilly jabs on twitter:

All-around smart guy and typical Steelers fan Fritz Scherz complains on twitter:

Key Matchup: Ben Roethlisberger vs. his ankle

The key to any and every Pittsburgh Steelers postseason victory has been Ben Roethlisberger and will continue to be for the near future. He is the straw that stirs the Steelers' drink.

Steelers’ writer for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Mark Kaboly relays Roethlisberger’s words on his re-aggravated high-ankle sprain:

"

I felt really good going into the Cleveland game. I don’t know if I caught it on the ground wrong or got hit. We’ll see, we’ll be alright.

"

This is terrible news for Steelers nation, but the good news is that Big Ben isn’t human. This man will play through any injury and you will see him on the field Sunday for the Steelers.

Prediction: Steelers 23, Broncos 20

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