Steelers vs. Broncos: Why Denver, Mile High Could Spell Doom for Pittsburgh

As if you have yet to hear, Pittsburgh has been weakened at the running back position. According to Michael David Smith of NBC Sports, Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall is out for the season:

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"Mendenhall has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, ESPN’s Josina Anderson reports."

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To enhance Pittsburgh's already tough situation heading into Denver, they also have to play without defensive back Ryan Clark.

In an article by Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post, Clark suffers from a rare blood reaction:

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"The last time Clark played in Denver, in October 2007, it cost him two organs, because he has sickle cell trait, which causes a blood reaction when he exerts himself at high altitude. Denver, of course, sits a mile above sea level."

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And for one final part to the Steelers difficulties against Denver, the health of QB Ben Roethlisberger. According to Tom Kensler of the Denver Post, Big Ben's ankle is still healing:

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"I'd say '5.' It's not bad," he [Ben Roethlisberger] said when asked to rate how the ankle feels on a scale, with 10 being the best and 1 being unable to move. "We had a little setback (in the last game). We're working really hard, the trainers and stuff, to get it back feeling like it did before that game."

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These reasons combined is why the Denver Broncos have increased odds in defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday afternoon. The Mile High City has definitely given Denver an advantage over the years, and that's continuing this postseason.

As for Big Ben's ankle, being that it is January, the cold weather will definitely have an affect on how quickly that blood flows to keep him nimble.

Then again, Roethlisberger won't have a choice but to be agile and elusive since the Broncos have one of the NFL's better pass-rushes. Thanks to rookie linebacker Von Miller and stud DE Elvis Dumervil, Denver will get pressure on Big Ben quite often.

Plus, as of recent history, the Steelers offensive line has lacked in pass protection—so there's another concern for Pittsburgh.

Therefore, don't be surprised if the defending AFC champs fall to the 8-8 Broncos. Denver's odds have significantly increased because of the unfortunate obstacles The Steel City must overcome.

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