Steelers vs. Broncos: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

Peyton Manning's return to the NFL will be on display in one of the league's biggest stages, and the Pittsburgh Steelers will begin life without Hines Ward when the two teams meet on NBC's Sunday Night Football to open the 2012 season. 

In a rematch of Denver's playoff upset led by former Bronco Tim Tebow last season, both teams will look to start the season off right, with the Steelers harboring a little ill will towards the team that bounced them from the postseason. 

For betting odds, lines and information about the game, keeping reading below.

When: Sunday, September 9, 2012 @ 8:20 p.m. EST

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

TV: NBC Sunday Night Football

Live Stream: Sunday Night Football All Access 

Listen (radio): WDVE 102.5 FM (Pittsburgh), 850 AM KOA (Denver)  

Spread: Denver -2 (via ScoresandOdds.com)

Denver opens at home being favored by less than field goal in what would likely be a pick 'em game at a neutral site. They get the edge with the air and the altitude at Mile High, but with a host of new players will that be an advantage or disadvantage during week 1?

I'm taking Pittsburgh as the 'dog here, although this game will likely come down to a field goal or 4th quarter drive. Too many question marks for me to feel confident that Denver will come out of the gate and have a firm grasp on what Manning wants to accomplish offensively.

Of course, the Steelers have question marks of their own at running back and with Mike Wallace reporting to camp just two weeks before the season starts. A small spread seems fitting here, and it will go down to the wire. 

Over/Under: 44.5 (via ScoresandOdds.com)

Take the under. Although Pittsburgh will be without three starters on defense, and the Broncos were prone to the big play last season, this Week 1 matchup should see a lot of Pittsburgh finding a new identity on the ground until Rashard Mendenhall returns. 

Though Manning put in extra time from the minute he signed his offseason contract, it takes time to get on the same page with receivers in a game situation. Pittsburgh missing safety Ryan Clark will help the Broncos, but not enough to put up the big plays required to turn this into a shootout.

Injury Report: (via CBSSports.com)

PIT DB Ryan Clark: OUT (medical condition)

PIT RB Rashard Mendenhall: QST (knee)

PIT LB James Harrison: QST (knee)

PIT LB Larry Foote: PRB (ankle)

DEN LB D.J. Williams: OUT (suspension) 

Player(s) to Watch

WRs Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, DEN

The two new primary targets for Manning figure to get most of the opportunities in the passing game, hopefully forming a Reggie Wayne/Marvin Harrison or Pierre Garcon/Austin Collie duo, whichever one you feel is more appropriate.

Decker scored eight touchdowns last year with Tim Tebow as his quarterback, so he should at the very least accomplish that and add to his total of 600+ receiver yards. Thomas is the big play threat down the field and could get the Broncos off to a big start if Manning can establish the running game to set up play action.

Prediction

Pittsburgh 17, Denver 14

Give me the Steelers on a late field goal to avenge their postseason loss to the Broncos. The Manning era doesn't give coach John Fox a win at home in the season opener, but there are plenty of positives going forward for both teams.

Pittsburgh establishes the run with one of their four candidates to get the job done, the defense stiffens late and the Steelers win on the road.