Peyton Manning: Bold Predictions for Legend's 1st Broncos Start

Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos career is going to get off to an 0-1 start as the Pittsburgh Steelers will get a slight measure of revenge for the Broncos knocking them out of the playoffs with a stunning overtime victory last season. 

While the outcome is certainly not going to be what the Bronco fans are hoping for, there will be some positives to take from this game—like the first of my three predictions. 

Two Touchdowns in Solid Return 

Manning and his offensive teammates will struggle at times to get their new aerial offense on the same page, but he will hit for a couple of big pass plays.

Manning will catch the Steelers in some overaggressive sets and exploit them for big plays. I see one touchdown of more than 30 yards coming on a play-action strike to WR Demaryius Thomas and a shorter TD going to Eric Decker in the back of the end zone. 

Manning will end with 265 yards, two touchdowns and a pick, which we will discuss next. 

Manning Throws Costly Pick

This game is going to be up for grabs late into the fourth quarter, and this is when Denver's growing pains with their new offense will really rear its ugly head. 

Pressing to get a score late against this stingy defense, Manning will assume his coach-on-the-field role and start flashing those custom hand signals to try attacking the Steelers defense. However, at some point, Manning and his receivers will not be on the same page, and this will lead to the late pick that seals the Broncos' losing fate. 

Steelers Win, 20-14

As I mentioned, the Steelers are going to win, and they will use a late interception to seal it. That will come as a result of the Broncos pressing to erase a late six-point deficit. The Steelers will build this lead as they display their new commitment to the running game. 

While Pittsburgh is dealing with running back injuries and a suspect offensive line, Denver does not boast the strongest rush defense, and the Steelers will take advantage of this. 

This will give them the ball-control style they need to wear down Denver's defense and pave the way for 20 points.