Wild Card Weekend (AFC)

AFC Wild Card Round:

#5(Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. #4(Denver Broncos)
When: Sunday, January 8th, 2012. 1:30 PST (CBS)
Where: INVESCO Field at Mile High Denver, Colorado
Previous Match-up: (None)

It's Tebow Time, or Bronco time as QB Tim Tebow tells it. After taking over week six, the Broncos began a sprint to the playoffs and even after a late season fall, they came out on top. It's no doubt what the Broncos want to do, run, run and run again. Whether it's Willie McGahee or Tim Tebow, the Broncos clearly have formed their offense around a style that will fit Tim Tebow and that is a run first offense. Which is why the Broncos drew about the worst match-up possible in this round. Facing off against a traditionally tremendous rush defense in the Steelers, the Broncos will have their work cut out for them. Though this year has been a slight exception. The defense has taken a little step back, but make no mistake, the Steelers step it up when it matters most.

Pittsburgh will enter the playoffs a bit hobbled. RB Rashard Mendenhall is OUT with torn ACL and Big Ben Rothlesburger still has a lame ankle and a bad thumb, but is expected to play. Wallace and Brown are expected to carry the offense, if Ben can stay upright.

Keys to the Game: (Steelers)

1) Protect Big Ben- As we saw against the 49ers and Browns, Ben Rothlesgurger will have a really tough time against a good pass rush, as his ability to escape the pocket is extremely limited, and with Mendenhall out, he will be expected to carry more of a load. If Ben is being taken down or forced to throw, Broncos will be all over him.

2) Stop the Run- The Broncos had the most rush yards and rushing attempts last year, and especially picked up the run in the second half. They are going to run the ball and are reluctant to throw it. If the Steelers can stop the run, they will force Denver into doing things they are uncomfortable with.

3) Put a rest to "Tebow Time"- Take the Bronco fans out of the game and shutdown Tim Tebow. If anything, force him to throw the ball, if his history shows, that will shut down Tebow Time by itself. Get the "Terrible Towels" going!

Keys to the Game: (Broncos)

1) Take Some Shots- Everybody knows what the Broncos want to do. So why not take some risks and throw the ball down field. Some play-action passes could lead you to a more spread out defense and create even better running lanes. Keep the defense honest, open up the game with some big throws.

2) Bring the Heat- Big Ben is hurting, but he's going to play. And he's going to be throwing the ball, a lot, with the starting running back out. He will be vulnerable in the pocket and not be able to break pressure as he usually does so well. Bring the extra pass rush.

3) Improve 3rd Down Play- The Broncos are one of the worst teams converting on third down, converting a mere 31% of third downs. The reason is a predictable 1st down running offense. Take some shots down field in early down and get into manageable situations.

Even with Pittsburgh's injury issues, they shouldn't have much of a problem stopping Tim Tebow and the Broncos. If Denver can throw it down field, this may be a closer game, but I just don't see that happening.

Final Verdict- Steelers 21, Broncos 7.