Fans might have their hopes up after the Steeler's Week 1 victory, but that doesn't mean their second game will be a cakewalk. Many predictions have Pittsburgh hitting the road in their Week 2 matchup against the Broncos and taking care of business. On the surface, that is a reasonable expectation, but there could be bumps in this specific road to victory for the black and gold.
Bo Nix is the outlier and someone who could change the course of this game. His mobility is something the Steeler's defense didn't have to worry about when they played Kirk Cousins last Sunday. Nix lacks experience, but if he can grow from his performance against the Seahawks in his debut, then he could challenge Pittsburgh's defense throughout the game.
Much like Nix being the outlier for the Broncos, Justin Fields is just as much of one in this contest for the Steelers. He played a safe brand of football in Atlanta after slowly settling into the starting role. He showed that he can play it safe and let the defense win the game for them. If he can improve from that experience, then Fields could cement himself as the starter moving forward.
Justin Fields will keep the job as starting QB of the Steelers
Russell Wilson is still out with his lingering calf injury, and that just gives Mike Tomlin more time to evaluate Fields as the starting quarterback. If Fields can improve from his performance last week, then it is reasonable to assume Tomlin will ride the hot hand before deciding to turn toward Wilson. Denver doesn't have a great defense, so this could be a massive day on the run for Fields.
Chris Boswell will score more field goals than touchdowns
It might be sad to hear the truth, but Chris Boswell was the best offensive player for the Steelers last week. He scored all of their points, and that led to him being the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Hopefully, the Steelers will find another way to win and score some touchdowns along the way. Expect Boswell to have plenty of chances to keep his hot start to the season going against Denver.
T.J. Watt will have an interception for a touchdown against the Broncos
Speaking of hot starts to the season, T.J. Watt might've had the best game of his career against the Falcons. He was a few poorly officiated calls away from having a monster performance statistically. He is a game-wrecker, and the Broncos do not have a great offensive line. Watt should be able to confuse Nix and do his signature jump-up for a swat, but this time he will hold and scurry on for a pick-six.
Pittsburgh will account for over 200 rushing yards in Denver
Arthur Smith is going to keep the Steeler's run-first offense alive against a poor Broncos defensive front. Pittsburgh should be able to get some quality push in the trenches and open avenues for the likes of Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and Cordarrelle Patterson. This should be a great day on the ground for the Steelers and Fields should be able to inflate those totals.