Predominantly Orange
FanSided

Breaking down the Broncos three possible opponents

By Aric Manthey

Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos fans hold a sign during the fourth quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos fans hold a sign during the fourth quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next

#6 Seed- Pittsburgh Steelers

The Story- In what has been a wild and tumultuous year for many teams in the AFC, it’s fitting that the lowest seed in

Jan 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) celebrate Brown
Jan 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) celebrate Brown /

the AFC playoffs could be the most dangerous team for the to Broncos face.  With an explosive offense, battle tested coaching staff and clutch QB, it’s hard to ignore them. Let’s take a look at their strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths

One of the best QB’s in the game

Best and most explosive WR corps in the league

#3 in total offense (3rd in passing, 16th in rushing)

#5 in rushing defense

Seasoned coaching staff with a Super Bowl Pedigree

This team has a history of going on a wild card run and winning a Super Bowl

Weaknesses

Will be without starting RB DeAngelo Williams for at least the first game

30th in pass defense. In a league that is filled with prolific numbers in the passing game, a dismal pass defense could be an Achilles heal for this team

They have to get through an underrated Cincinnati team on the road before they would face us.

Conclusion- Regardless of the seeding, this team could prove to be the biggest test not just for the Broncos but any other team in the AFC. With an explosive offense, a super bowl resume, good run defense and past success as a wild card team, it’s impossible to overlook the Steelers in the postseason.  Despite some of their shortcomings on the injury front, the strongest aspect of their team is healthy and in prime position to do some damage in the postseason.  Although I think the Bengals have enough talent and depth on both sides of the ball to potentially hold of the Steelers, this is not a team to overlook if they survive past this weekend.

Would I want to face them? Not really. Could we face them? There’s a good chance of it.  At the end of the day, you have to beat some good opponents to hoist the Lombardi trophy and if that means having to face off against the Steelers, so be it. I’m not afraid of Denver playing them, but to me, they clearly pose the biggest threat of the three possible opponents that the Broncos could face. Forget the seeding, the Steelers may be primed to take the AFC if Denver and the other teams aren’t prepared.

Home/Broncos News