Pittsburgh at Denver

Tough loss for Denver last week. How will they respond? Unlike Tampa Bay (who knows their loss is on them and will drag them down this week), Denver believes they should have won. And they probably would have if it were not for Dante Hall (What were you thinking Shanahan?!?). Denver knows they out-gained and out-played KC. Denver’s pissed and has been outstanding in recent years following losses. They are 18-5 ATS in this situation and 12-1 when at home following a loss. Jake Plummer’s questionable but there won’t be much drop-off, if any, with Steve Beuerlein at the helm. This is a running offense and they just need a QB who isn’t going to turn the ball over. Beuerlein is a cagy vet who understands this and can execute to the plan. On the other side of the ball, Steelers QB Tommy Maddox couldn’t be having a worse year. He’s throwing lots of picks and few touchdowns. Part of the reason is that he’s missing a key member of the offensive line, left tackle Marvel Smith, who will miss his third straight game. In the two games he’s missed, Maddox has been sacked six times. Denver’s defense, allowing just 14.6 points per game, will be pinning their ears back. Statistically, Denver should kill the Steelers. If they tackle Hall last week, Denver is a 9 or 10 point favorite in this game. Denver takes out their frustrations on a struggling Steelers squad and wins by more than a TD.