Broncos at Steelers Football Odds: Week 5 Analysis

With four weeks in the books, things are beginning to take shape in the NFL. Nearly a quarter of the season is gone, and contenders are starting to separate themselves from pretenders. While some constants remain, there have been plenty of revelations so far this year.

The Broncos at Steelers this week features two of the bigger surprises. So let’s have a look at the football odds and see what we can expect from this Sunday’s intriguing matchup.

Broncos Defense Has Been Dominant

Before Week 4, the Denver Broncos had allowed just 26 points in three games this season. With a 23-7 loss on Sunday, their points against nearly doubled, but they are still ranked second in the league at 49. Some might credit the Broncos’ soft schedule for their early success (Giants, Jaguars, Jets), but Denver isn’t apologizing for its opponents.

The Broncos’ defense has allowed an NFL-best completion percentage of 52% to other teams this year, compared to the league average of 67%. And while their secondary has been great, their run defense has been even better.

Coming off a game where they gave up just 45 yards on the ground to the Jets, the Broncos faced their most formidable challenge yet with the dynamic Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. The Broncos ended up taking the loss, but their stout defense held Jackson to just 28 rushing yards, which is a feat in itself.

Steelers Offense Has Sputtered

Big Ben has looked just like what he is this season – an aging quarterback. But, while Tom Brady has skewed the reality on older athletes playing QB, the truth is that there is an expiration date on pass throwers, and Roethlisberger appears to have reached his.

The 39-year-old Steelers legend has had a rough start out of the gate, averaging just 258 yards per game through the air while turning the ball over more than he’s getting it in the end zone (4 TD passes/4 interceptions/1 fumble).

It’s not like the talent isn’t there. Roethlisberger has a plethora of playmakers in Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and rookie RB Najee Harris. But so far, the QB just hasn’t been able to get it done. While Big Ben insists he’s still got plenty left in the tank, only time will reveal whether or not that’s true.

Broncos at Steelers: Football Odds

As we look at NFL Week 5 betting odds on the Steelers vs. Broncos, there are plenty of unknowns. First and foremost is whether or not Teddy Bridgewater will clear concussion protocol and be able to play. Even if we assume he will play, this matchup has all the makings of a tight, low-scoring affair.

The Broncos head to Heinz Field, where the Steelers are usually dominant, but they’ve already suffered two losses on the season to the Raiders and Bengals. The Steelers are currently -1.5 favorites, with the O/U at 40.5.

Whether Bridgewater plays or not, I think this is a “get right” game for the Steelers. It’s fair to say that their season is on the line after a 1-3 start, and they can’t afford to lose a third straight home game.

You can look forward to an ugly, low-scoring affair, but expect Big Ben to come out on top. I believe the Steelers will win a close game over the Broncos 17-13.

Points Will Be Scarce

It’s not often you see football odds of 40.5 O/U, but that’s what you’re getting with the Broncos at Steelers this weekend. It’s going to be a grimy game won in the trenches, and points are going to be hard to come by. So if you love good defense, you’ll want to tune into this one.

For all of the best odds and promotions, head to BetMGM’s online betting site to get in on this week’s exciting action. With a quick sign-up process and fast payouts, it’s never been easier to place bets on NFL games.