Russell Wilson is coming back to the Mile High City. But more than likely, he’ll be on the sidelines with a calf injury. Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver hosts the Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High.

Live updates

Pre-game updates

Scouting report (11 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Steelers in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.

Game predictions

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Steelers 20, Broncos 17

Russ or no Russ, life doesn’t get easier for Denver rookie QB Bo Nix against Pittsburgh’s defense. T.J. Watt rightfully gets top billing, but Alex Highsmith (14.5 sacks in 2022, seven last year) is no slouch on the other side. Mike Macdonald and the Seahawks played it pretty straight last week. Mike Tomlin? Here’s betting he’s got some wrinkles up his sleeve for Nix and company.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Steelers 17, Broncos 13

This game might get ugly. Denver’s offensive line is already banged up so there’s a chance quarterback Bo Nix will be running for his life against T.J. Watt on Sunday. At the same time, Pittsburgh’s offense is questionable. Denver’s home opener will be a low-scoring contest, dictated by special teams and the run game. Pittsburgh will have the edge against the Broncos.

Troy Renck, columnist: Broncos 17, Steelers 16

No Russell Mania, so this feels like an undercard bout. But there is urgency for the Broncos to win because if they don’t, they are staring at an 0-4 start with back-to-back roadies looming. Bo Nix will be challenged by the Steelers pass rush but will be helped by an improved run game. However, the Broncos will escape because of three takeaways, including a Jonathon Cooper strip sack of Justin Fields for the second straight season.

Sean Keeler, columnist: Steelers 22, Broncos 13

Russ, schmuss. Just when Bo Nix needs most to turn to his run game and keep a nasty Steelers pass rush honest, Audric Estime goes on injured reserve and starting left tackle Garett Bolles and center Luke Wattenberg are walking wounded. The Steelers put four tight ends on the field at one point in Atlanta to run the single wing with QB Justin Fields. Mike Tomlin’s going to be fine with pounding the ball and daring Nix to do the un-Bo-lievable. No. 10’s not there yet.

Broncos-Steelers NFL Week 2: Must-reads

Broncos analysis: Is Denver at risk of relying too heavily on rookie QB Bo Nix to solve long list of Russell Wilson-era offensive ills?

In November 2023, the Broncos had won five straight and just polished off a bully-ball win against Cleveland to get above .500 for the first time all season.

At 6-5, they had legitimate playoff aspirations. Quarterback Russell Wilson had 17 touchdowns and no picks in the red zone.

The 17-0 TD-INT ratio didn’t capture the sacks and penalties that beset the Broncos offense. It didn’t mask, in Payton’s eyes, that Denver was among the league’s worst offenses on goal-to-go situations. It certainly did not convince Payton that Wilson was the guy to get Denver where it wanted to go long-term, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.

Broncos Journal: Denver’s pass rush shows signs of improvement. But can defense be dominant for full game?

The Broncos’ front seven wanted to be a physical and attacking front this fall. They didn’t waste any time in doing so against the Seahawks in the season opener.

While Denver wasn’t pleased with the outcome of its 26-20 loss in Seattle, there were positives to take away from the experience, starting with the Broncos’ ability to apply pressure on Smith in the first half.

After the Broncos finished 29th in pressure rate (18.2%) in 2023, the pass rush showed signs of life. The next step is making the quarterback’s life miserable for an entire game, Ryan McFadden reports. Read the full story.

Renck: Starting Bo Nix was right decision. But soon enough, Broncos’ Sean Payton will have to defend it.

Bo Nix earned the right to start. And it won’t be long before coach Sean Payton is forced to defend his decision.

Hear me out. Six quarterbacks were drafted in the first round last spring. Nix was the last.

Three started on opening weekend. You know how many will face four straight head coaches who were former defensive coordinators? The list starts and ends with Nix, Troy Renck writes. Read the full column.

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