AFC West leaders Denver Broncos (10-3) will look to bounce back from a temporary setback in their last game as they face the rising Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5) at the Heinz Field on Sunday, December 20 as Week 15 of the 2015 NFL season moves forward.
Both teams are trying to qualify for the coming postseason with Denver needing one more win to do so while the Steelers are still in the hunt to take the wild card route.
The Broncos dropped an ugly 15-12 decision to the Oakland Raiders at the Sports Authority Field at Mile High last Sunday to temporarily stall clinching their playoff berth, as per SB Nation.
Quarterback Brock Osweiler, who continues to fill in for injured starter Peyton Manning, had a poor game, throwing 35-of-51 for 308 yards, no touchdowns and interceptions with five sacks for a low QBR of 33.2 and rating of 84.4.
Meanwhile, the Steelers won their second straight game via a 33-20 triumph over powerhouse team Cincinnati Bengals, 33-20, at the Paul Brown Stadium also last Sunday, as reported by ESPN.
Signal caller Ben Roethlisberger led Pittsburgh going an almost flawless 30-of-39 for 282 yards, but running back DeAngelo Williams provided the offense with two touchdowns as he covered 76 yards in 23 carries.
Pittsburgh is expected to take advantage of Manning's absence as they continue to grasp a playoff spot while delaying Denver even longer.
Prediction: Steelers win, 21-17.
Denver Broncos starting lineup
Offense: Osweiler (QB), Hillman (RB), Thomas (WR1), Norwood (WR2), Sanders (WR3), Daniels (TE), R. Harris (LT), Mathis (LG), Paradis (C), Vasquez (RG), Schofield (RT)
Defense: Wolfe (DE), Williams (NT), Jackson (DE), Ware (OLB), Nelson (ILB), Marshall (ILB), Miller (OLB), Talib (CB1), C. Harris (CB2), Keo (SS), Stewart (FS)
Pittsburgh Steelers starting lineup
Offense: Roethlisberger (QB), Williams (RB), Johnson (FB), Brown (WR1), Bryant (WR2), Miller (TE), Villanueva (LT), Foster (LG), Wallace (C), DeCastro (RG), Gilbert (RT)
Defense: Heyward (DE), McLendon (NT), Tuitt (DE), Moats (OLB), Shazier (ILB), Timmons (ILB), Harrison (OLB), Blake (CB1), Gay (CB2), Allen (SS), Mitchell (FS)