Denver Broncos-Pittsburgh Steelers: Game keys and who will win

Denver Broncos (10-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5): NFL Week 15 game preview

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Heinz Field, Pittsburgh - TV: CBS

*TV announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson

*Keys to the game: Denver is the only team in the league that lined up mano-a-mano with Tom Brady's offensive line and wide receivers and more than held up in individual matchups against New England. The Broncos have a rare collection of defensive backs to contend with most receiver corps, and that enticing matchup with the Steelers - 5-foot-10 dynamo Antonio Brown and 6-4 freakish athlete Martavis Bryant and CBs Chris Harris Jr. and Aqib Talib is enough to pop our popcorn. Second-year CB Bradley Roby has given the Broncos quality downs and Denver's pass rush has bite. That'll bring RB DeAngelo Williams, averaging 133 yards from scrimmage the past five games, into play early and often.

The Broncos have gone seven quarters and 23 possessions without an offensive touchdown. It might not be enough to sound the panic alarm on QB Brock Osweiler after four starts, but recurring hiccups from his offensive line are of note. Osweiler was sacked five times last week and the Broncos didn't hold up well when Oakland played a more physical game with Denver's receivers. The Steelers will mix it up and find out if that was an aberration or trend. The best way to take heat off of Osweiler is popping a few big plays on stretch plays with Ronnie Hillman and, if he's ready to go, C.J. Anderson. The Steelers have 16 sacks in the past four games.

*Matchup to watch - Denver defense vs. Pittsburgh offense: The Steelers are No. 2 in total offense, the Broncos are first in total defense, yards per play and points allowed. While the Steelers thrive behind QB Ben Roethlisberger's arm and ability to keep plays alive, the Broncos can clamp down huge chunks of field with four talented cornerbacks and a dynamic front.

*Player spotlight - Broncos SS T.J. Ward: Officially day-to-day after missing the past two games with an ankle injury, the former Browns safety loved the rivalry with the smashmouth Steelers. Now that he has changed uniforms and the Steelers go heavy on the aerial attack, there's still a key role for Ward in a game where balance and field-position could be big factors.

*Fast facts: Brown has 48 catches for 679 yards and five total touchdowns (one return) the past five games. ... Steelers CB William Gay has returned his last five interceptions for touchdowns.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

First to 25? Could be the case, but the Broncos are hoping for a more methodical game dictated by defense. They'll get their wish if the secondary can keep the lid on Steelers WRs Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant.

*Our pick: Broncos 26-23.