2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 5

Denver Broncos (3-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1-3)

Sunday, October 10, 1PM ET

I had a hard time deciding on who would walk away from this intriguing AFC showdown victorious. The Denver Broncos have been great this season, but an injury to Teddy Bridgewater and a surging Najee Harris could make this a closer matchup than the records would indicate.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a rough go of things this season on the offensive side of the ball. Ben Roethlisberger is on a steep decline, although a lack of pass protection certainly isn’t helping. If it wasn’t for the emergence of Harris as a do-it-all workhorse running back, the Steelers would be in an even worse position moving forward.

The Broncos have been great, but their 3-1 record is slightly misleading. Their three wins came against some of the worst teams in the NFL, and they were nearly shut out when they ran up against a quality club. And now with Bridgewater potential out for Sunday’s game, it’s not looking good.

If Drew Lock starts, the Steelers walk away with a solid win that doesn’t take too much effort on their end. If Bridgewater, it’s closer but Pittsburgh still relies on their excellent defense to improve to 2-3.

Prediction: Steelers win 24-22 | Spread: Steelers (-1)