vs. 
Pittsburgh Steelers (#5) at Denver Broncos (#4)
Sunday, January 8th, 2012 | 4:30 PM ET | TV: CBS
Steelers Coverage: Behind the Steel Curtain
Broncos Coverage: Mile High Report
This is the game that the Patriots have been waiting for since the Bengals fell to the Texans yesterday. The winner of today's Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos game will directly impact the Patriots, because as the #1 seed in the AFC playoffs, the Patriots will play the winner in next week's Divisional Playoffs (lowest remaining seed).
Although the Steelers are on the road, they are heavily favored to win this game. The Steelers are banged up - Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is banged up with an ankle injury, center Maurkice Pouncey is out, and running back Rashard Mendenhall is out for the year with a torn ACL. While the injuries are mounting, and Denver does have a strong defense, I think the Steelers will still be able to do enough to overcome the low scoring Denver offense led by Tim Tebow. I think that the Broncos would represent an easier path for the Patriots to the AFC Championship, but I think Pittsburgh will hold on for the win here. Greg's Prediction: Steelers 20 Broncos 10