Friday Football Profile: Denver Broncos

Part of a continuing series designed to help you learn more about the Steelers' upcoming opponents. In the words of Michael Corleone, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

The Las Vegas oddsmakers can tell you a lot about the Denver Broncos. Locked in a first place tie with the Chargers in the AFC West, the Broncs have earned a record of 5-2, the mirror image of the Steelers' 2-5 standing. And yet, Denver is somehow a 2.5 point underdog coming into Sunday's game at Heinz Field. Let's see if we can figure out why:

First, since the Steelers have become known for their trick or "gadget" plays, I don't think the gamblers want to rule out the possibilty of Coach Cowher putting Joey Porter's dogs in the game for at least a play or two. It probably would catch the Broncos off-guard and really, what could it hurt at this point?

Secondly, Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer has been known to bear a striking resemblance to Chris Robinson from the Black Crowes and, often times plays like you'd expect Chris Robinson would if you suited him up. While in a cocaine-induced haze. Which he pretty much always is.

Thirdly, if you do a Google image search for "Denver Broncos fan", here's the picture that comes up: I'm not sure that a photo of a some dude getting ready to whip out his rocky mountain oysters had any bearing on the line for Sunday's game, but I will tell you this: it scared me. And since I don't like to be afraid alone, I decided to bring you into my world. Please accept my apologies.

Giddyup and enjoy the game.