Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills Week 1 Preview

In what looks to be a high-powered, action-packed defensive battle. The Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Highmark Stadium to play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, September 12th at 1:00 pm EST. Coming into this positional playoff match-up, both teams look to start their season off with a win.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the 2021 season with a chip on their shoulders because of the way things ended last season. The Steelers started the 2020 season with an unexpected 11-0 start, what looked to be a potential undefeated season ended with 3 regular-season losses and an early playoff exit at the hands of their divisional rivals¾the Cleveland Browns. One of the offseason priorities for the Steelers was rebuilding a run-heavy offensive line. The team released offensive linemen David DeCastro, Alejandro Villanueva, and running back James Connor. Next, they signed former Chargers right guard Trai Turner, draft running back Najee Harris, and center Kendrick Green during the 2021 draft to help the running game. The Steelers are excited about their new offense after finishing the preseason with an impressive record of 3-1.

While the Steeler's front office is excited about their offense, the heart of the team is their defense. The team was able to hold on to most of their starting defense from 2020 except for cornerback Mike Hilton and outside linebacker Bud Dupree. The Steeler's defense finished the 2020 season ranked 3rd in the league. The legendary Steelers defense is led by defensive coordinator Keith Butler features TJ Watt, Cameron Heyward, Joe Haden, Devin Bush, and Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Keys to winning over the Buffalo Bills:

1. Keep the Bills offense off the field

2. Take the pressure off Ben Roethlisberger

3. Keep Buffalo's defense guessing

4. Put pressure on Josh Allen in the pocket

5. Wherever Stefon Diggs (if he plays) goes, Joe Haden goes

After a disappointing 38-24 AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Buffalo Bills enter the 2021 season determined to get back to the AFC Championship. Coming into Sunday's game vs. the Steelers, Josh Allen will have both of his star wide receivers Cole Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders. Stefon Diggs is currently questionable to play. The Bills are hopeful running back Devin Singletary will have a breakout season this year after an uneasy sophomore year with just 2 touchdowns and a 4.4 average. Like the Steelers, the Buffalo Bills are depending on their defense to get them through the tuff times. The Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier will have all his star players Jerry Hughes, Ed Oliver, Matt Milano, Tremaine Edmunds, Tre'Davious White, Jordan Poyer, and Micah Hyde Sunday.

Keys to Beating the Pittsburgh Steelers

1. Keep TJ Watt out the backfield

2. Pick up Steelers blitzes

3. Force Steelers to throw the ball

4. Blitzes Steelers offensive line

5. Prevent 3rd down conversions

Both teams have spectacular defensives I expect this game to be low-scoring and determined by seven or fewer points.