Wild Card Weekend Preview: Steelers at Bills
Photo Credit: Bill Wippers, Buffalo Bills
The second seed Buffalo Bills (11-6) are set to face the seven seed Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) in Orchard Park on Jan. 4 at 1:00 p.m. in the AFC Wild Card Round. It was a wild ride for both teams to get here, as neither clinched a playoff spot until Week 18.
The Bills ended their season on a 5-game winning streak, including a massive win in Week 18 against the Miami Dolphins. Bills Mafia took over the streets of South Florida as their team clinched the AFC East and the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs.
The Steelers found new life late in the season, ending on a three-game winning streak after making the decision to start quarterback Mason Rudolph in Week 16. The Steelers clinched their playoff berth in Week 18 due to their 17-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens and the Jacksonville Jaguars losing to the Tennessee Titans 28-20.
The Bills are currently (at the time of writing) favored by 10 points, the largest margin out of all the games this week, although it may be closer than many expect.
The Bills ended the season averaging 26.5 points per game (PPG) which was No. 6 in the NFL, and while the Bills scored efficiently this year, they also turned the ball over a lot. The Bills are averaging 1.6 turnovers (TO) per game, tied for second most in the NFL. The Steelers may be able to exploit the Bills looseness with the football, as they are tied for No. 8 in the NFL in takeaways, averaging 1.6 per game and only allowing 19.1 points per game, sixth best in the NFL. However, the Steelers will be without Pro Bowl linebacker T.J. Watt.
The Steelers have struggled to score points all year, ending No. 28 in the NFL at 17.9 PPG, but since quarterback Mason Rudolph took over in Week 16 they averaged 27.0 PPG. Despite the Steelers scoring inconsistency, they have done a fantastic job of protecting the football. The Steelers are only averaging .9 TO per game, tied for second best in the NFL. Mason Rudolph will now face his toughest test yet in the Bills defense. The Bills defense has the 7th best pass defense, as well as only allowing 18.3 PPG, putting them at fourth best in the NFL. The Bills also average 1.8 takeaways a game, third best in the NFL, but the team’s interception leader cornerback Rasul Douglas is listed as questionable with a knee injury.
The key to the game for the Bills is going to be their ability to take care of the football and not give the Steelers a short field. If the Bills can protect the football and continue to play sound defense, then they should easily walk away with the win. Although, it is important to note that wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) and tight end Dawson Knox (illness) both did not practice Thursday. If they are unable to play, then quarterback Josh Allen will be without two important weapons.
The key to the game for the Steelers is going to be their ability to move the football. If the Steelers and running back Najee Harris can continue to run the football as effectively as in recent weeks, then it would help take the pressure off of Mason Rudolph. They have a good matchup as the Bills run defense is only ranked 15th this year.
This game is being overlooked by many this wild card weekend, but it could prove to be a good one on an already exciting slate of games.