As we get ready for the NFL Playoffs, here are three bold predictions for the matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Coming into the NFL playoffs, there may not be a hotter team than the Buffalo Bills. After making a switch with their offensive coordinator, the Bills have been an efficient and balanced offense and they have gone from not looking like they are going to be making the playoffs, to one of the better teams in the conference once again.
For the Steelers, they have always seemed to find a way to win games this season despite a poor offense, as Mike Tomlin continues to show that he is one of the best coaches in the game.
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Pittsburgh will be a big underdog in this game, as they will be without arguably their best player T.J. Watt. Not having Watt will be a big blow to a defense that is going to have their hands full against Josh Allen and the Buffalo offense.
With the Steelers traveling up to Buffalo or potentially elsewhere due to weather, here are three bold predictions for the first-round matchup.
Rudolph falls off the sleigh
A lot of credit has to go to the Steelers and their coaching staff for making the playoffs with some questionable play from the most important position on the field. The Steelers have used multiple quarterbacks this season, with Kenny Pickett being the primary starter. However, Pickett’s struggles and injuries have resulted in Mason Rudolph getting the nod.
Rudolph has had a couple of big games against the Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Bengals, but he was rather unimpressive against the Baltimore Ravens in the last game of the season.
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The Bills will be coming into the game with one of the best pass defenses in the league, and it’s hard to imagine Rudolph going on the road and playing a great game in the playoffs. While Rudolph might be able to pad some stats late in a blowout, don’t expect him to keep the Steelers in the game.
Prediction: Rudolph has two turnovers in the first three quarters
Superman Allen arrives
There was a lot of criticism surrounding the Buffalo offense this season, and a lot of that fell on the shoulders of Josh Allen. Allen has had some highs and lows this season, as turnovers and questionable decision-making at times have hampered him.
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Allen is coming into the playoffs playing very well, as the balanced Bills’ offense has been looking good with James Cook being in an expanded role. Even though the Bills have been balanced, we know playoff Allen can carry his team. With the Steelers defense being mediocre against both the run and the pass, Allen could be poised for a monster game.
Prediction: 275 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, 3 total touchdowns.
Bills blowout Steelers
While it is a great story that the Steelers were able to make the playoffs this season, they don’t appear to be on the same level as the Buffalo Bills. With a Vegas line in double digits, the sportsbooks are expecting a big win from Buffalo.
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The injury to T.J. Watt is a massive one for the Steelers, as their defense won’t be the same without him. The Bills seem to be on a mission the last few weeks, and they should continue that momentum.
Prediction: Bills 30 Steelers 10
