Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers – Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips 14/01/2024

The Buffalo Bills host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium for the National Football League Wild Card Round on Sunday, January 14th at 3pm.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have had a remarkable comeback journey this season. After a challenging start, where they were 6-6 the Bills found their rhythm and finished the regular season with an 11-6 record, securing first place in the AFC East.

This turnaround was marked by important victories against teams like Miami, New England, Los Angeles, Dallas and Kansas City, demonstrating the Bills’ ability to win under pressure.

The Bills offense was one of the most dynamic in the league, averaging 26.5 points per game. Josh Allen was a catalyst for that success, throwing for 4,306 yards, 29 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.

His favorite target, Stefon Diggs, contributed 1,183 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. In the ground game, James Cook impressed with 1,122 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Bills’ defense was also formidable, allowing just 18.3 points per game, a reflection of their aggressiveness and ability to control the pace of the game.

Pittsburgh Steelers

On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Steelers, under the astute leadership of coach Mike Tomlin, faced a season of ups and downs, but with unwavering determination, reached the AFC Wild Card round.

With a 10-7 record, the Steelers have not only exceeded expectations but also demonstrated remarkable resilience, especially in road games where they have achieved an impressive 5-3 record.

This season was marked by significant victories against formidable opponents such as Baltimore, Seattle and Cincinnati, highlighting the team’s ability to excel under pressure.

The Steelers’ offense, while not the most explosive in the league, showed consistency and efficiency. Mason Rudolph, taking on a crucial role, threw for 719 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions, showing a notable improvement in his performance.

The ground game was bolstered by Najee Harris, who rushed for an impressive 1,035 yards and eight touchdowns, while George Pickens emerged as an aerial threat with 1,140 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

Defensively, the Steelers were solid, allowing an average of 19.1 points per game, a testament to the team’s discipline and well-executed tactical scheme.

Therefore, the Steelers, despite being the underdog, should not be underestimated. Their ability to keep games close and Mike Tomlin’s leadership could be decisive factors. Additionally, the Steelers’ defense will be crucial in containing the Bills’ multi-faceted offense. The key for the Steelers will be to keep the game close and exploit any turnover opportunities.