ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Each week, our football staff at DK Pittsburgh Sports predicts the Steelers' result, along with sharing a few related thoughts.
For a full preview of this matchup with the Bills, check my Kickoff.
Chris Halicke (1-3): Outside of T.J. Watt still being on IR, the Steelers are playing the Bills at the right time. This Buffalo team is beaten up, especially at receiver and in the back end of their defense. That could open up some room for Kenny Pickett to pick up where he left off last week, hitting George Pickens with back shoulder throws and connecting with Pat Freiermuth up the seam. However, I just can't see this Steelers defense doing enough to slow down Josh Allen. He's too dynamic with his legs and he has a premier receiver in Stefon Diggs. If the defense compensates too much for Diggs down the field, Devin Singletary could nickel and dime the defense to death with receptions out of the backfield.
I do think the offense continues to play better under Pickett, and Mike Tomlin usually does a great job with getting his team ready to play as big time underdogs. The Steelers cover the 14-point spread, but don't have quite enough firepower to steal a victory. Bills, 34-23
Matt Williamson (0-4): I’ve got the Steelers losing this game, but I expect a good showing. The Bills are coming off two absolutely brutal games and have to be looking to their trip next week to Kansas City. Plus, the Bills have a lot of injuries. Expect Pickett and the offense to show promise and inspire confidence going forward. Bills, 30-20
Ramon Foster (1-3): Buffalo’s got a top-five offense and a top-five defense, in my mind. And with Allen and Diggs, I almost feel like they’re taking the foot off the gas sometimes, that they could score even more. They’ve got dynamic guys on both sides. What the Steelers need is to get Najee Harris going. But … yeah. Bills, 31-17
Corey Crisan (0-1): I think Pickett has a ton of potential as the Steelers’ quarterback of the future. But this is Buffalo we’re talking about. I don’t see him winning in a shootout with Allen. Maybe he proves me wrong, though. Get the tables. Bills, 41-20
Eddie Provident (2-2): I love what Pickett brings to the table. I love even more that he got Pickens much more involved last week and I think both of them are going to have big time performances (especially with key secondary injuries for the Bills) … but it won’t be enough. I’ve said this from the opening Thursday Night Football game vs. the Rams, Allen has a chip on his shoulder after last season and he’s going to take it out on the entire league (as he has so far, accounting for all 12 of Buffalo’s offensive touchdowns). A banged up Steelers defense is just the next victim. Bills 37-28
Dejan Kovacevic (1-3): It’s not unthinkable that a lot could go wrong for Buffalo. We saw precisely that play out in this same suburban hole a year ago. It happens. Allen’s human. Diggs is human. The defense is banged up. And that’s to say nothing of the extra energy the visitors will have from a new QB’s starting debut. Dare I? I mean, what’s the harm? Steelers, 26-24
Let's have your picks in the comments!
