NFL Picks: Steelers vs Bills: A Glimpse of the Upcoming Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to welcome the Buffalo Bills in a much-anticipated NFL preseason face-off at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday evening. Both these AFC powerhouses come into this with expectations high, stoked by recent successes and passionate fan bases. As we inch closer to the regular season, these preseason matchups become less about final scores and more about building chemistry, evaluating talent, and setting the tone for NFL Odds.
BUSR NFL Lines
Spread: Bills -1 (-110), Steelers +1 (-110)
Moneyline: Bills -130, Steelers +106
Total: Bills O 42.5 (-110), Steelers U 42.5 (-110)
The Bills: Depth and Dominance
The Buffalo Bills, no strangers to success in recent seasons, understand the increasing competition in the AFC East. Last season, they experienced a heart-wrenching loss in the AFC semifinals, making their preseason preparations even more vital. A stellar 23-19 victory against the Colts last week hinted at the depth they’ve cultivated, especially with their reserves.
While most teams might rest their starters in the second week of the preseason, it remains to be seen how the Bills approach this game, especially with the lingering memory of their dominant 38-3 victory over the Steelers last October. Matt Barkley’s impeccable performance against the Colts – 14 out of 15 completions for 172 yards and two touchdowns – signifies he’s in line to continue leading the Bills, given that Allen’s position is secure.
Injury-wise, there’s concern about Von Miller’s knee, sidelining him for this game and possibly making him questionable for the season opener. The absence of Zach Davidson, a potential rising star at tight-end, due to an IR status, is another blow.
However, the Bills’ defensive squad, despite the setbacks, will be a force to reckon with. A keen focus on quarterback pressures and swift secondary responses will be their strategy to keep the Steelers at bay.
The Steelers: Young Blood and Ambition
The Steelers, on the other hand, are presenting a unique approach this preseason. Unlike many teams that save their starters for the regular season, the Steelers unveiled their young talents early on, resulting in a commendable 27-17 win against the Buccaneers. This strategy signifies a deep desire to mold their young roster quickly, building on the momentum from last season’s four-game winning streak.
Their injury list, particularly on the defensive end, is a point of concern. With Renell Wren, Chapelle Russell, Duke Dawson, and Cory Trice all out of the equation, the defensive lineup might seem a bit thin. Yet, the offense remains robust, creating ample opportunities.
Kenny Pickett’s promising performance last week was a breath of fresh air for Steelers fans. He, along with Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky, ensures that the quarterback position is in competent hands. Receivers like George Pickens and Diontae Johnson also showed their prowess, reinforcing the Steelers’ offensive ambitions.
A Clash of Titans
While preseason games might not count in the season tally, they’re more than mere scrimmages. They set the tone, reveal potential gaps, and offer teams a chance to test new strategies.
The Steelers, with their proactive approach, seem poised to take an early lead. Giving their starters a few drives offers a valuable experience, especially when you have a team eager to rectify past defeats. Their drive from the loss in October, coupled with the home advantage, positions them as the favorites.
Conversely, the Bills’ away-game challenge, coupled with their young talent getting acclimated to an NFL road atmosphere, might slightly dent their confidence.
Final Verdict
The Steelers are primed for not just covering the spread but also clinching this game. Their intent to integrate starters early, combined with the advantage of playing at home, makes them a formidable opponent. The Bills, despite their recent successes, might find this away game a challenging affair.
Regardless of the outcome, this clash will be a treat for football enthusiasts, offering a glimpse of what’s in store for the upcoming NFL season.