Buffalo Bills Wildcard Preview
When all hope appeared lost this season for the Buffalo Bills, they never gave in. Now they find themselves in the playoffs with a great chance of advancing. The Bills will play the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wildcard on Sunday, January 14th. Buffalo are the largest favorites of any of the six Wildcard games that will be played from Saturday through Monday.
Buffalo Bills Set for a Playoff Run
This Buffalo Bills team is undoubtedly one of the most talented teams in the NFL, and they have been for a handful of years now. As the Bills are a massive favorite in this game, that has consistently been spread by about 10 points, it is hard to not look further down the line in the playoffs. They will need to concentrate on the team at hand though, the Steelers.
Recently the Buffalo Bills have looked like the team we thought that they were before the season. It has now been five-straight wins for them and they are coming off of a massive victory to win the AFC East division over the Miami Dolphins. With Josh Allen, as well as the defense and special teams making plays all over the field, everything’s coming together for Buffalo as we head into the playoffs.
Pittsburgh Steelers have Their Work Cut Out for Them
Not many people had the Steelers making the playoffs just a few weeks ago. They were sitting at a 7-7 record and had to win the last three games of the regular season just to have a chance at making the postseason. They did just that behind backup veteran quarterback, Mason Rudolph. Rudolph was thrust into the lineup and responded with 290 yards, then 274 yards, and finally to win their third straight he completed 90% of his passes to get the final win. He is far from a star but he has proven he is a winner.
This defense will be without their star pass rusher, TJ Watt. Besides that, this team is one of the best in the league as they allowed less than 20 points per game this season.
Game Prediction
The Buffalo Bills are more than a touchdown favorite in this game and should take care of business. The only thing that likely can stop them is themselves. Josh Allen has thrown the second-most interceptions this season and he’s also lost three fumbles.
Without their top pass rusher, the Steelers defense could struggle in this game. Buffalo may be able to put up points in bunches in this one and rattle the inexperienced quarterback on the other side, Mason Rudolph, on their way to the next round.
By Jack Stradley, I’m a sports writer always looking for a gripping story and a hot take.