Preview for Buffalo Bills @ Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC North leaders the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) have had their lead at the top cut after losing two of their last three games as they prepare to host the Buffalo Bills (7-4) following a 31-28 defeat at the Chicago Bears last Sunday.
The good news for the Steelers is that quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has completed 192 of 289 passes this NFL season for 1,969 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions, has recovered from a wrist injury, while they will hope to capitalize on the Bills’ injury problems.
Second to the New England Patriots in the AFC East, Sean McDermott’s team have lost offensive tackles Dion Dawkins (concussion) and Spencer Brown (shoulder) alongside linebacker Terrel Bernard (elbow) and wide receiver Curtis Samuel (elbow and knee).
The Bills are aiming to improve a 2-3 record on the road, contrasting with their five wins from six at home, where they average more than 10 extra points per game.
Quaterback Josh Allen’s form reflects that polarity too, scoring seven touchdowns in five away and 21 in six at home.
“They understand certain guys are out,” McDermott said, voicing his confidence in his players. “It’s next man up.
“The injury list continues to grow but our guys have been unwavering in their approach and their belief in one another and themselves.
“We have a lot of respect for Pittsburgh in what they do and how successful they’ve been, so our approach will no different in terms of urgency and togetherness.”
A 23-19 defeat at the Houston Texans on November 21 means the Bills have also lost two of their last three, with a seven-point second-quarter deficit costing them in that game.
“Whenever you play a Pittsburgh Steelers football team, it’s going to be a physical game regardless of their size,” predicted McDermott.
“They’ve got some pretty big [players] in there. [Tight end Darnell] Washington’s one of them, for sure. He’s used heavily in what they do and he’s a good football player.”
