Sunday night is going to be a huge AFC showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Buffalo Bills. Both teams are fighting for playoff position and are eerily similar in how they’ve turned in such big seasons. The Bills can secure a playoff spot with a win but the Steelers are a tough out at home in prime time.
Here are our three keys to victory.
Stop the run
Buffalo has the No. 5 rushing offense in the NFL. Between Devin Singletary, Frank Gore and Josh Allen, you never know where the run game is going to come from. Allen doesn’t want to have to throw the football so that’s exactly what the Steelers must force him to do. This will be a huge test for just how physical the Steelers defensive front can be.
Protect the Duck
The progression of Devlin Hodges at quarterback has been remarkable. This game will easily be his greatest challenge as the Bills have the No. 3 pass defense in the NFL. If the offensive line can keep Hodges clean he will have some opportunities to push the football downfield.
Force turnovers
No team in the NFL generates turnovers like the Steelers do. They are currently averaging 2.5 takeaways per game. If Pittsburgh wants to win the defense is going to have to flip the field and give the offense short fields even if they only net field goals. Every point will be precious and the Steelers defense must do its part.
