Buffalo Bills: What to expect from their AFC opponents in 2021

Jan 24, 2021; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2021; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bills linebacker Matt Milano comes around the edge to pressure Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.Jg 121320 Bills 55
Bills linebacker Matt Milano comes around the edge to pressure Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.Jg 121320 Bills 55 /

Pittsburgh Steelers

2020 Finish: 12-4

2020 Games vs. the Buffalo Bills: Week 14: Bills won 27-17

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the harder teams to make predictions for in 2021.

On paper, the Steelers should be right in the mix to retain their AFC North crown. Pittsburgh has a loaded defense that features the likes of defensive ends T.J Watt and Cameron Heyward, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, and linebacker Devin Bush Jr. among others.

The Steelers also have plenty of offensive weapons as well. Their wide receiver core is one of the better units in the NFL, and 2021 first round draft pick Najee Harris should be a solid addition to an already decent running back room in Pittsburgh.

The one question mark on the entire Steelers roster is at quarterback. There is no doubt that Ben Roethlisberger will start under center for Pittsburgh in 2020. The question is whether Roethlisberger has enough gas left in the tank to get the Steelers back to the playoffs in a very competitive AFC.

Roethlisberger began to fade in the last four weeks of the 2020 season, culminating in Roethlisberger throwing four interceptions in a Wild Card loss to the Cleveland Browns.

With both the Browns and division rival Baltimore Ravens emerging as playoff-caliber teams, the Steelers will need Roethlisberger’s best for the entirety of 2020. They will go as far as the 39-year-old veteran will take them.

Roethlisberger will be as fresh as can be for the Bills’ Week 1 showdown with the Steelers. The game will be competitive thanks to Pittsburgh’s defense.