Buffalo Bills vs. Pittsburgh: Final Score Prediction for Week 1 matchup
By Aaron Tully
The Buffalo Bills will open their 2021 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are coming off a 2020 campaign in which they faltered down the stretch, losing five of their last six games.
Similar to the Buffalo Bills and Josh Allen, the Pittsburgh Steelers extended one of their stars with a record-setting deal for defensive end T.J. Watt, making him the highest-paid defender in football. While there were questions about whether he would play or not this week, he is expected to play and they will be looking for him to make an impact.
This Week 1 contest will likely be a defensive struggle early on, as both offenses get a feel for regular season football again. Things probably will not open up until the second half, where Josh Allen and the offense will wear down the Pittsburgh defense that lost Bud Dupree, Steven Nelson, and Mike Hilton this offseason.
Hilton was the main slot corner for the Steelers last year, and there has been no clear replacement for him. Cole Beasley should have a field day out of the slot, and it would not be surprising if he were the most productive receiver for Buffalo in this matchup.
On the defensive side of the ball for the Bills, the hope is that the pass rush can get the better of a depleted Pittsburgh offensive line. The Steelers are returning just two starters on the offensive line in 2020, and the pass rush should be able to put pressure on 39-year-old Ben Roethlisberger all day.
The secondary will likely just have to cover long enough for the pass rush to get home, which should not be a terribly difficult job. Buffalo’s pass rush will be the difference-maker in this game.
The Bills will also have to be wary of the Steelers’ 2021 first round draft pick Najee Harris. If the Bills can keep Harris in check, they will be in full control of this matchup.
Trending. 3 keys to victory for the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. light
The Bills should be able to handle a Steelers team that has more questions than almost any other team entering Week 1. The Buffalo Bills will defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-10 to start 1-0 in 2021.