The AFC playoff picture could get out of control when the Bills take on the Steelers in Pittsburgh. Both teams are fighting for a playoff spot and this game is more crucial than fans may have thought coming into this season. Here are three bold predictions ahead of the game.
3 bold predictions for Bills vs. Steelers
Josh Allen will throw three touchdown passes in an offensive battle
Josh Allen tends to fall into the trap of "good game-bad game." It's a common trend for the Bills quarterback, and if it continues, he could be primed for a huge one against the Steelers.
Allen struggled last week against a strong Texans defense on Thursday Night Football, which means he will probably go off and put together a massive performance against the Steelers. Allen will throw for three touchdown passes and get the Bills (and his MVP candidacy) back on track in a win.
Aaron Rodgers will struggle in his return
After missing last week with an injury, Aaron Rodgers is expected to be back on the field, per Gerry Dulac, and likely struggle in his return to the field. Rodgers is not the old-self version of himself anymore, and it will not be easy for him to make a healthy and quick return to action.
Combine that with a Steelers team that is desperate for a win, and you'll likely see Rodgers try too hard to force plays. That will lead to mistakes. The Bills' defense will make plays and force Rodgers to make mistakes.
There will be five total turnovers
This game could turn into a turnover fest quickly. Allen has always been turnover-prone, and Rodgers has become more and more susceptible to turnovers himself. With both teams desperate for a win to stay alive in their respective division races, and both quarterbacks facing strong defenses with playmakers all around the field, it feels like the type of game where neither team will be able to hold onto the ball for too long.
In this case, the Bills will turn the ball over twice, and the Steelers will turn it over three times. That will be part of the reason Buffalo will narrowly squeak out a win, with both the offense and defense doing their part.