The Buffalo Bills extend their winning streak to six games in a row with a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning 31-17. The Bills got up early on the Steelers 21-0, before the Steelers managed to get on the board before halftime. From the third quarter and on, the Steelers played like the better team but could not get the job done against the Bills, who played great situational defense in the fourth quarter. Buffalo will get to the divisional round for the fourth consecutive season.
The Bills were double digit favorites going into this game and even though they won by double digits, the eye test showed that the Bills were a different team for the worst in the second half. At the end of the day, Buffalo got the job done and they get the chance to host another playoff game next week.
Here are five initial takeaways from the Buffalo Bills 31-17 win over the Steelers.
5.) Bills started off strong with back-to-back touchdowns
It has been a long time since the Bills’ offense scored on their first two offensive drives. After stopping the Steelers on their first drive, the Bills drove down the field on their opening drive and tight end Dawson Knox caught a 9 yard touchdown pass to put the Bills up on the board. After another defensive stop by Buffalo, Josh Allen would connect with the rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid for a 29 yard touchdown pass to put the Bills up 14-0.
The Bills needed to come out of the gates swinging big and they did just that on their first two drives. Then in the second quarter on a third down, Allen took it to the house on a 52 yard carry to put the Bills up by three scores. When the Bills get going early and do not force big plays, they are the toughest team to stop on any given day.
4.) Injuries hit the Bills
It seems like each week the Bills are affected by some injury that goes against them, and that continued into this game. The Bills lost two defensive starters in cornerback Christian Benford with a knee injury and linebacker Terrel Bernard (who was carted off with a lower leg injury).
In addition, the Bills punter Sam Martin hurt his hamstring on a blocked field goal attempt. Martin was seen chasing the ball but then immediately started hopping towards the ball, which led to limping off the field.
Later on in the second half of the game, cornerback Taron Johnson was ruled out of the game with a head injury. The Bills cannot afford to be down multiple starters heading into next week, especially on the side of the ball that will be challenged to stop Patrick Mahomes.
3.) Josh Allen does what he does best
It was a big performance by the Bills’ quarterback against a well-coached Steelers defense. Josh Allen finished the game with 277 total yards and 4 total touchdowns. One of his touchdowns was a scramble out of the pocket where he got past cornerback Patrick Peterson and went 52 yards to the house. He also did not turn the ball over, which ultimately helped the Bills keep the ball in play and not give momentum to Pittsburgh.
When Allen is at his highest competitive level, he is without doubt the toughest quarterback to slow down. The knock on him is his inconsistency to be able to produce at that level. He will need to bring that same mentality and be able to show out against a Chiefs’ defense that is no walk in the park.
2.) Buffalo was disciplined in terms of penalties
The Bills finished the game with just 2 penalties for 24 yards, with one of them being on the last Pittsburgh offensive drive. The first penalty came from cornerback Kaiir Elam who was called for holding, but eventually made up for it with an interception on quarterback Mason Rudolph in the end zone (that eventually led to the 52 yard rushing touchdown by Allen.
Being able to play smart football and not commit careless mistakes goes a long way for a team and it showed for the Bills in this game.
1.) Bills are back at home in the divisional round
For the third time in the last four seasons, the Bills are back at home in the divisional round. In 2021, they hosted the Baltimore Ravens, winning 17-3. Then last season, they hosted the Cincinnati Bengals where the Bills were dominated 27-10. For the first time ever since Patrick Mahomes was drafted, the Bills will host the Kansas City Chiefs in front of Bills Mafia.
With the Bills clinching the number two seed, they will have the opportunity to get even with the Chiefs, who they have lost to twice in the last four postseasons. The last time these two teams met in the playoffs was in 2022, where the infamous 13 second drive by the Chiefs that forced overtime ended the Bills’ season.
Now it is time for the Chiefs to come onto the road for the first time in the playoffs under Mahomes and what could be better than it being in Buffalo for what should be yet another dynamic game between Mahomes and Allen.