3.) Pittsburgh is 1-10 without T.J. Watt
When a team does not have their overall best player available, it creates a tough situation to come out with a victory. There is no doubt that edge rusher T.J. Watt is the best player on the Steelers. He has led the league in sacks three times in his career, including this season. In addition, he only had three games where he didn’t record a sack this season.
In the 11 games that Watt has missed for the Steelers, the defense for Pittsburgh has allowed 26 points in those games, and the Steelers’ offense has score 20+ points just four times.
The Bills get a break with the absence of Watt, but will still have to gameplan for players like Alex Highsmith and Cameron Hayward who can create pressure both on the inside and outside. Bills’ offensive tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown have been consistent this season by protecting the outside of the pocket for Josh Allen and they will need to bring their A-game against this Steelers’ defense, regardless of not having to face Watt.