Bills (14-4 last season) vs Steelers (9-8 last year)
Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers 8/19/2023 — Buffalo’s second cornerback position remained up for grabs. The starter, Dane Jackson, exited the game despite intercepting rookie Anthony Richardson on the opening drive. Two extra options, Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford, each played about the same number of snaps (32 and 36, respectively). With 13 tackles for Buffalo, Dorian Williams was the Bills’ top tackler.
Pittsburgh’s defense let several of its starters play early, allowing Tampa Bay to generate 339 total yards of offense, although the Buccaneers were forced into two turnovers as a consequence. James Pierre led the Pittsburgh defense with nine solo tackles and ten total stops. Mark Robinson added four solo tackles and two aided tackles. Tampa Bay’s quarterbacks suffered four quarterback sacks as a result of the Steelers’ pressure.
Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers Game Info
Time: 6:30 PM ET.
Date: Saturday, August 19, 2023
Location: Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA
TV: NFL Network
Buffalo QB Josh Allen and Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett
Josh Allen completed 25 out of his 42 passes, accumulating a total of 265 passing yards. His quarterback rating for the game stood at 68.1 and concluded the match with a single interception. The Bills’ defense, however, struggled to contain the ground game of the opposing team, allowing 172 yards on 34 rushing attempts, with an average gain of 5.1 yards per rush. Through the air, the Buffalo defense conceded 240 yards on 23 completions out of 36 attempts, resulting in a completion rate of 63.9%. In terms of total plays, the Bills executed 62 in the game, for a total of 325 yards gained. When trying to run the ball, the Buffalo Bills made 19 rushing attempts, accumulating 63 yards at an average of 3.3 yards per attempt.
In contrast, Kenny Pickett, who managed to complete one scoring play, capped the game with 195 passing yards on 13 successful throws out of 29 attempts. This performance resulted in a quarterback rating of 79, and notably, he avoided throwing any picks, ensuring the ball remained secure. His yards per attempt (Y/A) measured at 6.7 yards. Pittsburgh’s defense struggled in containing the rushing attempts of their opponents, conceding 134 yards on 22 rushing plays, with an average gain of 6.1 yards per rush. The Steelers’ secondary allowed 173 yards on 19 out of 29 completed passes, producing a completion rate of 65.5%. Throughout the game, the Steelers executed a total of 67 plays, leading to a cumulative yardage gain of 337 and an average of 5.0 yards per play. When focusing on their ground game, Pittsburgh managed to secure 148 yards from 37 rushing attempts, averaging 4.0 yards per carry.
Odds/Point Spread: Buffalo Bills +2.5, Total Odds: 40.5
Buffalo’s Josh Allen, who missed the first preseason game against Indianapolis, will probably play against Pittsburgh, but maybe only for the first few series or even the entire game. Despite Pittsburgh’s great performance against Tampa Bay and its sparing usage of its starters on both sides of the ball, the Steelers will be able to upset a Buffalo club that will play largely backups the entire second half.
Buffalo Bills Betting Trends
- The Buffalo Bills are 6-14 ATS in their last 20 games with the Steelers.
- Buffalo is 5-11 SU in their last 16 games against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- The total stayed UNDER in 8 of the Bills’ last 9 games on the road.
- The total went UNDER in 8 of Buffalo’s last 8 road games against Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends
- The total remained UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh’s last 5 games over the Bills.
- The total stayed UNDER in 10 of the Steelers’ last 14 games at home.
- The total went UNDER in 8 of Pittsburgh’s last 8 games at home against Buffalo.
- Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference.
Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends
Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers: Buffalo’s Josh Allen, the starting quarterback, missed the first preseason game against Indianapolis but is expected to play against Pittsburgh, but maybe only for the opening few series or even the entire game. Despite Pittsburgh’s great performance against Tampa Bay and continuing sparing usage of its players on both sides of the ball, they will be able to upset a Buffalo club that will play largely reserves the entire second half.
Free Pick and Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers will win 24-19.
