Steelers must be wary of Buffalo
And down the stretch them come.
With three wins in a row, the Steelers have put themselves in good position to win the AFC North.
As head coach Mike Tomlin said last Sunday following a 24-14 win over the New York Giants, the Steelers aren’t concerned about anything else that’s happening in the league because they need only to keep winning.
But there are things to worry about this week. The Buffalo Bills present a major challenge.
With all due respect to Baltimore, the Bills (6-6) might present Pittsburgh’s stiffest test of December, a month in which the Steelers have an 8-1 record since 2014.
First, the game is on the road, where the Steelers have had issues.
Second, Buffalo’s running game will present a major challenge to the Steelers, who have struggled against teams that run the ball very well.
Finally, bad weather is often an equalizer. Though the Steelers have the better team, predicted heavy snow in Buffalo could ground Pittsburgh’s air attack.
The Steelers’ defense has played better in recent weeks, albeit against teams that are offensively challenged. The Browns and Colts weren’t exactly offensive juggernauts and the Giants can’t run the ball.
The Bills, however, have a dynamic running back in LeSean McCoy and quarterback Tyrod Taylor can make things happen running the ball when plays break down.
This will be a big test for the young players in Pittsburgh’s secondary. A running quarterback will challenge the defensive backs to keep their eyes in the backfield while also trying to remain sound in pass coverage. A misstep because of play-action can result in a big play. And, as we’ve seen in recent weeks, Pittsburgh rookie safety Sean Davis moves up quickly in run support.
Davis could be the key to the Steelers’ efforts. If he does a good job of reading his keys, then the Steelers can be successful. If not, they could be in for a long day.
This also is a game that could be won at the line of scrimmage as both teams will be missing major pieces. For the Steelers, rookie nose tackle Javon Hargrave and left guard Ramon Foster are unlikely to play. For Buffalo, run-stuffing Kyle Williams could be out.
With Baltimore playing at New England Monday night, the Steelers likely have room for one more loss. It could come this week., but Buffalo’s defense has given up an average of 28.5 points per game in its last six with the Bills having a 2-4 record.
The Steelers are 3-point favorites but they should be wary of the upset. If they protect the football, they should be OK.
Take the Steelers, 24-20
The Saints were shut down last week by Detroit. They lose to another surprise contender.
Take Tampa Bay, 27-24
The Titans are coming off a bye while Denver’s offense has been on a bye for weeks.
Take Tennessee, 20-17
The Giants dealt the Cowboys their only loss way back in Week 1. Payback.
Take Dallas, 24-20
Houston’s offense is putrid, especially on the road.
Take Indianapolis, 27-20
Baltimore’s defense will keep this from being a blowout. The offense will keep the Ravens from winning.
Take the Ravens to cover in a 26-20 loss
Lions finally won a game last week without trailing in the fourth quarter, wich they had done in their previous seven victories. Two in a row.
Take Detroit, 31-17
Blake Bortles continues his regression from future franchise quarterback to future journeyman backup.
Take Minnesota, 20-16
Philadelphia is only 2-7 after its 3-0 start. So much for Carson Wentzlvania.
Take Washington, 24-21
Losing safety Earl Thomas is a big blow for the Seahawks.
Take Green Bay, 24-23
Good thing the Rams gave coach Jeff Fisher a contract extension before the season began.
Take Atlanta, 27-20
Canonsburg’s Mike Hull is in line to start this game because of injuries in the Dolphins’ linebacker corps. No offense to Hull, but Arizona running back David Johnson is hard enough to handle even when everyone’s healthy.
Take Arizona, 24-20
Something tells me Carolina quarterback Cam Newton will wear a tie to this one after being benched for not wearing one last week.
Take Carolina, 27-24
A win would be two in a row for the Bengals. Too little too late.
Take Cincinnati, 28-17
Neither team bothered to show up last week. At least this stinker won’t be on Monday night as the Jets’ game was last week.
Take San Francisco, 20-13
Last Week: 7-7 ATS; 9-5 straight up
Overall: 82-89-4 ATS; 102-75-2 straight up
Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com.