People have it in their heads that Buf is some great team. They had a great record last year but as a team, they were nothing special.
Buffalo defensive rankings
14 overall
17 rush
13 pass
16th points allowed
15th in sacks.
They beat the Steelers late last year when the wheels were coming off. Their offense only scored 19 (they had a pick 6). The Steelers were banged up and struggling and played them to a close game.
What has Buffalo added? Not much. They added a 1st round DE Rousseau from Miami on defense. He could upgrade the pass rush but likely doesn’t take it from mediocre to ferocious. On offense they added Emanuel Sanders. He is still a good player and polished but is not a game breaker. The Bills were not a good rushing team and their OL is just OK.
Buffalo was carried by Josh Allen’s great season and the fact that the Pats fell apart. They took the Brady route to a great AFC record, playing in the East when you are the only good team.
I am optimistic the Steelers offense will be much better. Can 2 rookies replace Pouncey and Big Al? They certainly can replace the injured husks of Pouncey and Big Al that played last year. Same with Decastro. So the names on paper seem less, but simply being health should mean a net plus this year.
I expect a lot from the scheme as well. Not that there will be tons of gadget plays or brilliant designs, but just that it won’t be so damn predictable. That alone should make the offense much harder to defend.
The bills suck at defending the TE. Freiermuth could be a big factor.
ther should be some week 1 rust so i’m going low scoring
Steelers 20
Bills 16
Big Ben throws for 257