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The Steelers (10-7) are 10-point underdogs of their wild-card matchup towards the Payments (11-6) on Sunday. However listed below are 5 the reason why Pittsburgh may pull off the upset in Buffalo.
1. Unhealthy climate recreation
In keeping with The Weather Channel, a excessive of 25 levels, a 42 p.c likelihood of precipitation and 22 miles per hour winds are anticipated in Buffalo on Sunday. Meaning there’ll possible be a heavy dose of the operating recreation, which is the Steelers’ bread and butter.
RB Najee Harris has been sizzling as of late, dashing for 312 yards and 4 touchdowns on Pittsburgh’s three-game win streak. He has an excellent alternative to proceed his dominance on the bottom towards the Payments, who’ve the 28th-ranked protection in yards per carry allowed within the NFL.
2. Sticking with the recent hand
Head coach Mike Tomlin named QB Mason Rudolph the starter for the fourth straight week, saying he needs to stay with the “hot hand.” That is precisely what Rudolph has had over the previous three video games, finishing 53-of-71 passes (74.6 p.c) for 716 yards, three touchdowns and nil interceptions.
Not turning the soccer over can be a precedence for the Steelers in the event that they wish to have an opportunity to win the sport. It will not be straightforward towards the seventh-best protection in passing yards allowed per recreation (196.6), however Rudolph hasn’t given the workforce a motive to not stick to him because the starter but.
3. Fitzpatrick is again
Shedding NFL Defensive Participant of the Yr candidate LB T.J. Watt, who’s already ruled out after struggling a Grade 2 MCL sprain in Week 18, is an enormous blow to the protection. However with one All-Professional leaving the lineup, one other is anticipated to return. Security Minkah Fitzpatrick instructed reporters on Sunday that he “will play” if Pittsburgh bought into the playoffs.
Tomlin did not affirm or deny Fitzpatrick’s feedback however mentioned that he’ll be restricted early within the week, including “They’re optimistic in his inclusion.” Getting again Fitzpatrick, who has been a ball hawk with 17 interceptions over the previous 5 years, could be an enormous enhance to the protection.
4. Turnover-prone QB
Payments QB Josh Allen leads the NFL with 44 total touchdowns (29 passing, 15 dashing). Nonetheless, he additionally has the second most interceptions (18) within the NFL this season, throwing at the least one among however three video games.
Allen will nonetheless make massive performs as he appears to do each week, but when Pittsburgh’s protection can capitalize on his generally sloppy play, it could give its offense sufficient possibilities to win the sport. Profitable the turnover battle does not at all times assure a win, nevertheless it actually helps loads.
5. No deep risk?
Buffalo might be with out one in every of its high playmakers on Sunday. WR Gabe Davis suffered a PCL sprain final weekend and his standing is now up within the air. That is excellent news for the Steelers, who had been torched by the fourth-year extensive receiver when the 2 groups final performed in 2022.
Davis had three catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns within the Payments 38-3 smackdown final season.
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