Jump to content
Bills Fans Gear Now Available! ×
ABR
ABR

Buffalo Bills vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Week 1 game preview

   (0 reviews)

Image Credit: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

 

The first test of the year for the Buffalo Bills comes against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both teams enter the season with high expectations. However, the two franchises are headed in very different directions. 

 

The Steelers are holding onto dear life with their aging quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hoping to coax another postseason run out of his 39-year old arm. Whereas in Buffalo, at 25 years old, Josh Allen has yet to reach his peak and is still after his first Super Bowl ring. Big Ben had two by the time he was 27. Allen can still get there. A three-time MVP sees Allen as a winner. 

Buffalo Bills Week 1 game details, where to watch

  • Sunday, September 12, 2021
  • Start time: 1:00 PM ET
  • TV channel - CBS
  • Location - Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY

What happened last time the Bills played the Steelers?

MozJPEG USATSI_15312865.jpg

© Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Last season in Week 14 on Sunday Night Football, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster thought it was a good idea to dance at midfield on the Bills logo. Some players noticed and didn’t take too kindly to Smith-Schuster’s actions. But the Bills got the last laugh by winning the game.

 

  • JuJu Smith-Schuster stats: 6 catches for 55 yards and a TD
  • Pittsburgh Steelers points: 15
  • Buffalo Bills points: 26

 

With the win, the Bills rolled to 10-3, and the Steelers moved to 11-2, losing their first away game of the year. Pittsburgh has since changed offensive coordinators but has largely remained the same team as a year ago.

Matchups to watch

  • Josh Allen vs. Steelers secondary

 

Led by Joe Haden and Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Steelers have a decent but not great secondary. Trading for Ahkello Witherspoon should make them a bit better. Since acquiring Fitzpatrick in 2019, no defense has allowed fewer completions on passes 20+ yards downfield. The Steelers also have Terrell Edmunds, the brother of Bills’ linebacker Tremaine Edmunds starting at strong safety.

 

The Steelers may have a solid secondary, but Josh Allen and the Bills’ receivers are better. Pittsburgh doesn’t have anyone who can run with Stefon Diggs, not that anyone can cover him 1-on-1 anyway. Even if Fitzpatrick keeps a close watch on Diggs, other receivers will get open. The Bills have too many weapons to contain.

 

  • Bills OL vs. Steelers front seven

 

One group that could lose their position battle is the Buffalo offensive line against the Steelers’ defensive line in the trenches. No, this isn’t the Steel Curtain, but the current front seven is among the league’s best.

 

Individually, Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Melvin Ingram can all wreak havoc. With three game-wreckers to deal with, the Bills won’t be able to double-team any of them consistently. This game will be an excellent test for how well the Bills’ OL can hold up against the elite pass-rushes in the NFL.

 

  • Bills DL vs. Steelers’ right tackle

 

While the Bills could have their issues up front, the Steelers’ offensive line is in shambles. The Steelers have replaced all but one of their starting offensive linemen from last season. Meaning they could take some time to jell. Most don’t expect the Steelers OL group to be very good after losing three Pro Bowl players.

 

MozJPEG USATSI_16625412.jpg

© Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

The Bills should be able to feast upon the misfortunes of the Steelers O-line. Maybe we’ll even get to see Gregory Rousseau and Boogie Basham have some early success. 

 

  • Bills LBs vs. Najee Harris

 

Rookies are always a mystery until they get on the field. But it appears Steelers rookie running back Najee Harris is the real deal. One of the biggest downfalls of the Pittsburgh offense a year ago was not having an efficient ground game. Despite a weaker offensive line, Harris should be able to bring smashmouth football back to Steel City.

 

Buffalo hopes to get better play out of their linebackers and their defensive line this season. Not giving any ground up to Harris could throw the Steelers off their game. They know the Bills have one of the better secondaries in the NFL, so the game plan could run through Harris. We’ll see if the rookie’s ready for the Bills Rumbling Herd.

Buffalo Bills Week 1 game prediction

  • Last season’s record: Buffalo Bills 13-3, reached AFC Conference Championship game
  • Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4, reached Wild Card game

 

As it is for each team around the league, Week 1 is a big game. When Super Bowl aspirations are in the back of everyone’s mind, nobody wants to start their season 0-1. However, one of these two playoff teams from a year ago will ultimately begin their year with a loss. 

 

The Steelers have a lot of question marks. Is their offensive line capable of protecting 39-year-old Ben Roethlisberger? Can the OL create holes for Najee Harris and the running game? Is Big Ben still an above-average QB capable of leading a team to the playoffs on the back of a strong defense?

 

Josh Allen and the Bills need to prove that last year was no anomaly, and it was a sign of things to come. Retaining a lot of the roster from a year ago, the Bills should theoretically run it back with more success. 

 

Another year in the system should make the Bills even better offensively, and the defense has a lot of young pieces capable of taking the next step in their development. Strong on both sides of the ball, the Bills can win a hard-fought battle at home. By taking advantage of the Steelers’ weaknesses on their offensive line and having an explosive offense few can slow down, look for the Bills to win.

 

Game prediction: 27-16 Bills victory

 

 

BillsFans.com - Andrew Buller-Russ 

 

Related Articles

Buffalo Bills 2021-22 Season Preview Part Two

Buffalo Bills 2021-22 Season Preview Part One

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills Conference Championship Review

 

User Feedback

Guest

  • Ring in the New Year Tailgating Recipes

    This Sunday, Buffalo's last regular season home game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park is against the New England Patriots.   Taking into consideration this season as a whole and that we are about to ring in a New Year, I decided a nice stiff drink was in order. These ciders, mulled wines, spiked hot chocolate, and coffee recipes are just what this fanbase needs to close out the season at home. (Over 21 crowd, of course) So make up a thermos to take along to tailgate or make up a slow cook

    Home Tailgating Menus

    A Few Thoughts About the Cowboys Game, in no particular order

    © Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports   I can honestly say I didn't know if was going to write another one of these this season.  Not because of the prior wins or losses, but because I don't see a point in writing the same content over and over again.  The Bills team and individual players rarely did enough from week to week that constituted 9 things and lyrics to talk about.  I mean, I can sum it all up with Kincaid, Kindcaid, McD's defense collapses, and Floyd/Oliver.  However, this Dallas

    A Few Thoughts...

    World Famous Bills Tailgating Stromboli Recipe

    This Sunday, the Buffalo Bills are playing the Dallas Cowboys at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. And what better tailgate recipe than @mead107's  Stromboli, which has been a Bills tailgating staple for many years!?   Before watching the Buffalo Bills take on the Dallas Cowboys, why not make some Stromboli to enjoy during the game? If you are tailgating at Highmark, bring this great recipe to share.   Click here for all the information you need to attend a game at the Bills' st

    Home Tailgating Menus

    Taco Tailgating Recipes!

    This Sunday, Buffalo's late game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, is perfect timing for a delicious tailgate.   Before watching the Buffalo Bills take on the New York Jets, why not make it Tacos Sunday to enjoy during the game? If you are tailgating at Highmark, some great recipes are on this list!   Click here for all the information you need to attend a game at the Bills' stadium and have a fabulous time!   Whether you are meeting friends at the stadium or an outside l

    Home Tailgating Menus

    Stick to Ribs Tailgating Recipes

    The Bills return home to Buffalo and are playing at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY, this Monday night!   Before watching the Buffalo Bills take on the Denver Broncos, why not make a rack of ribs to enjoy during the game? If you are tailgating at Highmark, there are some great recipes on this list!   Click here for all the information you need to attend a game at the Bills' stadium and have a fabulous time!   Whether you are meeting friends at the stadium or an outside

    Home Tailgating Menus
  • Look what I found!

    Dec 23, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis (13) cathces 57-yard touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.

    2023 Buffalo Bills

    James Cook celebrates his TD with a little help from his friends

    Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. 

    2023 Buffalo Bills

    Bills RB Latavius Murray is tackled by Colts LB Segun Olubi

    Aug 12, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Segun Olubi (50) tackles Buffalo Bills running back Latavius Murray (28) running with the ball during the first half at Highmark Stadium.

    2023 Buffalo Bills

    James Cook cuts in the hole looking for more yards

    Oct 26, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) is defended by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Ryan Neal (23) in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. 

    2023 Buffalo Bills

    The Bills blow up the running play at Highmark Stadium

    Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (7) and the Bills defense blow up this run play to Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1).

    2023 Buffalo Bills


×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue., Guidelines