Buffalo Bills (0-1) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1)
As Week 2 of the 2024 NFL preseason approaches, fans are gearing up for an intriguing matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This game promises to be a critical moment for both teams as they seek redemption following disappointing starts.
Pittsburgh is currently favored by 4.5 points, with the game total set at 36.5 points. The Steelers can be backed at -210 on the moneyline, while the Bills offer +175 odds.
Need help with predictions? Check out our NFL Insights!
A Tough Start for the Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills faced a harsh reality in their preseason opener, suffering a 33-6 loss to the Chicago Bears while entering the game as 3.5-point favorites. This defeat marked a troubling trend, as the Bills are now 2-3 straight up and 1-4 against the spread in their last five preseason outings.
The Bills struggled offensively, managing only two field goals and being outgained by the Bears, 340-200, in total yardage. They allowed 141 rushing yards on 30 carries and were penalized 11 times for 75 yards, showing a lack of discipline that needs addressing.
Quarterback Josh Allen played two drives, completing two of three passes for 22 yards. Mitch Trubisky and Shane Buechele shared the remaining snaps, combining for a modest passing yardage total. RB Frank Gore Jr. contributed 21 yards on seven carries, but overall, the offense failed to find its rhythm.
“I felt good with what we did early on,” Allen remarked. “Every game is something we want to win, and today we didn’t do that. There’s a lot to learn from again; it’s preseason, and we need to be ready.”
Take advantage of our sportsbook promo codes for better odds!
Pittsburgh Steelers Seek Improvement
The Pittsburgh Steelers also stumbled in their preseason opener, falling 20-12 to the Houston Texans. They were unable to cover the 3.5-point spread, and the game went under the 38.5-point line, ending a six-game winning streak in the preseason for the team.
Quarterback Russell Wilson sat out due to a calf injury, and Justin Fields led the offense with mixed results, completing five of six passes for 67 yards. Kyle Allen showcased his skills with 193 passing yards but also threw an interception. Despite outgaining the Texans 344-255 in total yardage, the Steelers’ inability to secure the ball proved costly, as they lost the turnover battle 2-0.
Fields acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “We were just shooting ourselves in the foot. We can definitely be better.” The Steelers will need to improve their execution and discipline if they hope to succeed against the Bills.
Analyzing the Best Bets for Bills vs. Steelers
The Buffalo Bills have nowhere to go but up after their dismal performance last week. With a focus on discipline, they are expected to improve, especially with Mitch Trubisky likely taking the bulk of the snaps. The Steelers face their own challenges in finding cohesion on offense, making it difficult for them to win by more than five points.
After such a heavy loss, the Bills will likely come out fighting to restore their pride. Their defense has the potential to perform better than last week’s showing, and given the Steelers’ lack of explosive offensive plays, the Bills should be able to keep the game competitive.
The two teams faced off last preseason, with the Steelers winning 27-15 as a one-point underdog. In that match, the Bills struggled with turnovers and penalties, but they managed to get their revenge in the wild-card round, defeating Pittsburgh 31-17. This matchup will be another chance for both teams to demonstrate their growth and resolve.
