Steelers vs. Bills NFL Preseason Odds, Picks: Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers Likely Out
The Steelers finished 10-7 and won the AFC North last season, but their playoff struggles continued with a 30-6 Wild Card loss to Houston. Mike Tomlin departed after 19 years at the helm, and Pittsburgh hired former Packers and Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy as his replacement.
Buffalo went 12-5 and reached the playoffs for the seventh straight year, but another painful playoff exit, this time a 33-30 overtime loss at Denver in the Divisional Round, led to Sean McDermott’s departure. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady was promoted to head coach.
The two new coaches have gotten decidedly different results through their first two preseason games. Brady and the Bills are 2-0 after pounding Carolina, 29-14, and destroying Cleveland, 31-7.
McCarthy’s Steelers looked impressive in their preseason debut, a 28-9 victory over the Packers, but followed that with a dud, getting shut out by the Jets, 17-0.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
On the NFL betting odds board, the Bills are -3.5 home favourites with a -155 moneyline, while the Steelers sit at +130. The total is listed at 35.5 points.
The Bills are 2-0 against the spread and have played to the Over twice. Pittsburgh covered against the Packers as an underdog but failed to cover against the Jets as a favourite. The Steelers have played to the Under in both of their preseason games.
Pittsburgh Steelers
What a difference a week made for Pittsburgh’s young quarterbacks. Second-year quarterback Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar combined to complete 17 of 22 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns against Green Bay, but both struggled against the Jets.
Howard went 10-for-15 for 34 yards with two interceptions, while Allar completed 11-of-23 passes for 110 yards.
The Steelers finished with just 173 total yards and 10 first downs after producing 385 yards and 25 first downs against the Packers.
With veteran Aaron Rodgers again not expected to take a preseason snap, and Mason Rudolph fully ensconced as his backup, Thursday night’s focus will again be on Howard and Allar.
Buffalo Bills
Unlike Rodgers, Buffalo starter Josh Allen has taken some preseason snaps. He completed 6-of-8 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown against Carolina before sitting against the Browns.
Understudies Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele took over against Cleveland and helped the Bills roll to an easy win. Allen completed 10-of-12 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown, while Buechele went 14-for-18 for 168 yards.
Rookie Ja’Mori Maclin provided the biggest offensive play with a 71-yard touchdown reception as the Bills outgained the Browns 399-222 and forced three turnovers despite resting most of their starters.
Josh Allen will sit again on Thursday, while both Allen and Buechele will play as they compete for the backup job. Some Buffalo starters are expected to see action.
NFL Preseason Prediction: Who Will Win Steelers vs. Bills?
Buffalo has looked like the deeper team through two preseason games. That matters in a finale in which Josh Allen and most likely several other key players will watch from the sidelines.
Allen and Buechele have combined to play efficient football, while Pittsburgh’s young quarterbacks took a major step backward against the Jets.
Take the Bills giving 3.5 points in front of their fans in that sparkling new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium. Look for Buffalo to finish the preseason unbeaten with a 24-10 win.