Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL wild card game
Two teams that had strong finishes to the regular season will meet in the wild card round, with the Buffalo Bills (11-6) hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) to kick off Sunday's playoff action.
Despite the late-season resurgence, Pittsburgh went into Week 18 needing help to make the playoffs. It worked out perfectly, with the Steelers beating a resting Baltimore team and Jacksonville losing to Tennessee. The offense has woken up with Mason Rudolph at quarterback, but Pittsburgh will have to play without its star defender with T.J. Watt out.
A few weeks ago, there were questions if Buffalo would even make the playoffs. The Bills silenced those questions by finishing the season on a five-game winning streak and capturing the AFC East for the fourth straight season with a road win against the Miami Dolphins. Buffalo now has the No. 2 seed and could be on its way to making a Super Bowl run in front of the home crowd.
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Bills vs. Steelers odds, moneyline, over/under
The Bills are favorites to defeat the Steelers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app and the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Spread: Bills (-9)
Moneyline: Bills (-500); Steelers (+375)
Over/under: 33
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NFL Wild Card odds, predictions and picks
AFC: Texans vs. Browns | Chiefs vs. Dolphins | Bills vs. Steelers
NFC: Cowboys vs. Packers | Lions vs. Rams | Buccaneers vs. Eagles
Lorenzo Reyes: Bills 27, Steelers 13
This is quite the big spread, but the Steelers are 1-10 in games in which T.J. Watt is unavailable. He’s their catalyst for turning the ball over and if Buffalo can protect the ball, the offense could roll. On the other side, Mason Rudolph has kept Pittsburgh’s offense competitive, but the stakes here are far higher.
Tyler Dragon: Bills 28, Steelers 17
This playoff game might have the most lopsided score. The Bills are entering the playoffs on a five-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Steelers are just happy to be in the postseason. It’s a testament to Mike Tomlin that the Steelers are even in the playoffs. Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt (knee) has already been ruled out and QB Mason Rudolph is set to remain Pittsburgh’s starter. The Steelers' best game plan is to control the clock and play smash-mouth football, but Tomlin’s club is a big road underdog.
Safid Deen: Bills 27, Steelers 16
Josh Allen and the Bills have found their stride winning their last five games to take the AFC East and the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. They’ll take advantage of the Steelers at home and prepare for another home game this postseason.
Victoria Hernandez: Bills 24, Steelers 17
The Bills are playing team football and got the job done down the stretch. The Steelers, meanwhile, got into the playoffs by the skin of their teeth. Mason Rudolph is playing well, but TJ Watt is out, which doesn’t help Pittsburgh’s cause. Buffalo is simply the better team and has something to prove in the postseason.
Jordan Mendoza: Bills 20, Steelers 13
Buffalo has been red hot in recent weeks, but they are always a mystery in you never know what team you are going to get. The Steelers' offense has improved, but the loss of T.J. Watt on the defensive end will be a big blow to Pittsburgh. Buffalo's last three wins were all one-score games, and while they secure the victory this week, it's much closer than more people think.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills: Playoff game predictions, picks and odds
