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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Curt Popejoy

Steelers vs Bills: Keys to victory for Pittsburgh in today’s game

On Monday afternoon the final AFC playoff game will happen when the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills square off in what looks to be a blizzard. Pittsburgh is a heavy underdog but the weather is the great equalizer this week and gives the Steelers a real shot to win. Here are our keys to victory.

The offensive line has to win

Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy (right) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

This game is going to be won at the line of scrimmage. The Steelers offensive line has been playing well and last week on a wet, sloppy field, they controlled the game. There has to be a heavy dose of that against the Bills.

Ball security a top priority

Dec 31, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The team that doesn’t turn the ball over is going to win this game. Last week the Steelers struggled with putting the ball on the turn and that can’t happen this week. Take care of the football above all else.

Spy Josh Allen

Oct 9, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs from Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and linebacker Devin Bush (55) in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

I’m not saying Josh Allen is going to rush for 150 yards but if he does, it’s all over for the Steelers. Whether it is Myles Jack, Minkah Fitzpatrick or some combination of all 11 defenders, Allen cannot have free runs.

Don't forget about the passing game

Dec 31, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) catches a pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Mason Rudolph might not be chucking it downfield to George Pickens and Diontae Johnson but this doesn’t mean they can just forget about them completely. Short passes, extensions of the run game, which gives those guys to make a play have to be part of the plan until the weather won’t let it happen.

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