Pros
- The Steelers are a giant 14-point underdog in this game, likely leading to an extreme passing game script.
- THE BLITZ projects this game to have the largest volume of plays run on the slate this week at 137.0 plays, given the tendencies of each team and game dynamics.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line grades out as the 3rd-best in the NFL this year in protecting the passer, which has a positive impact on all passing game metrics across the board.
- The Buffalo Bills have stacked the box against opponents on 19.5% of their plays since the start of last season, 9th-most in the league. Positioning an extra defender near the line of scrimmage improves run-stopping at the cost of better passing efficiency.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers have gone no-huddle on 15.2% of their play-calls outside the two-minute warning since the start of last season (5th-most in football). This speeds up the pace, resulting in more volume and stat production.
Cons
- THE BLITZ projects the Pittsburgh Steelers to be the 9th-least pass-oriented offense among all teams this week with a 56.4% pass rate, accounting for their underlying tendencies and matchup dynamics.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers have run the 8th-least plays in football this year, averaging just 55.0 plays per game.
- The weatherman calls for 19-mph wind in this game. High wind usually means reduced pass volume (and increased run volume) and decreased passing effectiveness.
- Opposing quarterbacks have averaged 28.8 pass attempts per game vs. the Buffalo Bills defense this year: 2nd-least in the NFL.
- Opposing teams have thrown for the least yards in the NFL (just 167.0 per game) versus the Buffalo Bills defense this year.
Projection
THE BLITZ
186
Passing Yards