NFL WILD CARD GAME 3: PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT BUFFALO BILLS

BY ADAM GREENE

If a couple of the Week 18 games had gone differently, neither of these teams would have made the playoffs. But, the wheels turned the way they did and now the Buffalo Bills, as AFC East Champion and the two seed, will host the seventh-seeded Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that everyone thought would be faceplanting through the second half of the season.

This is the 30^th all time meeting between these two franchises and the third in the playoffs. The Steelers have a 17-12 advantage in the series and a 2-1 advantage in the postseason. And here’s a fun fact — the winner between these two teams in their three postseason matchups has gone on to play in the Super Bowl.

Buffalo won their previous matchup last season on Oct. 9, 2022, 38-3. In the win, Josh Allen was 20 of 31 passing for 424 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. He led the team in rushing with five carries for 42 yards. Stefon Diggs caught eight passes for 102 yards and a score. Khalil Shakir hauled in three passes for 39 yards and a TD.

In the loss, Kenny Pickett (who will only play if Mason Rudolph soils his trousers) was 34 of 52 passing for 327 yards, no TDs and a pick. Jaylen Warren rushed five times for 24 yards. George Pickens hauled in six passes for 83 yards.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT BUFFALO BILLS (-10, O/U: 35)

Location: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, N.Y.

Broadcast: CBS

Kickoff: Jan. 14, 1 p.m.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (10-7)

Pittsburgh wrapped its season on a three-game winning streak, punching their ticket to the postseason with a 17-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18, who were resting their starters. Mason Rudolph was 18 of 20 passing for 152 yards, one touchdown and no picks in the win. He was sacked three times. Najee Harris caried the ball 26 times for 112 yards and one TD. Diontae Johnson caught four passes for 89 yards and a score. The defense held the Ravens to 106 yards rushing and sacked Tyler Huntley four times.

BUFFALO BILLS (11-6)

By the time the Bills game kicked off Sunday night, they were already in the playoff bracket. Still, they did manage to claim the AFC East with a 21-14 win over the Miami Dolphins that sent the South Florida squad to the playoffs as a Wild Card. Josh Allen was 30 of 38 passing for 359 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He rushed 15 times for 67 yards. James Cook had 13 carries for 36 yards. Khalil Shakir caught six passes for 105 yards. Stefon Diggs hauled in seven receptions for 87 yards. Dalton Kincaid had seven grabs for 84 yards and Trent Sherfield caught three passes for 24 yards and a score. Dawson Knox had two receptions for 22 yards and a touchdown. The defense held the Dolphins to just 108 yards on the ground and picked off Tua Tagovailoa twice.

THE PICK

You know, sometimes you have to just be happy to get into the postseason. With the nightmare offensive situation Pittsburgh gutted through for most of the season, it’s probably merciful to wrap it up in the Wild Card Round. The weather should be horrid and, if TJ Watt was playing, the Steelers might have a shot. I just can’t see it happening. Bills 24, Steelers 16

Last week

Straight up: 9-7

Against the spread: 11-5

Season

Straight up: 188-84

Against the spread: 173-99

Follow Adam Greene on Twitter @TheFirstMan.

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