[1:00 PM] Steelers @ Bills

Who will WIN this matchup?

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5)

@ Buffalo Bills (6-6)

 

• The Steelers have bounced back from a four-game losing streak by posting three straight double-digit victories to remain in a tie with Baltimore for first place in the AFC North. The Ravens currently own the tiebreaker, but still have to pay a visit to Pittsburgh, which is 9-1 under coach Mike Tomlin in December of the past three seasons.

• Buffalo’s only path to the postseason is via the wild card and blowing a 15-point lead in last week’s 38-24 loss at Oakland left little margin for error.

• Quarterback Tyrod Taylor walked away from the podium during Wednesday’s media conference amid questions of his future with his numbers dipping across the board, but he received staunch support from his coach. Taylor could have both his top two wide receivers — Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods — in the lineup for the first time since Week 2 to complement running back LeSean McCoy, who is coming off consecutive 100-yard games. The bigger worry for Ryan and the Bills is a defense that surrendered 29 unanswered points to the Raiders.

• With Ben Roethlisberger at the helm of a high-powered attack that features running back Le’Veon Bell and wide receiver Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh’s offense typically garners the headlines. However, a much-maligned defense that was pierced for 113 points during the four-game skid has answered the bell during the winning streak, allowing a total of 30 points and holding the New York Giants to one touchdown until the final minute of last week’s 24-14 victory.

• Bills backup RB Mike Gillislee has rushed for six touchdowns in the past seven games.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers

Confidence: 5/10

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