Bettors might actually see something resembling an NFL football game Saturday night as both Mike Tomlin and Sean McDermott will be giving their No.1 offenses the first quarter Saturday night in Pittsburgh where the total sits at a Week 2-high 42 points with the Bills a slight favorite on the NFL odds board.
With Pittsburgh’s offensive starters playing in a second straight game and seeing a longer leash than last week combined with Josh Allen and some competent quarterback depth on both teams, should bettors be looking at the Over that has already seen some money?
Here are my free NFL preseason picks and predictions for Bills vs. Steelers.
Bills vs Steelers odds
Bills vs Steelers predictions
The Buffalo Bills have moved two points and so has the total as both coaches expect to play their offensive starters for a good chunk of the first half. Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers have also committed to playing their top defensive players in this one but both teams can put up points Saturday night.
The Bills slowed down Anthony Richardson in his NFL preseason debut but also let Sam Ehlinger and Gardner Minshew go 14-for-15 for 144 yards combined as Buffalo does have some issues with defensive depth after adding nobody on defense in the offseason and losing DC Leslie Frazier and middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.
With Kenny Pickett and the ones expected to get more than the one series they saw last week, Pittsburgh will move the ball Saturday night and it won’t just be in the first half.
Josh Allen and Kenny Pickett are going to go head to head for a good portion of the #Steelers #Bills preseason matchup on Saturday https://t.co/dkAiSGhUOq
— SteelerNation (@SteeIerNation) August 17, 2023
Mason Rudolph put his hat in the ring for the backup job and looked great vs. the Bucs last week going 6-for-7 for 70 yards and a score. This offense also has Mitch Trubisky who has been known to shine in the preseason but saw just two series last week. This competition should bring some offensive results.
Despite the Steelers playing their defensive starters, it won’t be easy for Teryl Austin’s defense as Josh Allen and the Buffalo starters are scheduled to play the entire first quarter. Andy Isabella has popped and James Cook looks like a breakout season waiting to happen. This could look resemble a real NFL game over the first 15 minutes.
Late scoring is also projected. Buffalo has some competent QB play in Matt Barkley and Kyle Allen who saw all the snaps last week and combined to throw for nearly 300 yards and two scores.
Tomlin and McDermott played their college ball together and that rivalry could spill into Saturday night as neither coach wants to cede the victory. That’s great news for Over bettors who can shop around and still find a 42. This is the highest total on the board and with offensive starters getting a long leash, a competent QB rotation on both sides, and the Bills’ lack of defensive depth, points will come.
Tyler Bass is also a kicker I trust while the kicker competition in Pittsburgh should hopefully motivate Chris Boswell who will likely get the kicking duties after watching last week.
Add in some defensive-wearing 85-degree temperatures and it’s an Over 42 for me Saturday night.
My best bet: Over 42 (-110 at Caesars)
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