Buffalo (Wild Card Playoff)

We are 24 hours away from the NFL Playoffs! The Steelers are scheduled to play on Sunday at 1pm in Buffalo; however, that may change due to severe weather heading that way this weekend. Nevertheless, as the week progresses, I am becoming more and more optimistic about this game. The Steelers have not been the “flashiest” team this year, but they did finish 10-7. They finished on a 3 game winning streak and have been solid both defensively and offensively. The Buffalo Bills did win their final 5 games; however, they were not all that impressive in most of those wins. After looking at the matchup more closely, I think the Steelers are far more equipped to handle this game than many in the national media are giving them credit for going into this weekend.

Right now, I am watching the weather forecast with specific attention to the wind. I do not think snow or temperature will create any amount of advantage for the Steelers. Remember, the Bills reside in Buffalo. They know how to play in cold weather. The wind will be the “equalizer" if there is one to be had in this game. There is a possibility of high wind with gusts greater than 40 miles per hour. This, much more than anything else, may dictate how this game has to be played. If the wind is indeed that significant during this game, running the football will be paramount; not only as means of scoring, but field position (coupled with kicking/punting). If this game, due to wind and snow (white out), becomes a competition on who can run the ball better and more efficiently, I like the Steelers chances.

Go Steelers