HAGERSTOWN, Md. -- In 2019, the Steelers had a golden opportunity to put a dent in the Bills' playoff chances and, in turn, boost their own odds to make the postseason. The game was flexed to prime time and color-rush uniforms were worn, but it affect change the outcome. Will the Steelers get revenge in 2020? Time to break down the matchup.
MATCHUP
Opponent: Bills
2019 Record: 10-6
Overall History (W/L): 16-10 for Steelers
Last 4 Games: 3-1, for Steelers
Opening Line: Bills (-2.5)
Date: Sunday, Dec. 13
Time: 8:20 p.m.
Location: Buffalo
OUTGOING PLAYERS/ FREE-AGENT LOSSES
RB Frank Gore (Signed by the Jets; one-year deal)
RB Senorise Perry (Signed by the Titans; one-year deal)
DE Shaq Lawson (Signed by the Dolphins; three-year deal)
DT Jordan Phillips (Signed by the Cardinals; three-year deal)
CB Kevin Johnson (Signed by the Browns; one-year deal)
RETIREMENTS
LB Lorenzo Alexander
FREE-AGENT ADDITIONS
CB Josh Norman (One-year deal)
DE Mario Addison (Three-year deal)
LB A.J. Klein (Three-year deal)
LB Tyler Matakevich (Two-year deal)
DL Quinton Jefferson (Two-year deal)
DT Vernon Butler (Two-year deal)
RB Taiwan Jones (One-year deal)
CB E.J. Gaines (One-year deal)
OL Daryl Williams (One-year deal)
OL Evan Boehm (One-year deal)
OL Garrett McGhin (One-year deal)
LB Mike Bell (Three-year rookie deal)
DE Bryan Cox, Jr. (One-year deal)
PLAYERS VIA TRADE
WR Stefon Diggs
2020 NFL DRAFT CLASS
Round 2 - A.J. Epenesa - DE - Iowa
Round 3 - Zack Moss - RB - Utah
Round 4 - Gabriel Davis - WR - UCF
Round 5 - Jake Fromm - QB - Georgia
Round 6 (via Browns) - Tyler Bass - K - Georgia Southern
Round 6 (via Patriots) - Isaiah Hodgins - WR - Oregon State
Round 7 (via Vikings) - Dane Jackson - CB - Pittsburgh
OVERVIEW
With Tom Brady leaving the AFC East, it seems as if the Bills are now the class of the division. Returning almost all of the 2019 team which made the playoffs, the Bills, and quarterback Josh Allen are looking to claim their spot among the AFC elite.
Last season, the Bills were built on defense, averaging just 16.2 points-allowed per game, second in the league behind the Patriots. Their struggles came on the offensive side of the football. Allen's offense was only able to muster a 19.2 points-per-game average, which was 22nd in the league.
The Bills made some big moves this offseason, mainly the trade for Diggs from the Vikings, and are hoping to make the next step in their progression from pretender to contender.
PREDICTION
On paper, these two teams can't be more alike. Both are anchored by their defense and hopeful in their offense; the biggest difference between the two is the quarterback. Allen is a young upstart, while Ben Roethlisberger is a proven commodity.
This game will boil down to whether the Steelers will be able to put up points against the highly touted Bills defense. If this game were at Heinz Field, I would be leaning toward the Steelers, but I don't like this matchup on the road in late December.
Bills, 17-14
Be sure to check out the other 2020 regular season breakdowns:
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