Writers’ Picks: Steelers week 14 matchup vs. Buffalo Bills

Our writers at the Still Curtain provide their predictions as the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-1) take on the Buffalo Bills (9-3).

“This is called a neuralyzer”. A memory-erasing device, as introduced by the infamous Agent K in Men In Black, is what all Pittsburgh Steelers fans need after Monday. The season’s first loss to the Washington Football Team spewed out all of the Steelers problems and was too much to overcome too late.

A mere six-point differential that feels like a thousand pounds that can only be lifted off by some sort of super-hero. The Steelers are hoping not to carry its burdens throughout the rest of the season, they attempt to recuperate, beginning with the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

An imposing opponent with strength that resembles  Bills QB Josh Allen’s throwing power, they have a versatility to them and will surely test the will of Pittsburgh. With a now lengthy list of injuries on defense, the Black & Gold will need to face battles of their own before worrying about the dual-threat of Allen and the Bills duo at WR of Stefon Diggs & Cole Beasley.

Writer’s Recap

Pride comes before the fall, and that is in no reference to the Steelers. Last week, it was mentioned that in the past month, not one contributing writer had gained a loss in our predictions.

After what appeared as a unilateral choice in picking Pittsburgh to win, things didn’t turn out for the best for obvious reasons. Now looking for redemption, the Still Curtain looks for a quick turnaround along with the Steelers.

Still Curtain’s 2020 Records

Andrew Falce (10-2)

Eric Hassel (11-1)

Ed Hunt (9-3)

Tommy Jaggi (10-2)

Brandon Kring (9-3)

Austin Lloyd (2-1)

Jordan Newman (11-1)

Ryan Pawloski (10-2)

Casey Sadekoski (10-2)

Alec Silverman (2-1)

Week fourteen predictions vs. Bills

”This game will be dictated by the Steelers offense. If they keep trying to only move the ball through the air, they’ll end up losing like they did last week. Unfortunately, I don’t have faith in Fitchner to make the needed changes.” – Andrew Falce (BUF 30-20)

“The Steelers are coming off a bad loss. The defense is down a few starters. All the makings of another loss; however, the Steelers will overcome a late fourth-quarter deficit to top the Bills.” – Eric Hassel (PIT 27-24)

”The Black & Gold will face a tough test in Buffalo. I think the Steelers are hitting a low point in the season and will lose.” – Ed Hunt (BUF 35-28)

”Pittsburgh’s offense really struggled over the past two weeks. Now they are faced with the daunting task of trying to beat the Bills on the road on Sunday Night Football. The Steelers defense has been impressive all season, but they will get their biggest test in Week 14. Sadly, I don’t think their offense will be able to keep pace.” – Tommy Jaggi (BUF 27-23)

“The Steelers have struggled on offense the last two weeks and it doesn’t get any easier against Buffalo. The defense is now likely down Haden and Spillane for a game or two to go along with Dupree and Bush. That does not bode well against Josh Allen who is playing at an MVP-caliber level right now and the Bills, unfortunately, roll in primetime.” – Brandon Kring (BUF 28-17)

” The Steelers are lacking the momentum that Buffalo has heading into this matchup, and that will likely be a prevalent factor in deciding the outcome of this game.” – Austin Lloyd (BUF 23-16)

“This will be a chess match for the Steelers against themselves. Faithful in that they have the right core to readjust & win, but with so many key injuries on the defense, it’s hard to see them be able to hold up. A loss that won’t be telling, but hurt. Buffalo pulls out late for a close win.” – Jordan Newman (BUF 23-20)

”This has to be a bounce-back performance for Pittsburgh after 2 weeks of poor play. It’s going to be a tough game either way but the Steelers are more talented even with injuries taken into consideration.” – Ryan Pawloski (PIT 27-23)

”The Steelers are going to shock critics and the media with an injury list almost as long as their 2020 win streak. Pittsburgh has historically been great against adversity and they will beat the Bills.” – Casey Sadekoski (PIT 27-21)

”Coming off a terrible loss the Steelers look to rebound in Buffalo against the Bills. Unfortunately, I don’t think the Steelers will rebound and take home a win. With all the injuries to the defense I think the Bills will take care of business.” – Alec Silverman (BUF 27-24)

For the first time all season, the majority of our writers are taking the opponent to defeat the Steelers. Pittsburgh needs this game to stay in first place in the AFC. Let’s hope we are wrong about this.