NFL schedule: The good and bad about Steelers facing the Bills in Week 1
By Tommy Jaggi
The good: Steelers can catch the Bills napping with their new-look offense
Over the past five years, the Steelers have a record of 3-1-1 to begin the season. Last year, they stuck it to the New York Giants in a 26-16 win on the road. While the Bills also won their home opener last season, it was just a 10-point victory over the New York Jets. Over the past three years, however, the Bills have been outscored 47-80 in their season openers – including a blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Pittsburgh, meanwhile, had a terrific start to the season last year. They looked incredibly fresh to begin the season. I think the Steelers could also hold an early advantage thanks to their new-look offense under Matt Canada. The Bills could be preparing to play a Pittsburgh team without really knowing how their playbook is going to look.
Canada had his fingerprint on the Steelers playbook early last season with all of his pre-snap motions and end-arounds; however, the Bills never got to play against that offense, as it became Randy Fichtner’s offense again late in the season.
In addition, if the trend continues, Ben Rothlisberger will look fresh early in the season, and this could be the right time to play Buffalo. Despite this game being on the road, it’s entirely possible that a respectable football team like the Pittsburgh Steelers could catch the Bills napping in Week 1 of the 2021 season.