Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills betting tips and NFL predictions

Free American football tips, best bets and analysis for Pittsburgh at Buffalo in Week 1 of the NFL.

Where to watch

Sky Sports NFL, 6pm Sunday

Best bet

Najee Harris anytime touchdown scorer
1pt 5-4 Betfred

Preview

Pittsburgh are intent on running the football more this season and that could lead to rookie running back Najee Harris making an immediate impact on his debut in the Steelers' big AFC clash at Buffalo.

The Steelers found out the hard way that they can no longer rely on the arm of 39-year-old quarterback Ben Roethlisberger last season, collapsing from an 11-0 start as they finished the regular season 12-4 before being knocked out of the playoffs by the Cleveland Browns.

The capitulation was in part due to injuries to key players and Roethlisberger buckling under the strain of having to carry a Pittsburgh offence that had the worst-ranked rushing attack in the league but Harris's arrival should change that.

The first-round draft pick played his college football at Alabama, where he averaged 1,345 yards a season on the ground over his final two years, scoring a combined 30 touchdowns on the ground and through the air in 2020.

Buffalo struggled to stop the run all last year, giving up the sixth-highest number of rushing touchdowns, and Harris has the tools to expose those flaws from day one of his professional career.

The lowdown

Venue Highmark Stadium
Surface Grass
Weather Hot and humid, chance of rain, 24C
Vegas handicap Pittsburgh +6.5
Vegas points line 48.5

Team news

Buffalo
Bills defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (calf) has been ruled out and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders is doubtful with a foot issue.

Pittsburgh
TJ Watt will play after settling his contract dispute by signing a new deal. Defensive end Stephon Tuitt is out while nose tackle Tyson Alualu has missed practice time in the week.

Key stat

The over went 4-0 in Pittsburgh's final four games of last season.

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