Steelers May Not Have To Face Bills' WR In Wild Card Round Who Shredded Pittsburgh In 2022

The Pittsburgh Steelers found a way to sneak into the 2023 NFL playoffs thanks to a surprising Tennessee Titans win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 18. Mike Tomlin and co. knew they would be headed on the road and after Sunday Night Football concluded and the Buffalo Bills stole the AFC East division from the Miami Dolphins, the destination became official. Buffalo enters the postseason as the AFC's hottest team, winning five straight. It will not be an easy task for the Steelers to travel on the road and come up with a win against the second seed. Injuries on both sides could drastically affect the outcome of the contest.

The biggest injury news out of Pittsburgh after Week 18 relates to star edge rusher and Defensive Player of the Year candidate, TJ Watt. The NFL's sack leader suffered an MCL sprain and, at best, will be sidelined for two weeks. This immediately hurts the Steelers' chances, but the possibility of getting Minkah Fitzpatrick back along with a previously-suspended Damontae Kazee should provide a boost.

This will be the first time the two teams are playing a meaningful football game against each other since Week 5 of the 2022 season. Kenny Pickett was stepping in as the starter for the first time and the Bills throttled the Steelers, 38-3. Josh Allen launched an aerial assault as he threw for 424 yards and four touchdowns. The conditions were much better than they are expected to be Sunday afternoon, however.

The loss of Watt will really hurt Pittsburgh, but Buffalo may also be without a key offensive player who dominated the Steelers back in 2022. Gabriel Davis caught three passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns. The game started with a 98-yard touchdown pass on third and long from Allen to Davis. Levi Wallace was unable to keep up with him and Davis scooted right past him for an easy score.

Davis is dealing with a PCL sprain and while he still has a chance to play in the Wild Card matchup, knee injuries are nothing to mess around with and it's very possible he is sidelined. The wide receiver has been a touchdown machine against the Steelers during his career. He has scored four times in just three games. It would certainly hurt Buffalo to not have him on the field.

Davis being unable to go doesn't change things much for Pittsburgh, but it would allow them to focus a little bit more on Stefon Diggs. Joey Porter Jr. seems poised to shadow him like he has done with opponents' best receivers since he emerged as a starter. While Diggs is a major threat in the passing game, the Steelers have struggled with tight ends recently so Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox need to be a focus as well.

A high-powered Buffalo offense has weapons all over the place that will be tough to keep in check. Pittsburgh will need to take advantage of Allen's tendency to turn the ball over if they want to pull off the major upset. Davis is a potential x-factor who could make life difficult for the Steelers' defense. He hauled in 45 catches for 746 yards and seven touchdowns in the regular season.

Steelers Could Be Playing Final Game With Tomlin At The Helm

It was reported by Adam Schefter on Monday that Tomlin could elect to pull a "Sean Payton" by electing not to coach in 2024. None of this would be sorted out until the 2024 offseason, but there's a legitimate possibility that Sunday in Buffalo could be Tomlin's last time coaching the Steelers. After 17 years without a losing season, the future Hall of Fame coach could take a break before taking a job with another organization.

Do you think Davis sitting out with his injury will open the door for a Steelers' victory? Let us know in the comments below!

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