Steelers vs. Bills preview: Prediction, odds, how to watch wild card game

The playoffs are here.

After 18 weeks of the ups, downs and drama of the regular season, two teams that were on the verge of missing the postseason just one week ago will face off in a wild-card game this weekend.

The No. 2 Buffalo Bills (11-6) host the No. 7 Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) in Orchard Park, New York, on Sunday afternoon in the third game of this postseason.

Thanks to the nature of the NFL's dynamic bracket and playoff scheduling, the winner of this game will already know their opponent in the Divisional Round.

A Steelers win would lock them into a clash with the No. 1-seeded Baltimore Ravens next week. If the Bills win, they would host the highest seed remaining of the winners of Saturday's games: either the No. 3 Kansas City Chiefs, the No. 4 Houston Texans or the No. 5 Cleveland Browns.

Here's everything to know about this AFC wild card matchup.

Belichick: Bill Belichick's long and decorated career as Patriots head coach comes to an end

Predictions for Steelers vs. Bills

Pickswise: Lay the points for the Bills

Caleb Wilfinger writes, "The Bills’ recent run has given them confidence and momentum, and as steady as [quarterback Mason] Rudolph and the Steelers’ offense has been, their one-dimensional approach will be tough to sustain for four quarters in those elements. We’re not as worried about Buffalo."

VSiN: Take the points for the Steelers

Adam Burke writes, "Josh Allen is likely to use his legs more in a game of this magnitude and the Bills did have a top-five rushing offense this season, but with no threat of a vertical passing game in the wind, both defenses should be able to thrive, keeping points at a premium."

ESPN: Bills have a very strong chance to win at home

ESPN Analytics give Buffalo a 76.6% chance to advance to the Divisional Round. The same model leaves the Steelers with a 23.4% chance for the road upset.

The Arizona Republic: Bills 27, Steelers 17

Jeremy Cluff writes, "Buffalo is the NFL's hottest team, having won five straight games, but the Steelers bring a 3-game win streak of their own into this game. Still, Buffalo is on a roll and is very tough to beat at home (7-2). The Bills will be too much for Pittsburgh."

Steelers vs. Bills odds, spread and lines

The Bills are favorites to defeat the Steelers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

All odds as of Thursday.

• Spread: Bills (-10)
• Moneyline: Bills (-50); Steelers (+380)
• Over/under: 35.5

Steelers vs. Bills injury updates

Pittsburgh Steelers:

Buffalo Bills:

How to watch Steelers vs. Bills: TV, streaming and schedule

When: Sunday, Jan. 14, 1 p.m. ET

Where: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, N.Y.

Cable TV: CBS

Streaming: Paramount+; YouTube TV; Sling; FuboTV

How to watch: Catch all NFL playoff action with a Fubo subscription

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Paste BN Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.