The Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills are set to clash in next Sunday’s Super Wild Card Weekend showdown in heavy weather. The forecast predicts a 26-degree temperature at kickoff, accompanied by potential snow showers.
On top of the snow showers, there is an expected 25-mph wind, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph. Even so, CBS Sports Lead NFL Insider Jonathan Jones confirmed no intentions to relocate the game from Bills’ Highmark Stadium’s home in Orchard Park to Cleveland.
Instead, the outcome of this game will hinge on how each team adapts to the weather. The Steelers, for one, went through comparable conditions two years ago on December 24, 2022.
At the time, Pittsburgh secured a 13-10 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders in a game marked by a 9-degree temperature and a 21-mph wind. Their ability to triumph under similar weather circumstances will set the stage for Sunday’s challenge to advance to the Divisional Round.
Despite winning against the Raiders in the snowy 2022 match, the players are not a fan of playing in bad weather. Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. described the situation that night as “terrible,” as reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
“It was actually colder that day than it was that night,” Moore said. “With the wind chill, I think it was negative single digits. You get into a different mode. You try to block it out as much as you can.”
Advantages for Steelers
The Steelers may appear to have the advantage in this Sunday’s adverse weather with their quality running back duo, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Both have demonstrated impressive performances this season, with Harris amassing 1,072 scrimmage yards and Warren contributing 1,104.
However, Buffalo also has a talented back in James Cook, who earned his first Pro Bowl nod this season. Cook has significantly contributed to the Bills’ offense, with 1,086 rushing yards and 445 receiving yards over two seasons.
Prioritizing ball security becomes of high importance, especially considering Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen’s propensity for turnovers. With Allen’s 18 interceptions and a league-leading 22 turnovers this season, the advantage appears to lean toward the Steelers.
Meanwhile, Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick foresees Allen throwing aggressively on Sunday, regardless of the weather conditions.
“The deep ball is a big part of their game. It’s a big part of what they do,” Fitzpatrick said. “They’re definitely going to try. Josh Allen has a strong arm that can cut through the bad weather. They play all the time in bad weather, so it’s still going to be a part of their game.”
Bills call for volunteers
With heavy snow anticipated for Sunday’s AFC wild-card game, the Bills are currently seeking volunteer snow shovelers. On Friday, the team called for interested individuals aged 18 or older to arrive at Highmark Stadium by 10 pm on Saturday.
The volunteers will be compensated at a rate of $20 per hour and receive complimentary food and breaks during shifts. The task is expected to continue through the night before the Sunday game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 pm.
The Bills’ call for volunteers mirrors a similar initiative by the Green Bay Packers in 2020. At the time, the Packers successfully enlisted over 600 volunteers who cleared Lambeau Field in about 3.5 hours.
Given the ominous forecast from the National Weather Service, warning of “heavy lake effect snow bands with gusty winds” causing difficult travel conditions, the Bills anticipate needing substantial assistance. Up to a foot of snow is predicted in the Buffalo area.