Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 Bold predictions vs. Bills, Week 15
By Samuel Teets
2. Steelers force three turnovers
The Ravens got after Josh Allen in Week 14. Baltimore sacked the second-year quarterback six times, costing Buffalo 41 yards. Allen, who has one interception since Week 7, fumbled twice. Baltimore recovered one of those loose balls.
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Outside of Allen, the Bills have protected the ball well this season. The offense’s skill players have fumbled just four times combined this season. However, despite his recent clean streak, Allen has eight interceptions and 14 fumbles. He’s grown an incredible amount since last year, but that doesn’t mean he’s a polished product.
Meanwhile, the Steelers forced three turnovers against the Arizona Cardinals last week. Kyler Murray, who entered the week with just six interceptions and two fumbles, threw three picks and put the ball on the ground once. Luckily for him, the Cardinals recovered the loose ball.
The biggest reason Pittsburgh is 8-5 and in the sixth seed right now is the team’s defense. The Steelers lead the NFL with 48 sacks this season, and their 18 interceptions only trail the New England Patriots (21). The Steelers are also second in fumble takeaways with 15. That’s why, even with their questionable offense, Pittsburgh is second in turnover differential and first in total turnovers forced.
Defenses sack Allen about 2.5 times per game. The Steelers reach quarterbacks about 3.7 times per game and force roughly 2.5 turnovers each week. Take those numbers and add in monsters like Bud Dupree, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cameron Heyward, and T.J. Watt, and it will be a long afternoon for Allen.