2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 5

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-3) at Buffalo Bills (3-1)

Sunday, October 9, 1:00 PM ET

Kenny Pickett took over as the Steelers’ quarterback against the New York Jets, but it couldn’t spark the team to victory even as the Jets were seeing the 2022 debut of Zach Wilson.

Pickett should be the Steelers’ starting quarterback from here on out after some dismal performances early on by Mitchell Trubisky. The Steelers’ offense at least started moving the ball well with Pickett in the lineup, and he might have had a stellar debut if not for his receivers letting him down. And by letting him down I mean letting the ball hit their hands and float into the waiting arms of Jets defenders.

The Steelers gave their Week 4 matchup away to the New York Jets, and now they’ve got an even bigger AFC East foe to deal with. The Buffalo Bills look like one of the NFL’s juggernauts through four weeks. Yes, they have lost a game. Yes, they were in a tight one with the Ravens this past week. With all of that being said, Josh Allen looks incredible this year (once again) and this is a good matchup for Buffalo at home.

Without TJ Watt affecting the game, I don’t know if the Steelers can do enough to keep Buffalo at bay. This team just has way too many ways it can beat you in the passing game. If the Steelers can somehow force some turnovers and get Josh Allen frazzled, they might have a shot in this one. You never know what kind of offensive explosiveness you might get out of Kenny Pickett if he has a full week to prepare as the starter.

Still, the safe bet in this one is Buffalo at home.

Prediction: Bills win 34-20