Buffalo's Stormy Weather Forecast Causes Plummeting Totals for Bills-Steelers Wild Card Matchup
ICARO Media Group
In what promises to be a challenging showdown, the anticipated stormy weather forecast in Buffalo has caused a significant drop in the expected total points for the upcoming Bills-Steelers game during Wild Card Weekend. The total, initially set at 43 points, has dramatically decreased to 36 at Caesars Sportsbook on Tuesday evening, marking a rare full-touchdown drop from the opening line.
Multiple weather forecasts predict sustained winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts reaching an even more daunting range of 40-60 mph. Such blustery conditions could severely impact both teams' passing games, making it difficult to mount significant offensive plays.
However, it's not just the high winds that are expected to hinder the offenses on Sunday. Temperature-wise, the game time is anticipated to range in the low 20s, with a "feels like" temperature that may plummet below zero. Jason Logan, an analyst at Covers.com, points out that such freezing temperatures, coupled with the possibility of snowstorms, create an ideal environment for a low-scoring affair.
As it stands, the total of 36 points is the lowest among all Wild Card weekend games, with no other line at Caesars Sportsbook falling below 43.5 points. Bettors, aside from worrying about the weather, are also factoring in the underwhelming performance of the Steelers' offense.
Although Pittsburgh has managed to score 30 or more points in two of their last three games, a closer look reveals a team struggling to find consistent scoring opportunities. With six of their last eight contests seeing the Steelers scoring 18 or fewer points, they currently rank 28th in scoring with an average of 17.9 points per game. This lackluster performance has led to oddsmakers giving the Steelers an implied total of just 13 points as 10-point underdogs, which could potentially be their lowest total of the season.
On the other side of the field, the Bills boast one of the NFL's most potent offenses. With an average of 26.5 points per game, Buffalo ranks sixth in the league. Additionally, they have the third-best offensive DVOA throughout the regular season. However, history has taught us time and time again that even the most formidable offenses struggle to overcome harsh weather conditions involving strong wind gusts and snowfall.
As football fans eagerly await kickoff, it is clear that Sunday's Bills-Steelers matchup will not only be a battle between two determined teams but also a test of their resilience amidst the stormy elements. Both teams will need to adjust their strategies and capitalize on every opportunity if they want to secure a victory and advance in the playoffs.