The Bills and Steelers Take the Field in a Wild-Card Thriller

The Bills and Steelers Take the Field in a Wild-Card Thriller

Pittsburgh, PA - January 15, 2024 - The Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers squared off in a thrilling AFC Wild Card matchup on Monday night at Highmark Stadium. The game was a back-and-forth affair that went down to the wire, with the Bills ultimately prevailing 38-35.

The Bills got off to a fast start, scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions. Josh Allen threw for 267 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, and the Bills' defense held the Steelers to just 10 points.

The Steelers came out of the halftime break with a renewed sense of urgency. They scored touchdowns on their first two possessions of the second half to cut the Bills' lead to 31-24.

The Bills responded with a touchdown of their own to push their lead back to 11 points. However, the Steelers refused to give up. They scored a touchdown with just over two minutes remaining to cut the lead to 38-31.

The Steelers had one final chance to tie the game, but they were unable to convert on a fourth-and-goal from the Bills' 1-yard line. The Bills recovered the fumble to seal the victory.

Key Plays

• Josh Allen's 7-yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs (11:52, Q1)

• Josh Allen's 10-yard touchdown pass to Dawson Knox (5:12, Q1)

• James Conner's 1-yard touchdown run (11:16, Q2)

• Josh Allen's 4-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah McKenzie (1:35, Q2)

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• Chris Boswell's 24-yard field goal (12:52, Q3)
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• Najee Harris' 1-yard touchdown run (8:57, Q3)
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• Mason Rudolph's 1-yard touchdown pass to James Washington (12:53, Q4)

• Josh Allen's 6-yard touchdown pass to Gabriel Davis (1:33, Q4)

Stat Leaders

• Passing Yards: Josh Allen (267)
• Passing Touchdowns: Josh Allen (3)
• Receiving Yards: Stefon Diggs (130)
• Receiving Touchdowns: Stefon Diggs (2)
• Rushing Yards: Najee Harris (58)
• Rushing Touchdowns: Najee Harris (1)
• Sacks: T.J. Watt (2)
• Interceptions: Minkah Fitzpatrick (1)

Analysis

The Bills and Steelers put on a thrilling show for the fans in attendance. The game was full of excitement and drama, and it came down to the wire.

The Bills' offense was led by Josh Allen, who had a stellar performance. He completed 29 of 39 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns. Allen also ran for 29 yards.

Stefon Diggs was Allen's favorite target, catching 10 passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Gabriel Davis also had a big game, catching five passes for 64 yards and a touchdown.

The Steelers' offense struggled for most of the game, but they did manage to make a comeback in the second half. Mason Rudolph completed 24 of 39 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns. James Washington caught five passes for 68 yards and a touchdown.

The Steelers' defense also struggled for most of the game. They allowed the Bills to score 38 points, which is the most points the Steelers have allowed in a playoff game since 1995.

The Bills' defense was the difference in the game. They forced two turnovers, including an interception by Minkah Fitzpatrick that sealed the victory.

**The Bills advance to the Divisional Round of the playoffs, where they will face the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are a tough opponent, but the Bills have the talent to beat