Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills Picks and Prediction for Thursday, August 27, 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on Thursday for the final preseason game for both teams, with the opening kickoff at 7:00 PM ET. Pittsburgh is 1-1 after a 17-0 loss to the New York Jets, while Buffalo is 2-0 following a 31-7 victory over Cleveland. The Steelers opened preseason with a 28-9 win over Green Bay, while the Bills have outscored Carolina and Cleveland 60-21. Buffalo is a 1.5-point favorite at -112, Pittsburgh is +1.5 at -108, and the total is 35.5. The Bills are -135 on the moneyline, with the Steelers at +114. Finish preseason betting strong with our free NFL picks.

Pittsburgh Steelers Look for an Offensive Rebound

Pittsburgh needs much better offensive execution after being shut out by the Jets. Will Howard completed 10 of 15 passes for 75 yards but threw two interceptions, while Drew Allar finished 11 of 23 for 110 yards. Allar connected with Lake McRee for a 39-yard gain, but the Steelers could not turn their opportunities into points. Pittsburgh also allowed four sacks, putting additional pressure on its young quarterbacks. Better protection and ball security will be important in the final evaluation before roster cuts.

The Steelers showed far more scoring ability in their 28-9 preseason-opening victory over Green Bay. Pittsburgh produced four touchdowns in that game before taking a major step backward against New York. Kaleb Johnson leads the Steelers with 39 rushing yards on 10 attempts, while McRee has a team-high 46 receiving yards. The final preseason game gives Howard, Allar and other players near the bottom of the depth chart one more opportunity to earn roster spots. Pittsburgh needs its reserves to look more like the group that handled Green Bay.

Injuries: Michael Pittman Jr. (Questionable, Hamstring), DK Metcalf (Questionable, Undisclosed), Jalen Ramsey (Questionable, Knee), Brandon Smith (Questionable, Undisclosed), Logan Lee (IR, Undisclosed).

Buffalo Bills Look to Complete an Unbeaten Preseason

Buffalo has won both preseason games by at least 15 points, beating Carolina 29-14 before rolling past Cleveland 31-7. Josh Allen and most of the regular starters rested against the Browns, but Buffalo continued producing with its reserves. Kyle Allen completed 10 of 12 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown. Shane Buechele added 111 passing yards and connected with Ja'Mori Maclin on a 71-yard touchdown. Buechele also scored on a five-yard run, giving Buffalo production from both backup quarterbacks.

The Bills have scored 60 points through two games while surrendering only 21. Buffalo’s defense held Cleveland scoreless over the final three quarters and forced two interceptions. Ian Wheeler has rushed for 56 yards on 14 attempts this preseason, while Maclin has turned two receptions into 108 yards. Kyle Allen strengthened his position behind Josh Allen with his performance last week, while Buechele also made a strong case for a role. Buffalo’s depth has performed well throughout preseason, and Thursday provides one final test before the regular-season roster is set.

Injuries: Jude Bowry (Questionable, Foot), Ty Johnson (Questionable, Lower Leg), Khalil Shakir (Questionable, Undisclosed), Skyler Bell (Questionable, Lower Body), Keon Coleman (Questionable, Foot).

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills Game Pick

• Buffalo Bills -1.5 (-112)

Buffalo has shown more consistency from its reserves through two preseason games, making the short spread the better option Thursday. The Bills have scored 60 points while winning both games by at least 15, including a 31-7 victory with most starters resting. Pittsburgh looked sharp against Green Bay before being shut out by New York, with two interceptions and four sacks damaging several possessions. Kyle Allen and Buechele have both directed productive drives for Buffalo. At home in the preseason finale, Buffalo -1.5 is the play.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills Over/Under Pick

• Over 35.5 (-110)

Scoring from Buffalo’s reserves makes 35.5 a reachable number in the preseason finale. The Bills have produced 29 and 31 points in their first two games, with Allen and Buechele both moving the offense effectively against Cleveland. Pittsburgh failed to score against New York, but the Steelers put up 28 points against Green Bay in the opener and have another chance to respond. Buffalo does not need Pittsburgh to produce a huge total to push this game higher. Another productive Bills performance makes over 35.5 the play.