Steelers officially playing backups vs Browns

[Process]

1 minute ago, Process said:

+2.5 now. Hurry up!!! Miami will be big favorites by Sunday. 

Off the board now. 

 

Wow that was a hell of an opportunity..

[MAJBobby]

4 minutes ago, BillsFan130 said:

What does he need for the record?

I think it is like 40 yards. Let me look. 
 

 

close he needs 39 yards. 

Edited December 29, 2020 by MAJBobby

[78thealltimegreat]

Pretty good chance the Ravens get the 5 seed so that leaves Browns,Colts, Dolphins for 6 and 7 this must be strategic on Tomlins part that the Browns and Colts are easier opponents then the Dolphins 

[balln]

1 minute ago, 78thealltimegreat said:

Pretty good chance the Ravens get the 5 seed so that leaves Browns,Colts, Dolphins for 6 and 7 this must be strategic on Tomlins part that the Browns and Colts are easier opponents then the Dolphins 

maybe, i just think hes decided he values rest more than opponenet of #2 seed benefits. 

[clearwater cadet]

46 minutes ago, clearwater cadet said:

Best case scenario, I think the bills still need to win.

1)  KC

2) Buffalo

3) Pitts

4) Tenn

5) Balt

6) Browns

7) Miami/ Colts

 I would like to avoid Balt and Tenn if possible. Let Tenn vs Balt battle it out, winner goes to KC.  KC can deal with winner, which I would assume is Balt.  I'd take 2 games against Pits, Miami, Browns, or Colts.

 

I just saw this:

BUF W, PIT W: Dolphins
BUF W, PIT L: Colts
BUF L, PIT L: Browns
BUF L, PIT W: Ravens

Again I think we need to get Balt into the number 5 slot, avoid possible Bills VS Balt or Tenn match up, I know don't if that out weight the risk of injury Allen, Diggs, Beasly, White, Milano. Edwards. White. Hughes?

Edited December 29, 2020 by clearwater cadet

[BeastMaster]

I would rest as many of our starters as possible. Maybe a few series for them at the most.

 

Our goal is to beat KC, and they will have rested in week 17 plus the bye.

 

Gotta keep our guys as rested and healthy as we can

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

24 minutes ago, clearwater cadet said:

I just saw this:

BUF W, PIT W: Dolphins
BUF W, PIT L: Colts
BUF L, PIT L: Browns
BUF L, PIT W: Ravens

Again I think we need to get Balt into the number 5 slot, avoid possible Bills VS Balt or Tenn match up, I know don't if that out weight the risk of injury Allen, Diggs, Beasly, White, Milano. Edwards. White. Hughes?

This is sort of half the equation. The titans and ravens games will go a long way to deciding who we play. I think we want those two teams to win in order to avoid them. 

[Paup 1995MVP]

1 hour ago, pennstate10 said:

Your last sentence is the key I thInk. 

 

Need all all players playing at top efficiency. 

 

How often have have we seen a team with home field, everything wrapped up, rest starters and lose their first playoff game.?

 

i think we want to keep the core sharp.  Pending minor injury, bad field conditiOne, I'd play starters 1-2 quarters to keep them sharp, then put in backups. 

 

Yes, it's an injury risk.  But getting stale is also a risk. 

We are on an amazing roll.  No reason to rest anyone.  Our O line blocks well for Josh.  We need to keep firing.  Don't change anything.  We can continue how we finished last nite, and can rest Josh by late in the 3rd qtr.  Going into the playoffs with another win feels better.  These guys aren't china dolls.  The will be fine.  McDermott needs to send a message to the Fish, and the rest of the league.  We are taking no prisoners.  We want the second seed.  And do not get in our way!! 

[BuffaloMatt]

9 minutes ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said:

This is sort of half the equation. The titans and ravens games will go a long way to deciding who we play. I think we want those two teams to win in order to avoid them. 

Me thinks scenario two is most likely.

 

Ravens have 5th seed vs. Titans:

Scenario 1:

• Bills beat Patriots in Week 16, and
• Ravens beat Bengals, and
• Bills beat Dolphins, and
• Jaguars beat Colts

Scenario 2:

• Ravens beat Bengals, and
• Bills beat Dolphins, and
• Titans beat Texans, and
• Colts beat Jaguar

 

[DabillsDaBillsDaBills]

1 hour ago, Nextmanup said:

I'm amazed at how many here want us to play the 1s against Miami.

 

We have a genuine shot at going on a run THIS YEAR and "home field advantage" has never meant LESS.

 

One serious injury to a key player in that Miami game and the entire run could be jeopardized.

 

We need all our top weapons firing at 100% throughout the playoffs, on offense and defense.

 

 

 

For me it's less about seeding and more about keeping this momentum rolling. The Bills are peaking at the right time and I wouldn't want to mess with our groove. 

 

The Steelers are more experienced (read: old) and Ben certainly looks like he could use the week off. If the Bills have anyone nursing nagging injuries I'm fine with resting them, but I want to see Allen and Diggs playing until (unless) the game is out of reach. 

 

You can't live in constant fear of injuries. Players can get injured in practice or even non-football activities. We can't put Allen in bubble wrap and tell him not to move until a playoff game. 

[clearwater cadet]

17 minutes ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said:

This is sort of half the equation. The titans and ravens games will go a long way to deciding who we play. I think we want those two teams to win in order to avoid them. 

Yes that's assuming they both win, but both are favored, I think it come down to a Balt win and miami loss.

[Real McClappy]

1 minute ago, ScottLaw said:

You think Matt Barkley can lead the team to victory over a desperate Dolphins team? 

I do if Tua is playing the entire game. 

 

[balln]

3 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

You think Matt Barkley can lead the team to victory over a desperate Dolphins team? 

 

Josh Allen is the offense. Barkley is awful..... how do people not see this?

barkley and foster and co. CRUSHED the jets a few years back. He is a backup - i do think he could do just enough to win

[ColoradoBills]

Whether McDermott rests the starters is up to him and his team.

I will go along with whatever they decide.

Personally I think Sean will start them.

 

The Steelers on the other hand are in a completely different state of mind.

1.  Ben is old and hasn't had time off in a long while.

2.  They have played poorly and if not for one half of football they would be in a complete tailspin.

3.  If they started Ben and PIT played bad and lost to the Browns it would continue the doubt.  Starting Rudolph gives them an out.

4.  Even if they won with Ben they still could be the 3rd seed so I think that is not extremely important to them.

 

While it's smart for them to rest Ben the Bills are in a different situation.

FWIW

[mjt328]

33 minutes ago, Real McNasty said:

I do if Tua is playing the entire game. 

 

Brian Flores has referred to Ryan Fitzpatrick as his "relief pitcher."  He's not playing by the normal coaching rules, and is not concerned with hurting his starter's confidence by benching him.  If Tua is playing poorly with the playoffs on the line, there is absolutely no doubt that Fitz will be replacing him.

 

The Dolphins are a good team, and they will be desperate.  This is also a division matchup.  I could see this being a close game with our starters playing the entire way.  If we play Matt Barkley and our backups the majority of the game, points are going to be tough to come by.  I really don't think the Bills will emerge with a victory in that scenario. 

 

Sean McDermott and the coaching staff simply need to decide what is more important:

-  Going into the playoffs with an extra bye week, and removing the risk of losing a key player to injury.  

-  Going into the playoffs with continued momentum and a 6 game winning streak.

-  Homefield advantage in the event we play the Steelers again.

-  The chance someone else knocks off the Chiefs and we avoid playing them altogether.

 

Personally, I would lean towards playing the backups and going into the postseason as healthy as possible.  I don't think we lose any momentum by sitting our top guys for a single game.  That seems to happen when teams rest starters in Week 17 AND get a first round bye.  Not to mention, coming out flat against the Dolphins would pose a bigger risk of losing our edge going into the playoffs.

 

Considering that Cleveland is in the same position as Miami, I also find it unlikely that Pittsburgh wins with Mason Rudolph under center.  So we could end up with the #2 seed regardless of what happens.

 

Finally, I don't think anyone is anyone knocking off the Chiefs in the Divisional Round.  Anything else is probably wishful thinking.  The road to the Super Bowl goes through Arrowhead.

 

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

3 hours ago, 78thealltimegreat said:

Pretty good chance the Ravens get the 5 seed so that leaves Browns,Colts, Dolphins for 6 and 7 this must be strategic on Tomlins part that the Browns and Colts are easier opponents then the Dolphins 

Browns and dolphins are pretty similar in talent level but i would want to play the team that needs to rely on a closer to come in and finish the game at qb every time Colts seem like theyre a tier above Miami/Cleveland 

[Dafan]

4 hours ago, Groin said:

This move makes no sense.  But ooookay, let the Bills bring the heat then.

Ben has had a nagging injury, so it makes sense. 

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

1 hour ago, mjt328 said:

 

Brian Flores has referred to Ryan Fitzpatrick as his "relief pitcher."  He's not playing by the normal coaching rules, and is not concerned with hurting his starter's confidence by benching him.  If Tua is playing poorly with the playoffs on the line, there is absolutely no doubt that Fitz will be replacing him.

 

The Dolphins are a good team, and they will be desperate.  This is also a division matchup.  I could see this being a close game with our starters playing the entire way.  If we play Matt Barkley and our backups the majority of the game, points are going to be tough to come by.  I really don't think the Bills will emerge with a victory in that scenario. 

 

Sean McDermott and the coaching staff simply need to decide what is more important:

-  Going into the playoffs with an extra bye week, and removing the risk of losing a key player to injury.  

-  Going into the playoffs with continued momentum and a 6 game winning streak.

-  Homefield advantage in the event we play the Steelers again.

-  The chance someone else knocks off the Chiefs and we avoid playing them altogether.

 

Personally, I would lean towards playing the backups and going into the postseason as healthy as possible.  I don't think we lose any momentum by sitting our top guys for a single game.  That seems to happen when teams rest starters in Week 17 AND get a first round bye.  Not to mention, coming out flat against the Dolphins would pose a bigger risk of losing our edge going into the playoffs.

 

Considering that Cleveland is in the same position as Miami, I also find it unlikely that Pittsburgh wins with Mason Rudolph under center.  So we could end up with the #2 seed regardless of what happens.

 

Finally, I don't think anyone is anyone knocking off the Chiefs in the Divisional Round.  Anything else is probably wishful thinking.  The road to the Super Bowl goes through Arrowhead.

 

Id give Tennessee/Baltimore a shot against kc but I think pit is gonna screw it up for us and lose to Cleveland and we'll get stuck with ten/Baltimore in round 2 after beating indy and kc will get Cleveland.  I wouldve loved getting indy then pit

Edited December 29, 2020 by Generic_Bills_Fan

[EmotionallyUnstable]

4 hours ago, Artem Lipatov said:

Diggs has a good chance to become best in receptions and receiving yards. Wil he sit on the bench looking how Hopkins taking him over? Diggs is very competitive, but team first

I think Diggs has like 9 more receptions than Hopkins RN. Even if he sits, he could still beat him 

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

2 hours ago, ScottLaw said:

You think Matt Barkley can lead the team to victory over a desperate Dolphins team? 

 

Josh Allen is the offense. Barkley is awful..... how do people not see this?

I think you don't invest in a good backup qb unless you think you have a guy that can actually take you somewhere in the playoffs if they have to step in so by definition our own organization doesn't think matt Barkley could beat anyone 🤣

[TheCockSportif]

7 minutes ago, Dafan said:

Ben has had a nagging injury, so it makes sense. 

The knee injury or Ben being kind of done in general?

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

3 hours ago, BeastMaster said:

I would rest as many of our starters as possible. Maybe a few series for them at the most.

 

Our goal is to beat KC, and they will have rested in week 17 plus the bye.

 

Gotta keep our guys as rested and healthy as we can

Kc is in no position to be resting starters...they have not looked sharp in over a month.  Couple different bounces here and there over the last few weeks and theyre the 2 seed right now

[Kenosha2Buffalo]

Lol at the #2 seed doesn't mean anything. Yeah cause one home game is better then two. Do you people even think before you post. 

[GETTOTHE50]

lmao tomlin trying to get myles to fight rudolph so he gets suspended for the playoffs 😂

[Process]

4 hours ago, Kenosha2Buffalo said:

Lol at the #2 seed doesn't mean anything. Yeah cause one home game is better then two. Do you people even think before you post. 

Lmao

[Joe Ferguson]

10 hours ago, Casey D said:

That explains why the Browns are 9.5 point favorites

They're' still going to lose.

[PetermansRedemption]

5 hours ago, Kenosha2Buffalo said:

Lol at the #2 seed doesn't mean anything. Yeah cause one home game is better then two. Do you people even think before you post. 

It’s really never meant less. The only difference between home and away this year is a 3 hour plane ride and spending the night in a hotel. If we were going to play somewhere with a dome or warm weather, I’d much rather have the away game. Bad weather always works against the skilled team to even the playing field. With an air raid offense you take the dome/nice weather every time. 

[Virgil]

11 hours ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

I remember the Bills losing to the Steelers backups to miss the playoffs. The Browns might join the club. 

They will play a series or 2 and start pulling them out. 

 

If Beasley is healthy, enough for Allen to throw 50 yards to him and they can both get their stats.  Then welcome to the bench

[Buffalo_Stampede]

6 minutes ago, Virgil said:

 

If Beasley is healthy, enough for Allen to throw 50 yards to him and they can both get their stats.  Then welcome to the bench

I really doubt Beasley is playing. 

[NoSaint]

11 hours ago, Process said:

Bills getting the 2 seed and can rest starters. 

 

I have been very adamant that the 2 seed is not important despite a lot of people here thinking otherwise, and that we should rest starters. The teams clearly agree.

 

But congrats, we all win. 

 

 

If we end up the 3 seed on the road in the AFC CG you might be bummed about your position 

45 minutes ago, PetermansRedemption said:

It’s really never meant less. The only difference between home and away this year is a 3 hour plane ride and spending the night in a hotel. If we were going to play somewhere with a dome or warm weather, I’d much rather have the away game. Bad weather always works against the skilled team to even the playing field. With an air raid offense you take the dome/nice weather every time. 

Id rather play in buffalo than in Pittsburgh. 
 

nothing you said applies to this. What team are you hypothesizing leap frogs us in this?!? 

33 minutes ago, Virgil said:

 

If Beasley is healthy, enough for Allen to throw 50 yards to him and they can both get their stats.  Then welcome to the bench

That’s an awful strategy to put in place.

[MasterStrategist]

11 hours ago, Process said:

Bills getting the 2 seed and can rest starters. 

 

I have been very adamant that the 2 seed is not important despite a lot of people here thinking otherwise, and that we should rest starters. The teams clearly agree.

 

But congrats, we all win. 

 

 

I think it's a stretch to claim the "teams" agree with your stance that 2 vs 3 seed doesn't matter, based on Ben sitting.  How much have you followed the Steelers this year?  I can say confidently not as much as I, living in Pittsburgh region.  

 

1.Ben is dinged up, knee, elbow, getting old you name it

2.on defense their linebackers are decimated by injuries, and have little.depth remaining

3. On top of all that, they basically were forced into a very early season bye week, bc of Titans Covid situation in October

 

My point is, the steelers situation is.not the norm and far different than ours.  They might be willing to concede that 2 seed, in order to rest a few banged up players.

 

I think we will do the same, rest our banged up guys and then see what mcdermott does from there.  But I don't think they are willing to say 2 vs 3 seed means little.  

 

Ok maybe no fans, so what, here are some other factors that certainly influence home field advantage:

1. Weather: Pitt vs Buffalo might be similar, so maybe a draw there, and I'm sure buffalo's offense nor is pittsburghs geared up for a snow game pound it, both would rather pass

 

2. Travel/Routine: big difference in terms of staying in familiar surroundings, then having to manage travel and time it takes.  Yes minimal flight time, but still multiple hours and having to get on a plane 

 

3. Home Field: want to compare kicking a field goal in Pittsburgh to Buffalo?  big difference at Heinz, let alone the playing surface, the wind patterns, etc.  These might be minor to a novice, but playing Qb and being familiar with how the wind comes.from tunnel.side to cross field, and how it influences deep passes, etc. 

 

4.  Pride: yeah maybe minor, but these guys take pride playing "at home", even if fans aren't allowed in.  Our house mentality

 

So yeah, im in the crowd that favors us getting the 2 seed.  Do it in a way where we escape the Miami game as healthy as possible, but its still important

[Xwnyer]

7 hours ago, PetermansRedemption said:

It’s really never meant less. The only difference between home and away this year is a 3 hour plane ride and spending the night in a hotel. If we were going to play somewhere with a dome or warm weather, I’d much rather have the away game. Bad weather always works against the skilled team to even the playing field. With an air raid offense you take the dome/nice weather every time. 

But none of the teams with a higher seed than us plays in a Dome!  KC a and Pitt are just like Buffalo .  I hope we stay number 2 because I think the natural turf at Pitt impacts us more than the artificial turf in Buffalo,and Arrowhead

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Some additional information about the Steelers plans:

 

 

On the other hand for the Browns: Covid

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

On 12/29/2020 at 12:25 PM, The Wiz said:

Just saw this also.  Curious if they are resting Ben or other starters are going to rest also.

Prolly both 

[MasterStrategist]

Just now, Hapless Bills Fan said:

Some additional information about the Steelers plans:

 

 

On the other hand for the Browns: Covid

I also suspect Decastro to get limited snaps on the oline.  Cant rest/not dress everyone,  so some guys will dress an be emergency backups.  

 

On defense, same will likely go for Haden/Nelson/Fitzpatrick.  

 

Steelers are in a different boat, having not had a bye week since forever (was disrupted by Titans COVID situation).  I still think they can beat the Browns, given all the COVID situation with Cleveland currently

[Hapless Bills Fan]

NFL says "game on"

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/browns-game-vs-steelers-e2-80-98not-in-jeopardy-e2-80-99-of-being-postponed-because-no-evidence-of-covid-19-transmission-inside-facility-nfl-says/ar-BB1cmpAR

[Call_Of_Ktulu]

We know 1st hand how good the Steelers backups are. I would not be surprised if the Steelers still win this game.

[Nextmanup]

On 12/29/2020 at 12:23 PM, Process said:

Bills getting the 2 seed and can rest starters. 

 

I have been very adamant that the 2 seed is not important despite a lot of people here thinking otherwise, and that we should rest starters. The teams clearly agree.

 

But congrats, we all win. 

 

 

I have said all along this week that the Bills would not play their best players and that this was the right approach.

 

The fanbase here seems to much more heavily value higher seeding rather than being healthy.

As you point out, the teams themselves value health, not seeding, which is interesting to note, especially for the future.

 

Hopefully we Bills fans find ourselves in many similar debates for years to come.

 

 

On 12/29/2020 at 5:37 PM, Kenosha2Buffalo said:

Lol at the #2 seed doesn't mean anything. Yeah cause one home game is better then two. Do you people even think before you post. 

You aren't thinking things through.  The argument would be that the #2 seed is not valuable if, along with it, comes an injury to any of our key players that currently make the Bills machine go.

 

The short list would be Allen, Diggs, Beasley, Singletary, Moss, White, Milano, Poyer, Hyde, Edmunds...

 

I would not trade any 1 or more of those players being OUT for the Number 2 seeding.

 

Fully healthy Bills Team > seeding concerns.

 

 

[BuffBillsForLife]

Now that the #2 seed doesn't have a bye week I don't think it matters very much.  Especially not when it would be @ Pittsburgh, who won't have fans in the stands (unless that's changed like it has for us) and we've already won at once this year.  Besides with the way Pitt has been playing lately they could easily drop their WC round game and we'd have a second home game anyway.  Rest starters and show Tua the wrath of a Barkley unchained.

[stuvian]

On 12/29/2020 at 12:23 PM, Process said:

Bills getting the 2 seed and can rest starters. 

 

I have been very adamant that the 2 seed is not important despite a lot of people here thinking otherwise, and that we should rest starters. The teams clearly agree.

 

But congrats, we all win. 

 

 

so you're saying I should take the Steelers