Tonight the NFL will attempt to tackle the interest of Canadians as the Steelers and Bills square off at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. The game marks the first of eight that Buffalo is scheduled to play in Canada's largest city and odds for the contest have the Bills as a dog in their new home away from home. Online bookmaker SBGglobal.com has the Steelers at -1 odds and the total for the game at 33.
Buffalo lost 17-14 to the Redskins just five days ago, but they played their starters sparingly in that game. Tonight Head Coach Dick Jauron is set to play the first unit players at least a quarter. It is fair to say that they will be keeping a close eye on how their offense performs against the Steelers first team defense. Buffalo is a little banged up along the offensive line right now so Pittsburgh's trademark pressure will be a good test for the linemen who are healthy.
The Bills appear to be set with Trent Edwards as the starter at quarterback, and he will play the first few series for the team. One time starter and former first round draft pick J.P. Losman is still hoping to persuade the coaches that they are making a mistake. He will get plenty of pre-season game action to prove himself.
The Steelers are set to let their starters go for about a quarter tonight as well. In Pittsburgh's 16-10 pre-season win over the Eagles on August 8th, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the first team offense played just one series. They will let loose against the Bills a little bit this evening, but most of the second half will be devoted to finding good depth to add to the roster.
The first quarter might actually take on the feel of a regular season game between these two. Both clubs should be amped up playing in a place and in front of a crowd that is not used to live NFL action. The unique atmosphere should at least generate some spirited first quarter competition.
SBGglobal.com's odds for tonight's game:
Steelers -1 (-110), Over 33 (-110), -120 (Money line)
Bills +1 (-110), Under 33 (-110), Even (Money line)
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