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For 29 of the first 30 minutes of the game, the Steelers were in control against the Bills. But then quarterback Ben Rothlisberger threw a big six to give the Buffaloes a 26-15 victory. Sunday Night Football.
Cornerback Darren Johnson received an interception from Rothlisberger with just 52 seconds left in the first half to send it back to the 51-yard final zone for the first touch of his career.
Wide receiver Stephen Dix warmed up in the third quarter. He made six receptions for 83 yards and one touchdown during that time as the Buffalo took a 23-7 lead. Dix finished the game with 10 receptions and touchdowns for 130 yards – good for a new career at 1,167 receiving yards.
With his 10th catch, Dix also became the first player to reach 100 receptions this year. This was the second time in his life that he had at least 100.
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Bills used a 13-play drive that took 7:11 from the clock to finish the game.
Rothlisberger finished 18-for-21 with 37 off 21 and finished with a pair of touchdowns and interceptions. Smith-Schuster caught six passes for 55 yards. But Pittsburgh’s run game was again a problem, with only 47 yards out of 17 carries.
Allen passed 43 of 24 for 238 yards and finished with two touchdowns and an interception. In six attempts he added 28 yards to the ground.
With the loss, the Steelers fell 11-2 out of AFC’s No. 1 seed. Following on Sunday’s win over the Dolphins, the Chiefs accept the post 12-1.
At 10-3, the buffalo is one step closer to winning its first division title since 1995. Bills will officially receive a playoff berth if they lose to Ravens Brown on Monday night.