Steelers vs Bills: Kickoff Time, Key Injuries, and Can Pittsburgh Upset Buffalo in 2026 Opener?

Thursday’s preseason Week 3 clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills is set for August 27 at 7 p.m. ET inside Highmark Stadium, giving both clubs one final tune-up before rosters shrink to 53. Fans can watch locally on CBS (WIVB Buffalo) or stream nationwide on NFL Network; out-of-market viewers can also catch the action with an NFL+ subscription. Why the matchup matters • Starter dress rehearsal: Head coaches Mike Tomlin and Sean McDermott traditionally give their first-team units extended snaps in the preseason finale, so expect to see Kenny Pickett and Josh Allen for at least a quarter. • Roster bubble battles: Pittsburgh’s revamped offensive line and Buffalo’s crowded cornerback room highlight position duels that could decide the final roster spots. • Trench test: The Steelers’ pass-rush duo of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith meets a Bills line anchoring a top-five 2025 offense, while rookie guard O’Cyrus Torrence tries to solidify a starting job. Key players to watch 1. Kenny Pickett, QB, Steelers – Coming off a flawless 10-for-10 outing last week, Pickett looks to build chemistry with rookie WR Malachi Corley. 2. Josh Allen, QB, Bills – Allen’s first preseason snaps will preview how new OC Joe Brady plans to integrate TE Dawson Knox in two-tight-end sets. 3. Ray Davis, RB, Bills – The fourth-round pick has averaged 5.6 yards per carry through two preseason games and can clinch RB2 duties behind James Cook. 4. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Steelers – Matched against Stefon Diggs on the perimeter, Porter gets a litmus test for his second-year leap. Latest odds & prediction Sportsbooks list the Bills as 2-point favorites with the over/under hovering at 38.5. Buffalo’s home-field edge, deeper receiver rotation and Allen’s anticipated cameo make the difference in a narrow 23-20 Bills win. How to stream, listen and attend • TV: CBS (WIVB), NFL Network (national) • Streaming: NFL+, Bills mobile app and BuffaloBills.com (in-market) • Radio: 97 Rock Buffalo; Steelers Radio Network in Pittsburgh • Tickets: Limited seats remain on Ticketmaster starting at $58 Fast facts • Pittsburgh leads the all-time regular-season series 17-11, but the Bills have won three of the last four meetings. • Tomlin owns a 31-24 preseason record; McDermott is 14-11. • Weather in Orchard Park is projected at 72°F with light winds—ideal passing conditions. SEO takeaway Searching for “Steelers vs Bills how to watch,” “Steelers vs Bills live stream,” “Steelers vs Bills odds” or “Steelers vs Bills preseason Week 3” will guide fans to essential viewing info, betting lines and roster storylines for Thursday night’s showdown.