Two rookies highlight must-watch Steelers in wild-card round

The No. 7 seed Steelers go on the road to face the No. 2 seed Bills in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Here are three players who could play large roles in upsetting Buffalo, which is a 10-point favorite ahead of Sunday.

Najee Harris, running back

According to NFL analytics expert Warren Sharp, it is expected to be 23 degrees with a real feel of seven degrees at the 1 p.m. ET kickoff. There will also be 25 mph winds and light snow throughout the afternoon. That means Pittsburgh is likely to rely on its running game, led by Harris, early and often.

Interim offensive coordinator and running backs coach Eddie Faulkner confirmed that belief this week, saying the Steelers "sought out" Harris for this type of inclement weather and will call more downhill plays to use his size and create mismatches.

The third-year running back has been hot, rushing for 312 yards and four touchdowns on the team's three-game win streak. Harris could continue being a true difference-maker against the Bills, who have the 28th-ranked defense in yards per carry allowed in the NFL.

Nick Herbig, linebacker

NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate LB T.J. Watt has already been ruled out after suffering a Grade 2 MCL sprain in Week 18. Head coach Mike Tomlin said it's going to take "a committee" to replace Watt, but Herbig will still get plenty of opportunities.

The fourth-round rookie linebacker has impressed in his limited action this season, posting 27 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. It's safe to say he's ready to prove Pittsburgh right for taking a chance on him.

"When the lights come on you are going to see my hard work come to fruition," Herbig told reporters.

Joey Porter Jr., cornerback

Porter Jr., the No. 32 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has already established himself as the Steelers' best corner, shadowing the opposing team's No. 1 wide receivers on a weekly basis. However, he will have quite the challenge this weekend guarding WR Stefon Diggs, who Tomlin said "is an elite route runner."

The rookie corner will likely have several chances to make a splash play as QB Josh Allen has the second most interceptions (18) in the NFL this season, throwing at least one in all but three games. Good thing Porter Jr. doesn't lack any confidence.

"One of those great guys on the list I'm definitely excited for," Porter Jr. said. "I'm going to do my best to do what I do best, and that's lock these guys down."