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Bills news: Buffalo in danger of being outside of AFC playoff picture

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The Buffalo Bills fell to the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football, but that wasn’t the only loss the Bills suffered in Week 12.

With six games remaining in the regular season, today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by examining where the Bills find themselves in a crowded AFC playoff picture.

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Bills currently are the No. 7 seed in the AFC​


On Sunday, the New England Patriots (10-2) held off the Cincinnati Bengals to take a 2.5-game lead over the Bills (7-4) in the race for the AFC East title, and to make matters worse, the Bills fell from the five seed to the seven seed after the Jacksonville Jaguars outlasted the Arizona Cardinals in overtime.

Now, not only is Buffalo’s five-year reign atop the division in serious jeopardy, but with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and the pass-rush dominant Pittsburgh Steelers on tap for Week 13, another loss by Buffalo could see the Bills on the outside looking in for the race for a playoff spot, since, with a loss, Pittsburgh would leapfrog Buffalo in the Wild Card standings.

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Josh Allen has Wyoming jersey retired​


At halftime of Wyoming’s home football game against Nevada, Josh Allen’s No. 17 jersey was retired by the Cowboys. Allen became just the third student-athlete in Wyoming history to have his jersey retired, joining former men’s basketball players Fennis Dembo and Kenny Sailors.

“First off, I just want to say thank you for everybody coming out tonight. This is such an amazing honor, a huge blessing,” Allen said during the ceremony. “There’s so many people that I can thank for this achievement. A lot of teammates here. Love you guys. … Coach Bohl, coach [Brent Vigen], people that believed in me. The fans, and the support here in Wyoming. I’m so honored and blessed to represent this university and this beautiful state. I love you guys. Thank you. God bless. Go Pokes, and it will always suck to be a CSU Ram.”

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Even more Bills news​


Find out what running back Ty Johnson did to warrant a fine from the NFL; plus, who deserves the blame for Josh Allen being sacked eight times vs. Houston; why offensive coordinator Joe Brady didn’t put Allen and the Bills in position to succeed in the loss to the Texans; and more!

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Buffalo Bills articles recently featured on Buffalo Rumblings​

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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...anger-of-being-outside-of-afc-playoff-picture
 
Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers Week 13 opening odds

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At 7-4, the Buffalo Bills are now fighting for their playoff lives thanks to yet another untimely loss to an AFC playoff hopeful in the Houston Texans. Buffalo doesn’t have a lot of room for error left if they hope to make some noise in the postseason, and that means taking care of business a few hours south in Pittsburgh this coming Sunday.

In the early hours after their Week 12 loss in Houston last Thursday, the Bills opened as 3.5-point (-3.5) road favorites over the Pittsburgh Steelers with FanDuel Sportsbook, with an over/under set at O/U 46.5. But remember, that was five days ago, and odds do tend to shift.

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With the totality of Week 12 now in the books, those odds have shifted slightly, though they still favor Buffalo — which, as of publishing is now a 4.5-point (-4.5) favorite in the Steel City per FanDuel Sportsbook. The adjusted over/under is now at O/U 47.5.

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It sure feels like the Bills begin their playoff run in Week 13, where any loss could prove detrimental to their quest for Super Bowl dreams. Though not quite the juggernaut their early season success and previous top billing in the AFC North implied, the Steelers are now in a similar situation, and certain to have studied the Texans’ film to see what they can replicate against quarterback Josh Allen and the offense.

The Bills-Steelers series is 30 games old, with their most recent head-to-head coming during Super Wild Card Weekend of the 2023 NFL playoffs. Buffalo won that game 31-17 in what many will recall as the snowball game; or perhaps even for what may be considered cornerback Kaiir Elam’s finest moment with the Bills in hauling in a key interception of then staring quarterback Mason Rudolph…. or even Allen’s incredible run for six.

Buffalo has a 4-1 record (including playoffs) against Pittsburgh since Josh Allen entered the NFL. Can the Bills dash the Steelers’ hopes again, this time going against quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his recently famous middle finger?
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...s-at-pittsburgh-steelers-week-13-opening-odds
 
Buffalo Bills sign WR Brandin Cooks to 53-man roster

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Following a Week 12 loss where the Buffalo Bills again saw most of their wide receivers struggle to gain separation and make a meaningful impact down the field, plenty wondered if it was time to look outside the organization for help. Former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks became a hot name in plenty of Bills-centric circles in recent days after he asked for and received his release.

Cooks cleared waivers on November 24, which allowed him to become a free agent. Reports stated that Cooks was most interested in joining one of three teams: The Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos, or Buffalo Bills. Clearly, general manager Brandon Beane got that message and decided to grant him his Western New York wish.

Cooks now joins a Bills wide receivers room in need of consistency and production to complement wide receiver Khalil’s production, and open up opportunities for others to contribute. It’s pretty clear that Beane knew he had to do something if outcomes for quarterback Josh Allen and the team were going to improve in 2025.

Will Cooks provide the type of spark Buffalo’s offense needs? It remains to be seen how much the 5’10”, 193-pound Cooks can bring to an offense already 11 games into its season. At 32, Cooks is an elder statesman for the Bills’ offense — someone who most recently seemed best-utilized in the short passing game. Making three starts in 10 games this season with the Saints, Cook caught 19 passes (25 targets) for 165 yards. Joining the Bills now allows Cooks to catch passes from Josh Allen — a decided upgrade in opportunity compared to what New Orleans could offer.

Cooks entered the NFL with the Saints, as the 20th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He was traded to the New England Patriots in 2017, only to then be traded again in 2018 to the Los Angeles Rams. Cooks played two seasons with the Rams before being traded to the Houston Texans in 2020. In 2023, he was again traded — this time to the Dallas Cowboys, where he remained until reuniting with New Orleans this past offseason.

The Bills have been looking for a vertical threat at wide receiver all season. In his second season, wide receiver Keon Coleman has not been able to consistently carry that torch, and often struggling in contested-catch situations. Cooks may be able to bring a bit more deep speed to the passing attack, but he’s unlikely to carry the same agility that once helped him early in his career.

In 12 NFL seasons across six changes of scenery, Cooks has caught 729 passes (1,124 targets) for 9,697 yards (13.3 y/r), with 60 touchdowns — adding 58 rushes for 341 yards and two additional touchdowns (per Pro Football Reference).

Most recently, Buffalo has turned to wide receivers Gabe Davis and Mecole Hardman Jr. Davis has had a mostly smooth transition back to catching passes from Allen, but Hardman Jr. is already on Injured Reserve after only appearing in one game.

With Cooks joining the fray, that could mean one of the team’s current wide receivers could find themselves on the outside looking in. In the coming days, it will be interesting to see what the Bills do, especially when considering wide receivers Curtis Samuel and Elijah Moore. Samuel is too often hurt, and Moore just hasn’t clicked as expected — which could also be due to the way he’s utilized by offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

Does this move move the needle at all in your confidence for the team?
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...-bills-sign-wr-brandin-cooks-to-53-man-roster
 
Week 13 Poll: Are the Bills trending up this week?

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Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Bills fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Heading into Week 13, we want to know how you’re feeling after watching the team so far this year. Every week of the season we will ask fans if they are confident the team is headed in the right direction and more of the most pressing questions facing the coming game. Let us know what you think!
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/general/123211/bills-survey-week-13-reacts
 
Bills news: Buffalo feeling the pressure heading into Steelers clash

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The Buffalo Bills (7-4) are on the verge of being on the outside looking in when it comes to the AFC playoff picture, and one week after their offensive line was bullied by a ferocious Houston Texans’ front four, the task won’t get any easier when the Bills travel to play the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) in a Week 13 clash.

Heading into another pivotal road showdown, today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off with early thoughts on the matchup with the Steelers, who, like the Texans, boast a talented pass rush, led by T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and emerging star Nick Herbig.

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An early preview of Bills vs. Steelers​


The Bills have dropped three of their last four games on the road, as Josh Allen and Buffalo’s offense have looked like a completely different unit when playing away from Highmark Stadium (Bills are averaging 32.5 points per game at home compared to 23.2 points per game on the road).

If Buffalo isn’t able to right the ship on Sunday against a Steelers squad that’s enduring a similar slide as the Bills (Pittsburgh has lost four of its last six games after a 4-1 start), the Bills would fall from being the AFC’s top Wild Card team entering Week 12 to on the outside of the playoff race with five weeks remaining in the season.

Linked below: We hear from Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin on the status of injured starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers; and see how this year’s trip to Pittsburgh resembles a 2021 visit when the Bills’ playoff chances were floundering.

Plus, some early thoughts on the matchup with the Steelers, including why this could be a get-right spot for Allen, Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer, Dalton Kincaid and Buffalo’s aerial attack; how Buffalo’s defense will be challenged by a Steelers’ rushing attack led by Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell; and how, if Spencer Brown is sidelined, backup Ryan Van Demark will have his hands full trying to contain edge rusher T.J. Watt.

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Even more Bills news​


Placing wide receiver Curtis Samuel among the worst free-agent signings in franchise history; plus, Buffalo could be getting some help along its offensive line; a former face could be returning to the defensive line; how you can get your hands on a piece of the old stadium; and more!

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Buffalo Bills articles recently featured on Buffalo Rumblings​

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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...ling-the-pressure-heading-into-steelers-clash
 
Buffalo Bills Week 13 AFC playoff race rooting interests

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It’s fair to say that Buffalo Bills fans would like to forget Week 12 even happened. Unfortunately, nothing went their way, but all hope is not lost. The Bills are still clinging to the AFC’s final playoff spot and don’t need any help to stay there.

Obviously, moving up would be ideal, but Buffalo will need a lot of help to reclaim the crown they’ve worn as AFC East Division Champions for the past five seasons. It won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible.

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Here’s a look at how things stand before Week 13 kicks off with two games on Thanksgiving Day and then the usual Thursday Night Football game later that evening.

AFC East Week 13 standings​

  1. New England Patriots (10-2)
  2. Buffalo Bills (7-4)
  3. Miami Dolphins (4-7)
  4. New York Jets (2-9)

AFC Playoff Picture heading into Week 13​

  1. New England Patriots (10-2)
  2. Denver Broncos (9-2)
  3. Indianapolis Colts (8-3)
  4. Baltimore Ravens (6-5)
  5. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)
  6. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-4)
  7. Buffalo Bills (7-4)
  8. Houston Texans (6-5)
  9. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5)
  10. Kansas City Chiefs (6-5)
  11. Miami Dolphins (4-7)
  12. Cincinnati Bengals (3-8)
  13. Cleveland Browns (3-8)
  14. Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)
  15. New York Jets (2-9)
  16. Tennessee Titans (1-10)

Nobody gets a bye on this holiday weekend, so there’s going to be plenty of football to watch. Teams that weren’t a whole lot of threat to the Bills’ postseason endeavors just a few weeks ago are now going to warrant some watching again. With Buffalo on the bubble, everyone except the basement dwellers are a threat right now.

So, here’s a look at how we’d like to see things go this weekend. Get ready Bills Mafia, it’s going to be another wild weekend!

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AFC East Week 13 Bills rooting interests​


Buffalo Bills (7-4) over Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5), Sunday 4:25 p.m. EST (CBS)

This is obvious, right? We’re always rooting for the Bills. And, now with some unexpected losses, every game feels like a must-win situation. Not only do the Bills need to win because it would be great if they moved up off of that bubble position in the Wild Card race, but the Steelers are on the opposite side of that bubble. A Buffalo loss would give Pittsburgh the tie-breaker and, yes, the two would be tied. So, this Week 13 game is one they just cannot afford to lose.

Go Bills!

Miami Dolphins (4-7) over New Orleans Saints (2-9), Sunday 1 p.m. EST (FOX)

I know, this one takes some thinking to understand. I don’t want to root for the South Florida team anymore than the rest of you, but this is about tie-breakers. A Miami win won’t move them into the playoff picture, but it will improve Buffalo’s SOV score. New Orleans isn’t going to come away with a winning record this season, so root for the team that still has a chance to improve (at least until we need them to lose — but if Buffalo takes care of their own business, no number of Dolphins wins will hurt).

New York Jets (2-9) over Atlanta Falcons (4-7), Sunday 1 p.m. EST (FOX)

This is another SOV game. Buffalo beat New York and lost in Atlanta. a Falcon win does nothing to help the Bills should they need a tie breaker in a few weeks. While the Jets aren’t going to win enough games to get over .500, some wins are better than none here.

New York Giants (2-10) over New England Patriots (10-2), Monday 8:15 p.m. EST (ESPN)

As unlikely as it is to happen, all of Bills Mafia will be rooting for a huge upset on Monday Night Football. Buffalo needs help (a lot of help) to win the division. So, as it has been since Week 5, if the Patriots are playing, we’re rooting for their opponent. A full meltdown with an epic slide is what it’s going to take for New England to be moved off the top tier, so why not let that start this week.

Week 13 games that impact Bills’ playoff hopes​


Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1) over Kansas City Chiefs (6-5), Thursday 4:30 p.m. EST (CBS)

The Chiefs, like the Steelers, are sitting right outside the playoff picture. A Buffalo miss, and Kansas City will make their way back to the postseason tournament. So, we are back to the point where we can be happy rooting for Mahomes and company to fail.

Cincinnati Bengals (3-8) over Baltimore Ravens (6-5), Thursday 8:20 p.m. EST (NBC)

It would be better for the Bills if the Ravens were a Wild Card team. Buffalo holds the tiebreaker over the Ravens, so getting them back among the bottom three playoff teams gives the Bills a chance to move up if needed. It would also mean that the Bills would not play a postseason game in Baltimore, which everyone but the Ravens would prefer.

Indianapolis Colts (8-3) over Houston Texans (6-5), Sunday 1 p.m. EST (CBS)

I know, the Colts are ahead of the Bills in the Playoff Picture, but Houston is a problem. With their win last week, they will hold the head-to-head tie breaker with the Bills. As it sits right now, the Texans are too close to Buffalo for comfort. A loss will keep them behind (hopefully even further with a Bills win later the same afternoon).

Tennessee Titans (1-9) over Jacksonville Jaguars (7-4), Sunday 1 p.m. EST (CBS)
Las Vegas Raiders (2-9) over Los Angeles Chargers (7-4), Sunday 4:25 p.m. EST (CBS)

Both of these games are about getting rid of some of those ties among the Wild Card teams. The Jaguars, Chargers, and Bills all have the same record. Unfortunately, with those losses to AFC teams, Buffalo is losing the race to these two. So, losses by Jacksonville and Los Angeles coupled with a Buffalo win would vault the Bills up to the five seed Sunday night.

Washington Commanders (3-8) over Denver Broncos (9-2), Sunday 4:25 p.m. EST (CBS)

If the Chiefs and Chargers lose, the Broncos will maintain their hold on the AFC West regardless of what happens in this game. Really, they will even if the other two win, it will just become a closer race. However, a Denver loss would open the door for better seeding for Buffalo should the Patriots go on that epic slide we talked about above.

Remainder of Bills’ NFL Week 13 rooting interests​


Here, it’s all about a few things: Rooting for outcomes that improve Buffalo’s overall SOS or SOS, NFC vs. AFC, or taking the team that will better-position the Bills in the playoff race.

Philadelphia Eagles (8-3) over Chicago Bears (8-3), SOS
Carolina Panthers (6-6) over Los Angeles Rams (9-2), SOV
Cleveland Browns (3-8) over San Francisco 49ers (8-4), SOS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) over Arizona Cardinals (3-8) SOV

Games that do not impact the Bills this week

Green Bay Packers (7-3-1) at Detroit Lions (7-4)
Minnesota Vikings (4-7) at Seattle Seahawks (8-3)

Teams on Bye
None

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Optimistic AFC standings after Week 13​


So, if all the bounces go the Bills’ way and all the right teams win, this is what the standings in the AFC would look like on Tuesday morning:

  1. New England Patriots (10-3)
  2. Indianapolis Colts (9-3)
  3. Denver Broncos (9-3)
  4. Baltimore Ravens (6-6)
  5. Buffalo Bills (8-4)
  6. Los Angeles Chargers (7-5)
  7. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-5)
  8. Houston Texans (6-6)
  9. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6)
  10. Kansas City Chiefs (6-6)
  11. Miami Dolphins (4-8)
  12. Cincinnati Bengals (4-8)
  13. Cleveland Browns (4-8)
  14. Las Vegas Raiders (3-9)
  15. New York Jets (3-9)
  16. Tennessee Titans (2-10)

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Now we know who to root for and, more importantly, who to root against, as it relates to the Buffalo Bills in Week 13.

Go Bills!
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bi...ls-week-13-afc-playoff-race-rooting-interests
 
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals discussion: Joe Burrow returns

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Your Thanksgiving NFL nightcap awaits, with an AFC North showdown in Maryland as the Baltimore Ravens host the Cincinnati Bengals. Week 13 marks the return of quarterback Joe Burrow, who’s been sidelined with turf toe since the injury occurred in Week 2.

Is it wise for a 3-8 Bengals team to trot out Burrow and his surgically repaired toe against a surging 6-5 Ravens squad? “Quoth the raven, nevermore.”

That’s ultimately up to head coach Zach Taylor to decide, but the Bengals have almost zero shot at playoff football in January. Baltimore, however, saw the return of quarterback Lamar Jackson just in time for a meaningful rebound toward playoff relevancy.

So what’s a Buffalo Bills fan’s go-to here in terms of rooting interests? You’re pulling for the tiger-themed team this evening. As Rachel Auberger pointed out in Buffalo Rumblings’ Bills Week 13 rooting interests:

“It would be better for the Bills if the Ravens were a Wild Card team. Buffalo holds the tiebreaker over the Ravens, so getting them back among the bottom three playoff teams gives the Bills a chance to move up if needed. It would also mean that the Bills would not play a postseason game in Baltimore, which everyone but the Ravens would prefer.”
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Besides all that, not so long ago Art Modell stole the Cleveland Browns away from their faithful fans after the 1995 NFL season, attempting to eradicate all of the team’s history in Ohio. Ultimately, he was allowed to re-enter the league in 1996 as an expansion team: the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore, too, has a tempestuous past, with former team owner Robert Irsay pulling off an overnight move that took the Colts out of Baltimore and into Indianapolis.

The Ravens have a 2-0 record in Thanksgiving games, while the Bengals are 0-1 all-time on Thanksgiving. Baltimore leads the head-to-head series against Cincinnati (32-27-0), with their last matchup coming on November 7 of the 2024 NFL season, a 35-34 win by the Ravens.

Here’s your open thread for Ravens-Bengals. As always, be kind to one another — and in all things… Go Bills!
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...e-ravens-vs-cincinnati-bengals-fan-discussion
 
Dallas Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs discussion: Can both teams lose?

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There may be but one team Buffalo Bills fans despise more than the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys, and thankfully Bills Mafia won’t have to digest any of their Thanksgiving Day feast watching the New England Patriots. It’s impossible, but Bills fans would probably prefer if both teams lost this matchup, given each team’s direct ties to Buffalo’s playoff misery.

Would a tie suffice? No — the move here is actually to root for the 5-5-1 Cowboys to hand the 6-5 Chiefs another loss. That is, unless you want Kansas City closer to Buffalo and more likely to earn a playoff spot. The powers that be tell us that Dallas is America’s Team still, and they’ve put their foot — err, money where their mouth is by scheduling these Cowboys in four consecutive primetime games in the last month.

Could it get any better… and you get to cheer them on?!

Look, aside from detestable, acerbic, and aloof Jerry Jones, these Cowboys don’t leave the worst taste in one’s mouth. It’s just that no one needs to be told which team is their country’s team. Even their likeable quarterback, Dak Prescott, has changed his snap cadence a bit to eliminate that grating “here we go” before every snap.

Did you know that the Chiefs started out their professional football lives as the Dallas Texans? Yup, it’s true. Before both, the pre-Baltimore-pre-Indianapolis Colts also began life as the Dallas Texans. Now, Texas’ football heart is so big that they had to create two separate teams to hold all the love for Dallas and the Texans. We’re so lucky, and we get to root for a Cowboys win on Thanksgiving!

The Cowboys have a 34-22-1 record in Thanksgiving Day games, while the Chiefs are 5-5 all-time on Thanksgiving. Dallas leads the head-to-head series against Kansas City (7-5-0), with their last matchup taking place on November 21, 2021. The Chiefs defeated the Cowboys 19-9 at Arrowhead.

Here’s your open thread for Cowboys-Chiefs. As always, be kind to one another — and in all things… Go Bills!
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...-cowboys-vs-kansas-city-chiefs-fan-discussion
 
Buffalo Bills CB Christian Benford named Week 13 NFLPA Community MVP

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Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford has been chosen as the Week 13 NFLPA Community MVP following his efforts to help those in need within the Buffalo, NY community during the Thanksgiving holiday. It was Benford’s first Thanksgiving Celebration event, held at the Community Missions of Niagara Frontier in partnership with his 47 Hearts Foundation to provide a warm meal and winter essentials kits for 300 “unhoused individuals, food-insecure families and vulnerable neighbors served by Community Missions,” per the NFLPA news release.

The “winter kindness kit” included such items as “lip balm, a hat, gloves, hand warmers, body warmers and snack” that help to critically support those facing socioeconomic disadvantages while living in a region that experiences some of the harshest winter weather.

When asked about being named the Week 13 NFLPA Community MVP, Benford said:

“Being named Community MVP is an honor that means more than words. My motivation has always been simple — show up, give back and make sure people feel loved because Christ loves us all.”
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Benford has been committed to giving back to the Western New York community, most visibly through community endeavors to support authoring his first children’s book “Stylish Safari: The Adventures of Being You” — a creative story that focuses on being true to one’s individual self and using kindness as a guiding force. All proceeds from Benford’s “Stylish Safari” support his 47 Hearts Foundation, “and its efforts to uplift individuals and families through food drives, foster care support and homelessness relief,” per the NFLPA news release, which also shared that:

“Over the past year, Benford has continued to demonstrate his commitment to youth, education and community empowerment through several meaningful initiatives. He organized a children’s literacy day and book signing at Crane Branch Library, led a free youth football camp for 100 kids at his alma mater in Randallstown, Maryland, and partnered with local organizations to provide backpacks and school supplies to students during a back-to-school event. Each effort reflects his dedication to creating opportunities, promoting literacy, supporting families in need and inspiring young people to embrace their full potential.”
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As an NFLPA Community MVP recipient, Benford’s nonprofit of choice will receive a $10,000 donation on behalf of the NFL Players Association. Benford’s selection also has him eligible to receive the Alan Page Community Award. That award, which annually includes an additional $100,000 nonprofit donation, is the NFLPA’s highest honor bestowed on players.

Benford joins left tackle Dion Dawkins as members of the Buffalo Bills to receive the NFL Community MVP award in 2025. The pair join a growing list of current and former Bills players who have been named Community MVP — a group that includes running back Ray Davis (2024, Week 9), linebacker Tyrel Dodson (2023, Week 16), and safety Damar Hamlin (two-time recipient: 2022 season, Week 18; 2023 season, Week 18). Hamlin also received the NFLPA Alan Page Community Service Award in January 2023 (as the 2022 NFL season recipient), following a life-threatening on-field battle with commotio cordis that led to a world-wide outpouring of nearly $9 million in philanthropy to his Chasing M’s Foundation.

New during the 2025 NFL season, the NFLPA has partnered with GoFundMe, allowing fans to make direct donations to each NFLPA Community MVP’s chosen nonprofit. You can add your support to Christian Benford’s 47 Heart Foundation and its charitable initiatives by following this link to make a tax-deductible donation.

To read further about Dawkins’ NFLPA Community MVP award, including plenty of additional details about the outings and quotes from Dion himself, be sure to head to the NFLPA article for more information.

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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...ian-benford-named-week-13-nflpa-community-mvp
 
Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers: Big questions to answer in Week 13

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The Buffalo Bills are currently the seven seed in the AFC Playoff picture. Their opponents on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers, are currently the four seed, and lead the AFC North Division. With a win, the Bills will maintain their current pace in the playoff picture regardless of what happens with other teams, and they may even gain in the standings. With a loss, they risk falling out of the playoff picture altogether.

The stakes are fairly clear for Buffalo. They need a win badly. After dropping a 23-19 game at the Houston Texans last Thursday night, the Bills need to bounce back, and fast, if they wish to keep the dream of winning a Super Bowl alive.

Will a loss on Sunday eliminate Buffalo from playoff contention? No, it will not. Will it make their road much more difficult moving forward? Yes, it will.

As if the stakes weren’t high enough on their own, the Bills are dealing with myriad injuries, as well. Given that they were already bitten pretty hard by the proverbial injury bug, adding more possible missed games to their ledger isn’t ideal. However, it’s a reality that the Bills face.

In order to come out of Pittsburgh with a much-needed AFC victory, the Bills will need some big performances from their key players. Here are five (or so) Bills to watch this week.
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QB Josh Allen

It’s going to take an efficient, turnover-free performance from Josh Allen to win on Sunday. If the Bills can avoid turnovers, it’s likely that their offense will have enough juice to score more than the Steelers. If Buffalo gives Pittsburgh extra possessions, it’s likely that they won’t have enough firepower to overcome those extra attempts.

Last Thursday night, Allen was battered and bruised all night long. He held the ball forever while waiting in vain for his receivers to come open, and as a result, Houston’s ferocious pass rush was able to beat him up to the tune of eight sacks, a career high. Just one week prior, he looked decisive and efficient against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and while he still held the ball plenty, he made plays downfield. Such is the catch-22 of Allen’s play style, as those off-schedule plays are what make him elite, but when there are no off-schedule plays to be found, it can keep the offense well behind the sticks.

Entering the week, no team had allowed more passing yards than Pittsburgh. While they may have linebackers J.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, and a ferocious pass rush, they have not been anything close to a solid pass defense this season. Buffalo has no excuses this week, as they’ll need to move the ball effectively through the air.

WR Brandin Cooks

Hello, new friend! What will the veteran’s role be this week? The team released wide receiver Elijah Moore, wide receiver Curtis Samuel is now on Injured Reserve (IR) with elbow and ankle injuries, and Gabe Davis just signed to the 53-man active roster. As such, the likelihood that Cooks not only dresses for the game, but plays significant snaps, is greater than I’d have guessed when the signing was announced on Tuesday.

At worst, Cooks can come in for a few plays to run the safeties off the middle level. At best, perhaps he and Allen have had enough time to discover some sort of rhythm with each other. While the latter might be wishful thinking, for a veteran like Cooks, coming into a new place and trying to contribute quickly isn’t anything new or impossible. The new No. 18 has a chance to impact the game right away.

[The Offensive Tackles]

Who is going to play tackle? Neither right tackle Spencer Brown nor left tackle Dion Dawkins will play, as both have already been ruled out thanks to a shoulder injury and a concussion, respectively. Offensive linemen Alec Anderson and Ryan Van Demark are ostensibly the next men up on the depth chart, with rookie Chase Lundt a likely swing tackle, but Tylan Grable beat Van Demark out for a gig last year, and the second-year man returned to practice this week after spending the entire season to date on IR due to a concussion.

No matter how you slice it, the Bills are in trouble here, as the team and offensive coordinator Joe Brady often ask their offensive linemen to win one-on-one against opposing pass rushers. Perhaps the injury situation will necessitate a different plan this week, but missing Brown and Dawkins up front also negatively impacts the run game. Buffalo needs some reserves to come up big on Sunday, and there’s no position where they need it more than offensive tackle.

DT T.J. Sanders

I don’t want to kick a guy while he’s down or make sweeping judgments about a player who’s only six games into his pro career, but Buffalo’s 2025 second-round pick has been a complete non-factor so far in every game he’s played. Sanders didn’t show much before he suffered a knee injury that required surgery and an IR stint, but since returning, he’s been manhandled at the point of attack repeatedly. Granted, thanks to a roster imbalance, he’s been forced to play some snaps at defensive end, but the fact remains that there are more examples of Sanders being erased from a play and bulldozed into his own teammates, thereby erasing them from the play as well, than there are examples of him making an impact on defense.

If the Bills are going to continue having him suit up in the middle, and they have to thanks to the injuries they have along the defensive line, he just has to be better. Sanders offered the kind of athletic promise that led general manager Brandon Beane to assume that he would be a solid force rushing the passer up the middle, but so far, he’s been a liability in the run game and a ghost in the pass game.

With Ed Oliver injured, it’s been another rookie—fourth-round pick Deone Walker — who has stepped up and shown out, but some sort of positive contribution from Sanders as he rotates in would go a long way towards helping Buffalo’s run defense to improve.

CB Taron Johnson

Johnson is a veteran who, for a time, could have made an argument for being the top slot corner in football. As Buffalo played nickel almost exclusively, Johnson ran as both a fifth defensive back and a third linebacker. The hits he’s taken while filling that latter role were bound to catch up with him, and this year, it seems that’s true.

Johnson has been a step slow this year, and while I won’t go as far as calling him a liability on defense, for the first time, I’ve started to agree that there might be other options on the roster who can do his job better than he has done it. How often will the Bills stick with their nickel looks as Pittsburgh goes into heavier sets? Will Johnson come off the field in favor of a linebacker like Dorian Williams? Might the Bills consider using Johnson on some fire blitzes from the edge, something they haven’t done much of with their nickel corner this season?

A good outing from Johnson this week would likely mean that Pittsburgh’s leading receiver — running back Kenneth Gainwell, who has 42 receptions on the year — would be kept in check in the passing game. That’s something that the Bills need to ensure if they’re going to keep a middling Steelers offense stuck in neutral.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...h-steelers-big-questions-to-answer-in-week-13
 
The Buffalo Bills should slow things down vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

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The 7-4 Buffalo Bills travel to take on the 6-5 Pittsburgh Steelers in a game that could have playoff implications down the line. Should both teams find themselves in the Wild Card race, the head-to-head matchup could be huge. Also, Buffalo just needs to keep winning for their own sake.

Rather than dive into the typical stats, I’d like to focus on one where the two teams have a massive disparity that the Bills could take advantage of; Time of possession.

Drastic difference​


The Steelers hold the ball on average for 27 minutes and 51 seconds this season. I’m a big fan of where things rank in the league, and for the Steelers that’s third-worst in the league. Only the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings hold the ball less than Pittsburgh.

The Bills on the other hand have an average time of possession of 32 minutes and 22 seconds. That’s second-best in the league. It’s also 4 minutes and 31 seconds greater than the Steelers are averaging in 2025.

The average NFL drive this season lasts 2:52. Pittsburgh averages 15 seconds less than that, and Buffalo is 10 seconds greater on average. On average the Bills hold the ball 25 seconds longer than the Steelers.

A large part of this is likely due to play choice. Buffalo has had 686 plays on offense this season, 325 of them rushing plays or 47.3% of the time. Pittsburgh has had 624 plays, 265 of them running plays or 42.5% of the time.

There’s good reason for this disparity as well. The Bills have the third-best rate of rushing yards per play with 4.98 yards per rush. The Steelers average 4.03 yards per rush, 23rd in the league. Which brings me to how Buffalo can leverage this information to help secure a victory.

The Bills will be without both starting offensive tackles with Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown already ruled out for the game. This will impact both the passing and rushing offense for Buffalo but if you can believe it, Buffalo has the best yards per rush up the middle in the league, averaging 5.95 yards per carry. This should be the area of the line least impacted by the loss of Dawkins and Brown.

Incidentally, Pittsburgh has a fairly average run defense, and allows 4.35 yards on average up the middle. That may not seem so bad, but it ranks 22nd in the NFL with this direction typically being dragged down on average gain thanks to short yardage plays like quarterback sneaks, etc.

Now obviously it’s all easier said than done, but the Bills should still be able to have some success in the run game. That can help limit the Steelers’ chances to score, protect quarterback Josh Allen, and hopefully set up chances in the passing game. Winning the time-of-possession battle often favors the team by wearing down the opponent’s defense as well.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...hould-slow-things-down-vs-pittsburgh-steelers
 
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