A window opened for the Buffalo Bills when the Chiefs stumbled and injuries hit other AFC contenders, but they have not become obvious favorites. New England has taken control of the AFC East, and a string of surprising losses to Atlanta, Miami and most recently Houston has introduced real doubt around Sean McDermott’s team.
Josh Allen carried Buffalo to an MVP season last year despite questions about surrounding talent. This year the offense has been inconsistent. The team still lacks a true No. 1 receiving threat, the arrival of Brandin Cooks has not yet settled all concerns, and winger Keon Coleman has been beset by reports of poor development and behavioral issues. Those problems, plus instances when Allen and Coleman were not on the same page, have made Gabe Davis a more trusted target and left the offense relying heavily on Allen and James Cook.
Running back James Cook has been central since Joe Brady took over as offensive coordinator. Cook has 199 carries for 1,084 yards and eight rushing touchdowns, plus 24 catches for 203 yards and a receiving score. Buffalo’s quietest offensive performances have often coincided with Cook being limited.
Allen acknowledged the uneven season, saying the team understands its position but is confident and focused on executing on game days. That consistency will be vital after Buffalo’s 23-19 loss to Houston, a game in which Allen was sacked a career-high eight times by a Will Anderson-led front.
Injury trouble compounds Buffalo’s concerns for the trip to Pittsburgh. The Bills will be without starting left tackle Dion Dawkins and right tackle Spencer Brown, a major issue facing a Steelers defense led by TJ Watt and a disruptive front.
The Steelers, 6-5, arrive after a 31-28 loss to the Chicago Bears in which Mason Rudolph started at quarterback. Aaron Rodgers, who missed that game with a broken left wrist, practiced fully on Friday and is available for Sunday, with head coach Mike Tomlin describing him as cleared to play.
Pittsburgh sits atop the AFC North after Cincinnati beat Baltimore on Thanksgiving. The team’s identity in late-season play has traditionally been to play physical football, lean on the run game and force opponents into their style — a philosophy Tomlin prefers to impose week to week. The return of a veteran quarterback this weekend gives the offense added life, even as Rudolph has filled in competently when called upon.
With December approaching, teams are acutely aware that the final stretch will shape playoff seeding. Steelers inside linebacker Patrick Queen said the feel changes as the season moves into December and the margin for error narrows.
Buffalo (7-4) and Pittsburgh (6-5) meet Sunday night in a game that will reveal a lot about the Bills’ identity and the Steelers’ ability to defend their division standing. Coverage begins on Sky Sports NFL from 9.25pm on Sunday.