Steelers Scouting Report: Buffalo Bills, Week 13

Steel City Underground scouts the Pittsburgh Steelers’ opponents each week of the 2025 NFL regular season ahead of the games to preview the upcoming matchup with a focus on key players, potential outcomes, news, and the latest social media chatter.

The Buffalo Bills enter Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season with a 7–4 record, sitting second in the AFC East. They remain in solid playoff position — heading into Sunday’s game with the Pittsburgh Steelers as one of the AFC’s wildcard-contending teams.

Buffalo’s offense has generated 311 total points (28.3 per game), ranking 5th among NFL teams. On defense, they’ve allowed 252 points (22.9 per game), putting them near the league median. That said, the season has not been without turbulence. After a smooth 4–0 start, the Bills have gone 3–4 in their past seven games — a stretch that has tested both roster depth and consistency.

Buffalo is 2-3 on the road in 2025. After falling in Week 12, they face the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday. Pittsburgh is currently 4-2 at home, and 6-5 on the season.

“When you go on the road, you’ve got to be road warriors and you’ve gotta have that type of mindset. And that’s really what we have to do is get ourselves ready to play our best football.” – Bills head coach Sean McDermott

What’s fueling the Bills’ season

The clear engine of Buffalo’s offense, quarterback Josh Allen has guided the team through multiple big games, including a 28–21 home win over the Kansas City Chiefs and a 44–32 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Twelve weeks in, he remains the central figure every time the Bills take the field.

With 311 points on the season, Buffalo’s offense has maintained top-tier productivity — especially in games where the passing and rushing attacks click together. Buffalo has the best rushing offense in the league entering this game, averaging 147 yards per game, and the ninth best passing offense averaging 235 yards per game

Mixed results have plagued the Bills, on defense and in situational play — some stretches featuring solid defensive stands, others where Buffalo’s defense struggled to contain explosive plays. Their performance has fluctuated, underscoring inconsistency across the back half of the season.

Injuries and official updates

Heading into Week 13, Buffalo’s injury report raises concerns — especially along the offensive line. Both starting offensive tackles – Spencer Brown (shoulder) and Dion Dawkins (concussion) – are currently questionable. Backup Tylan Grable (concussion) was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. The offense — and particularly Allen’s protection — may be vulnerable against a strong Steelers pass rush.

Linebacker Terrel Bernard (elbow), corner Maxwell Hairston (concussion), DTs DaQuon Jones (illness) and Phidarian Mathis (shoulder) were either non-participants or limited on Wednesday.

What’s on the line this week

Buffalo remains in the AFC playoff mix, but a loss could jeopardize their wildcard positioning — or at least make the path much harder. For Pittsburgh, the game offers a chance to jump back into contention. Both teams are fighting for postseason relevance.

The Bills’ offense remains dangerous, especially in explosive plays — leading the league in plays of 20-plus yards per game. That said, Pittsburgh’s defense — particularly their pass rush — could pose serious trouble.

On paper, if the Bills avoid sacks and can generate chunk-yardage, their big-play potential gives them a slight edge per Sharp Football Analysis.

Matchup spotlight

Josh Allen vs. Pittsburgh pass rushers

Pittsburgh’s front-seven — anchored by T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and rising-edge rusher Nick Herbig — brings perhaps the biggest threat to Buffalo’s line, and Allen’s success in running the offense.

Buffalo run game vs. Steelers run defense

Bills RB James Cook III has 1,084 rushing yards on the season — Buffalo’s lead back and a central piece of their ground game. If the Bills can establish the ground game, it may help offset the Steelers’ aggressive pass rush by keeping the Steelers’ front honest. This matchup could also test Pittsburgh’s ability to defend the run and prevent Buffalo from controlling the clock and tempo.

Bills WRs & Khalil Shakir vs. Steelers secondary & coverage scheme

Shakir leads the Bills’ wide receivers with 564 receiving yards on the season. Given Pittsburgh’s defensive identity this season, Buffalo may rely on quick passes and good route-running. How well Shakir (or other receivers) beat man coverage or exploit zone mismatches will matter. If the Steelers can limit big plays and keep coverage tight while still getting pressure, they might neutralize Buffalo’s aerial attack.

When the Steelers limit big passing plays and keep everything in front of them, they can force long, methodical drives — exactly where Buffalo tends to make mistakes when pressured.

Steelers RBs Jaylen Warren & Kenneth Gainwell vs. Buffalo defense / linebackers

Warren is Pittsburgh’s leading rusher with 604 yards, but Kenneth Gainwell has proven to be a true dual threat with 336 yards – both have 3 rushing touchdowns – and combined the duo have 67 receptions.

For Pittsburgh to threaten Buffalo, they’ll need Warren and Gainwell to gain consistent yards on the ground (to keep Buffalo’s pass rush off-balance) and get into the flat in the passing game — especially if Buffalo loads the box to stop the run.