Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills – NFL Week 5 Preview
Buffalo Bills logo
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – The Buffalo Bills return home to Orchard Park to play an AFC rival in the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Buffalo Bills Gameday Basics
Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (1-3) at Buffalo Bills (3-1)
Time: Sunday at 1 p.m.
Where: Highmark Stadium (Orchard Park, N.Y.)
Network: CBS
Bills Injury Report
- Christian Benford, CB (Out)
- Dawson Knox, TE (Out)
- Isaiah McKenzie, WR (Out)
- Jake Kumerow, WR (Out)
- Jordan Poyer, S (Out)
- Justin Murray, OL (Out)
- Tremaine Edmunds, LB (Out)
Steelers Injury Report
- Ahkello Witherspoon, CB (Out)
- Gunner Olszewski, WR (Out)
- Isaiahh Loudermilk, DT (Out)
- Kendrick Green, OL (Out)
- Mark Robinson, LB (Out)
- Mason Rudolph, QB (Out)
- Terrell Edmunds, S (Out)
What’s At Stake?
Tiebreaker scenarios and the potential to retake the lead in the AFC East.
Even though the Steelers are trending toward missing out on the playoffs, they’re still an AFC team. That’s an important tiebreaker, so the Bills will want to gain some ground there if it comes down to it in January.
With the Miami Dolphins also dealing with injuries, a win and a Dolphins loss would put the Bills back on top in the division.
Of course, both of these are looking down the road at the playoffs and where Buffalo would like to be slotted. But that’s the deal with this season. When you’re a Super Bowl Contender, you want to have the easiest path to make it there. That’s what’s at stake.
Oh, and a bit of payback for last year’s loss against Pitt.
Last Time Out: Bills – 23, Ravens – 20
On a rainy Sunday in Baltimore, the Buffalo Bills put together a memorable second-half charge, ending with a Tyler Bass game-winning field goal as time expired.
The Bills trailed for all of the first half, and scored a key touchdown before halftime, cutting the deficit to 20-10.
In the second half, Buffalo continued to pry at the Ravens’ lead, shutting Baltimore out in the final 30 minutes of play. So far this season, the Bills’ defense has allowed just seven points in the second half.
Josh Allen finished with a light 213 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. He also ran for 70 yards and scored once on the ground.
Jordan Poyer was the x-factor on defense, picking off Lamar Jackson twice. Poyer’s play earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award.
Bills Player To Watch
Khalil Shakir
With Isaiah McKenzie, Dawson Knox, and of course Jamison Crowder all out, Khalil Shakir will likely be the third or fourth passing option, behind Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, and maybe Devin Singletary.
The rookie stepped up when it mattered against Baltimore, catching two passes for 23 yards. However, this time around, he’ll get the nod from the start, and will likely be targeted a handful of times.
The Bills drafted Shakir in the 5th round of the NFL Draft for no other reason than to make catches and add to the receiving corps in Buffalo. Sunday against Pittsburgh, he’ll get his real first big chance to shine.