Josh Allen, Bills feel 'high sense of urgency' vs. Steelers

Thu Nov 27 10:33am ET
Field Level Media

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen understands the reality at hand.

Buffalo (7-4) faces a tough test against the host Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) on Sunday afternoon. The game carries significant implications for both teams as they try to boost their playoff hopes.

Some players might deflect the importance of the matchup. Allen isn't one of them.

"Extremely high sense of urgency," Allen said with the Bills three back of the Patriots in the AFC East. "We understand where we're at. We have full confidence in ourselves, but ultimately it comes down to executing on game days."

Buffalo is coming off a 23-19 loss against the Houston Texans in a primetime Thursday night contest. It was the fourth loss in the past seven games for the Bills, who still have aspirations of competing for a championship but first must secure a postseason berth.

Allen has tried to do his part. The reigning NFL MVP has completed 69.7% of his passes for 2,709 yards, 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 11 starts, and he has posted a passer rating of 101.6.

Dealing with a right elbow injury that landed him on the injury report to begin the week, Allen was sacked eight times by the Texans. The 29-year-old signal-caller said he and the Bills have plenty of reasons to stay positive.

"We've had some good, had some bad, throughout the year," Allen said. "I think there'd be a lot of teams that are wishing that they were 7-4 in a spot that we are. So it's also about that opportunity in front of us of hey, let's go out, let's play as hard as we can, let's put our best foot forward and try to get a victory on Sunday. That's ultimately what it comes down to."

The Steelers will try to spoil Allen's hopes.

Pittsburgh has alternated wins and losses throughout the past four weeks. The Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 34-12 on Nov. 16 but are coming off a 31-28 loss on the road against the Chicago Bears last week.

Aaron Rodgers will start at quarterback against the Bills, the team confirmed Friday. Rodgers sat out last week because of a wrist injury, and Mason Rudolph completed 24 of 31 passes for 171 yards with one touchdown and one interception in his absence.

"He was a full participant today with no designation for the game," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said about Rodgers on Friday. "So, it's all systems go."

Rodgers has led the Steelers to victories in six of his 10 starts this season.

Jaylen Warren leads the Steelers with 604 rushing yards, and DK Metcalf is tops in the passing game with 573 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 42 catches.

James Cook has rushed for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns for the Bills, and Khalil Shakir has caught 54 passes for 564 yards and three scores.

Wideout Brandin Cooks joined the Bills this week as a free-agent signing.

"Bringing a guy like him in, being a veteran presence for our room, he's come in here and he's already basically learned our playbook," Allen said. "The way that he carries himself, the way that he is in meetings, already it's very apparent that he is a true professional. ...

"We appreciate him coming here and, hopefully, helping us out."

Buffalo will be without several key starters Sunday. Left tackle Dion Dawkins (concussion), right tackle Spencer Brown (shoulder), linebacker Terrel Bernard (elbow) and receiver Curtis Samuel (elbow/knee) have been ruled out. Receiver Josh Palmer (ankle) and tight end Dalton Kinkaid (hamstring) are listed as questionable. Offensive lineman Tylan Grable, out with a concussion since August, was activated from injured reserve on Saturday.

For Pittsburgh, offensive tackle Broderick Jones (neck) and defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (knee) have been ruled out. The Steelers placed Jones, who was hurt against the Bears, on injured reserve on Saturday, with Andrus Peat expected to start in his place at left tackle. The team also elevated cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., who was signed on Nov. 12, from the practice squad for Sunday's game.

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The Paur Report

Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 13

Player Notes
Tyrone Tracy Jr. Dec 1 10:10pm CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hip) was carted off the field after suffering a hip injury during his team's Week 13 matchup against the New England Patriots on Monday night. Dan Salomone of Giants.com reports that Tracy Jr. is officially questionable to return. The 26-year-old back recorded 10 carries for 36 yards and one catch for -3 yards before being forced to exit the game. If he's unable to return, veteran running back Devin Singletary would be in line to handle most of New York's backfield work for the remainder of Week 13. While the exact nature of Tracy Jr.'s injury is unclear, an extended absence for Tracy Jr. would be a major loss for the Giants. With rookie running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) on Injured Reserve, Singletary would be the last back standing in New York and could be in line for a significant workload increase going forward.

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Harold Fannin Jr. Dec 1 9:50pm CT
Harold Fannin Jr.

Across 12 games this season, Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has recorded 51 catches for 505 yards and three touchdowns on 74 targets. While the 21-year-old's numbers do not jump off the page, he's emerged as a consistent piece of the Browns' offense. Entering Week 14, Fannin Jr. has earned at least five targets in seven consecutive games and 10 out of 12 total games this season. Fannin Jr. has also earned 11 targets across the two contests since Shedeur Sanders took over the starting quarterback job in Cleveland, the highest number of any Browns pass-catcher. The overall struggles of his team's offense limit Fannin Jr.'s upside. Still, he provides a solid production floor as a low-end starting tight end option in PPR fantasy leagues. Heading into his Week 14 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Fannin Jr. should be a waiver-wire target in PPR leagues with 12 or more teams.

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Zach Ertz Dec 1 9:50pm CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz had a huge game in Week 13, recording 10 catches for 106 yards on 13 targets in an overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. Across 12 games this season, the 35-year-old has hauled in 49 catches for 493 yards and four touchdowns on 70 targets. It's worth noting that Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota attempted 50 passes in Week 13, a level of pass volume that is highly unlikely to repeat in future weeks. However, Washington could be getting quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) back as soon as Week 14, which would be a boost for Ertz. All four of Ertz's four touchdown receptions this season have come in the six games Daniels has been healthy for. The Commanders will face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14. In leagues where he is available on the waiver wire, Ertz could be a solid streaming option for fantasy managers to target at the tight end position.

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Darren Waller Dec 1 9:40pm CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (pectoral) returned from a pectoral injury that caused him to miss more than a month in Week 13, recording two catches for 47 yards on three targets against the New Orleans Saints. Waller has appeared in just five games this season due to multiple injuries, but he's recorded four touchdown catches in that span. The Dolphins limited Waller to a 47% snap share in Week 13, which is a trend that may continue given the 33-year-old's extensive injury history. However, Waller has proven to be a red-zone target for Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, which gives him streamer appeal for fantasy managers at the tight end position. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Waller could be worth targeting on the waiver wire as a streamer or injury replacement heading into a Week 14 matchup against the New York Jets.

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Devaughn Vele Dec 1 9:30pm CT
Devaughn Vele

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele had a monster game in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins, recording eight catches for 93 yards and a touchdown on eight targets. The 27-year-old has now earned 15 targets over his last two games played and emerged as the clear WR2 in New Orleans alongside star wideout Chris Olave. In three games since former Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed was traded to the Seattle Seahawks, Vele has played 87%, 89%, and 88% of New Orleans' offensive snaps. Vele has proven to be a moderately productive player when given the opportunity. Across 24 career NFL games, he's hauled in 58 receptions for 659 yards and five touchdowns on 83 targets. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Vele is worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into his Week 14 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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Brenton Strange Dec 1 9:20pm CT
Brenton Strange

Across two games since returning from a hip injury that forced him to miss nearly two months, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange has recorded eight catches for 138 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. The 24-year-old has emerged as one of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence's most-trusted weapons in 2025. Strange has earned at least five targets in four out of the six full games he's played this season. The Jaguars have also shown a willingness to play Strange a heavy snap share, as he played 84% of the team's offensive snaps in their Week 13 win over the Tennessee Titans. While the Jaguars have a pair of capable target earners in wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr., wideout Parker Washington (hip) went down with a hip injury in Week 13 that could cause him to miss time. As a result, Strange could be in line for a target bump. He should be a waiver wire target in all fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams.

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Terrion Arnold Dec 1 9:10pm CT
Terrion Arnold

Detroit Lions defensive back Terrion Arnold (shoulder) is done for the season after being placed on Injured Reserve on Monday. Arnold is set to undergo shoulder surgery after suffering an injury during the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Green Bay Packers. He made his return to the field last week following a two-game absence due to a concussion. The 22-year-old will now end his sophomore campaign with 31 tackles and one interception in eight games. Khalil Dorsey and Amik Robertson could see more snaps with Arnold sidelined for the rest of the regular season for the Lions' defense.

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Abdul Carter Dec 1 9:10pm CT
Abdul Carter

New York Giants rookie defensive end Abdul Carter was benched to begin Monday's game versus the New England Patriots. The team is calling Carter's absence on the first drive a coach's decision. This was likely due to Carter missing some type of team activity (most likely a meeting) last week. Carter did eventually make it onto the field and recorded a sack. This isn't the first time that Carter has been benched by the Giants. Interim head coach Mike Kafka is trying to make a statement in a lost season. The Giants were already mathematically eliminated from playoff contention at 2-10 before the kickoff on Monday night. Carter was the third overall pick back in April out of Penn State.

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Kyle Juszczyk Dec 1 9:00pm CT
Kyle Juszczyk

San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (rib) was forced to exit during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. After further evaluation, Juszczyk was diagnosed with a rib fracture. Luckily for San Francisco, Juszczyk will get a week off to rest with the team on a bye in Week 14. Following that, the 49ers will re-evaluate the 34-year-old ahead of their Week 15 matchup versus the Tennessee Titans. There's a chance that Juszczyk won't miss any time, which would be good news for San Fran's offense. As mostly a blocking asset, Juszczyk is not fantasy relevant.

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Kalif Raymond Dec 1 9:00pm CT
Kalif Raymond

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (ankle) was a non-participant during Monday's practice session. Raymond suffered an ankle injury in the Week 12 win over the New York Giants and was unable to suit up for last week's contest versus the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day. The fact that Raymond remains out of practice to begin the week isn't a good sign ahead of the Thursday night contest versus the Dallas Cowboys. Rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa stepped up during their Thanksgiving loss, hauling in both his targets for 35 yards and a touchdown. The 23-year-old figures to once again have a larger role in the offense if Raymond is unable to play in Week 14, especially with top wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) also up in the air to play in Week 14.

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Trey Lance Dec 1 8:40pm CT
Trey Lance

Los Angeles Chargers backup quarterback Trey Lance will receive first-team practice reps in goal-line situations this week. This is a result of starting quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) needing surgery on his left (non-throwing) hand following Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert had a metacarpal fracture in his left hand but still plans to play in Week 14 versus the Philadelphia Eagles next Monday night. The fact that Lance is doing goal-line work could be a hint that the Chargers might use him in goal-line situations, with Herbert probably being unable to take snaps under center next week. If Herbert plays in Week 14, he'll be more of a low-end QB1 option in fantasy football while going up against a strong Eagles pass rush.

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Eddy Pineiro Dec 1 8:40pm CT
Eddy Pineiro

San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro (hamstring) is expected to return to action following the team's bye in Week 14. Pineiro has missed each of the last two games due to a hamstring issue. Luckily, head coach Kyle Shanahan believes Pineiro will be ready to play against the Tennessee Titans in Week 15. Pineiro has been a great addition to the 49ers roster this season. The 30-year-old has made all 22 of his field-goal attempts while connecting on 18 of 22 extra-point kicks. Matt Gay has been kicking for the 49ers over the last two games, but his services will likely no longer be needed once Pineiro returns.

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Justin Herbert Dec 1 7:10pm CT
Justin Herbert

The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Monday that quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) had successful surgery on Monday to stabilize a metacarpal fracture in his left (non-throwing) hand that he suffered in Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert's return to play is considered day-to-day, and his status for next Monday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles will be determined later in the week. The Chargers are optimistic that Herbert will be able to play in Week 14, although he'll likely be wearing a protective glove and will probably take snaps out of the shotgun formation if he plays. A porous offensive line has led to plenty of bumps and bruises for Herbert this year, and he might have even less time to throw if he plays in Week 14 against a strong Eagles' defensive line. Herbert will be more of a low-end QB2 in fantasy if he's active next Monday night.

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Joshua Karty Dec 1 6:40pm CT
Joshua Karty

The Los Angeles Rams signed kicker Joshua Karty back to their practice squad on Monday, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Karty was waived last Friday by the Rams after being benched for rookie Harrison Mevis, but the 23-year-old will now return to the practice squad as an insurance option for now. In his second year in the NFL, Karty has struggled, going 10-for-15 on his field-goal tries and 23-for-26 on his extra-point opportunities through eight games. Mevis, meanwhile, has gone a perfect 2-for-2 on field goals and 17-for-17 on extra points with the Rams in his first four games. The 23-year-old has been money so far and has jumped onto the fantasy radar quickly at the kicking position because of the high-octane offense in L.A., but they don't often have to settle for field goals, which also limits his upside.

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Jalin Hyatt Dec 1 6:20pm CT
Jalin Hyatt

New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt is a healthy scratch for the Monday night game against the New England Patriots to close out Week 13 action, according to Dan Salomone of Giants.com. This will be just the second time all year, and the first since Week 8, that Hyatt will sit without dealing with an injury. The 24-year-old will be the odd-man out for a receiving corps that will roll with Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins, Gunner Olszewski, and Dalen Cambre as they look to upset the Pats in primetime. The Giants will head into their bye in Week 14, so the next chance Hyatt will have to play will be on Sunday, Dec. 14, against the division-rival Washington Commanders. Hyatt has not been very involved in New York's offense in his third year in the league, catching five of 13 targets for only 35 yards and no touchdowns in seven games.

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Davante Adams Dec 1 6:10pm CT
Davante Adams

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) dealt with some hamstring soreness in Sunday's surprising loss to the Carolina Panthers, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the injury isn't considered serious. Head coach Sean McVay said the team could limit some players in practice this week, so don't be surprised to see Adams on the injury report this week. However, the 32-year-old veteran touchdown machine should be fine to play in Week 14 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. The six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro wideout had two touchdowns for the second straight week in the loss to Carolina, coming down with four of his five targets for 58 yards. Adams has developed some insane chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford in his first year in L.A. and leads the NFL with 14 TD receptions in 12 starts. Keep him locked into all starting lineups for a plus matchup against the Cards this weekend.

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Keenan Allen Dec 1 6:00pm CT
Keenan Allen

Los Angeles wide receiver Keenan Allen recorded a modest four catches for 30 yards on five targets in the team's 31-14 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Allen matched the team lead in receptions but provided little beyond sustaining drives. Over his last five games, he has only one red-zone target and saw fewer snaps as rookie Tre' Harris received more opportunities with the Chargers dominating on the ground. Justin Herbert's fractured non-throwing hand resulted in a more conservative game script (21 passes versus 43 rushes), further limiting Allen's upside. Heading into Week 14, the Philadelphia Eagles have shown vulnerabilities in back-to-back losses but still rank in the top 10 in pass defense, and Herbert's availability after surgery remains uncertain. If Trey Lance starts, all receivers' outlooks decline, although Allen's reliability might make him the backup's preferred safety valve. Nonetheless, expectations should stay low.

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Jaret Patterson Dec 1 5:50pm CT
Jaret Patterson

Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson carried the ball 11 times for 54 yards and a touchdown in the team's 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. After being signed to the active roster early last week, Patterson served as the primary back behind Kimani Vidal as the Chargers totaled 192 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Patterson looked decisive and scored his first rushing touchdown of the season as the offense relied heavily on the ground game following Justin Herbert's hand injury. Looking ahead, rookie Omarion Hampton's return from IR is imminent after his 21-day practice window opened last week, which would move Patterson behind Hampton and Vidal. Next Monday night, the Bolts face a Philadelphia Eagles defense that has recently been vulnerable against the run. However, Patterson's fantasy value depends entirely on Hampton's availability in Week 14. If Hampton returns, Patterson might not even see the field. If he doesn't, Patterson will remain a depth piece with a few change-of-pace carries.

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Kyler Murray Dec 1 5:50pm CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Monday that surgery isn't currently on the table for quarterback Kyler Murray (foot), according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. "To my knowledge, not right now. That's as honest as I can answer it. I have not heard that. No," Gannon said. Murray is eligible to be activated from Injured Reserve, but the Cardinals will not open his 21-day practice window this week because he's simply not ready to return to practice following his foot sprain back in the Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The 28-year-old will not return this week when the team faces the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, and it remains to be seen if he'll be in play for Week 15 versus the Houston Texans. The Cardinals have been non-committal on whether Murray will even take the starting QB job back from Jacoby Brissett, who has led a much more explosive offensive attack with Murray sidelined.

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Marvin Harrison Jr. Dec 1 5:40pm CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon compared wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.'s new heel injury to the one that cornerback Max Melton is dealing with, which caused him to miss the Week 13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. "Those are tricky," Gannon said. The head coach also said that Harrison is "going to see the doc later on here." The 23-year-old returned from a two-game absence following an appendectomy to post six catches for 69 yards on seven targets in Sunday's loss to Tampa, but now he could be looking at more missed time. Fantasy managers will need to watch the former first-rounder's practice status closely this week to see if he'll be able to play on Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. If Harrison misses more time, it will open up Michael Wilson for heavy targets once again, with Greg Dortch also becoming flex-worthy as the WR2.

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