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

Value Picks: Week 13

Player Notes
Sauce Gardner Nov 30 1:00pm CT
Sauce Gardner

The Indianapolis Colts quickly ruled out cornerback Sauce Gardner (knee) from returning to Sunday's game against the Houston Texans after he was helped to the locker room with an injury to his left knee. The Colts, who acquired Gardner in a trade earlier this year, will have to hope for good news in the next day or so regarding Gardner's long-term prognosis. For fantasy purposes, the Indianapolis defense figures to be far less attractive without its top cornerback, while IDP managers may have to call an audible if Gardner misses time.

From RotoBaller

Woody Marks Nov 30 12:50pm CT
Woody Marks

The Houston Texans listed running back Woody Marks (foot) as questionable to return to Sunday's game against their AFC South rival, the Indianapolis Colts, due to a foot injury. The rookie from USC has been a solid depth piece for fantasy managers who weathered sporadic playing time during the beginning of the season, as Marks entered Week 13 having drawn 10-plus carries in six straight games and rising to running back No. 30 in half-PPR formats. If Marks were to miss any time because of the injury, veteran Nick Chubb figures to be the team's top option with Dare Ogunbowale working behind him.

From RotoBaller

Sauce Gardner Nov 30 12:40pm CT
Sauce Gardner

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (knee) headed to the locker room during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans with an apparent injury to his left knee. Indianapolis has been a top-10 fantasy defense so far this season, and the team sought to bolster its standing atop the AFC South by acquiring the All-Pro corner in a trade with the New York Jets earlier this season. The Colts have a tougher schedule in the fantasy playoffs as it is, so managers playing defense roulette may want to keep an eye on Gardner's status, as he's their first choice to match against opposing No. 1 receivers.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Nov 30 12:10pm CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) is eligible to return from Injured Reserve in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams, but he is not quite fully recovered from a mid-foot sprain, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft completed 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions to go with 29 rushes for 173 yards and a rushing touchdown in the first five games as Arizona's starter. Jacoby Brissett has performed well in Murray's absence and set an NFL record 47 completions in Arizona's Week 11 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Brissett has elevated Michael Wilson's game and helped send Trey McBride to another level as the top fantasy scoring tight end in the league. It remains to be seen if Murray will reclaim the starting job when he is fully healthy.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Nov 30 11:30am CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder, foot) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Irving has been sidelined since Week 4 after dealing with multiple injuries, but will make his return in Week 13. The second-year back is expected to play in a limited role on Sunday after missing a significant amount of time, with Sean Tucker and Rachaad White both playing a role as Irving is eased back into action. Irving produced at a high level in the four games before going down, totaling 71 carries for 237 yards along with 19 receptions (19 targets) for 193 yards and two touchdowns. Irving ranks as RotoBaller's RB25 in PPR leagues for Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Nov 30 11:30am CT
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receivers Keon Coleman and Brandin Cooks, who was signed this week, are both expected to play on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Coleman has missed the team's last two games for disciplinary reasons after he was late to a team meeting. The 22-year-old former second-rounder has failed to take the next step in 2025 in his sophomore season, catching 32 of his 49 targets for 330 yards and three touchdowns in nine games played. However, his two-game benching may light a fire under him for the remainder of the season, and he'll have a juicy matchup to exploit in his return on Sunday against a Steelers defense that has allowed the second-most half-PPR points to receivers this year. Cooks, meanwhile, will provide another deep threat for Buffalo's passing game, although he figures to have limited volume as he learns a new offense.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Nov 30 11:20am CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) is officially active for Sunday's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Mayfield is reportedly expected to wear some tape with protective padding on his injured left shoulder after suffering the injury during Tampa Bay's Week 12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The 30-year-old looked good throwing in practice this week and could take advantage of a vulnerable Arizona defense as long as the shoulder injury doesn't limit him too much. Mayfield ranks as RotoBaller's QB19 for Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Dyami Brown Nov 30 11:20am CT
Dyami Brown

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dyami Brown is a healthy inactive for the team's Week 13 contest on the road against the division-rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Brown failed to take advantage in recent weeks with both rookie Travis Hunter (knee) and Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) out, and he hasn't had more than one target in three straight games. Thomas is making his return this weekend, which will push Brown off the game-day roster. The 26-year-old just hasn't been able to find enough playing time in 2025 in his first year in Jacksonville, and he enters Week 13 action with only 19 receptions on 36 targets for 219 yards and one touchdown. The acquisition of Jakobi Meyers at this year's trade deadline has not helped Brown's cause. He should be on the waiver wire in most redraft fantasy football leagues.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Nov 30 11:10am CT
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (neck) is officially active for the Week 13 game on Sunday against the visiting Atlanta Falcons. Lazard was listed as questionable to play this week due to a neck injury, but he's good to go and will serve as receiver depth for a weak Jets passing attack led by veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Even though Garrett Wilson (knee) is on Injured Reserve, Lazard has been quickly passed on the WR depth chart by newcomers John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell. The 29-year-old pass-catcher has not caught more than two passes in any of his seven games played in 2025, and he has just 54 receiving yards and one touchdown on eight catches. Lazard should be ignored in most fantasy football leagues against Atlanta on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Nov 30 11:10am CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (illness) is officially active for Sunday's matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Harrison returns after missing the past two games after recovering from an appendectomy. The second-year wideout was listed as limited every day in practice this week, and he may see a reduced role in his return with the emergence of Michael Wilson, who has racked up an absurd 25 catches for 303 yards on 33 targets in Harrison's absence. Harrison can be viewed as a high-end WR3 for Sunday's matchup against the Bucs.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Nov 30 11:03am CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins TE Darren Waller (pectoral) is officially active for the Week 13 game.

Fantasy Spin: Waller is returning from the Reserve/Injured list and should have a role right away in the passing game. He will see a few targets during the game but probably can be avoided in most leagues.

From TheHuddle

Chigoziem Okonkwo Nov 30 11:00am CT
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (foot) is officially active on Sunday versus the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13. Okonkwo will continue to play through a nagging foot injury that he's dealt with since late October. The Titans will also be getting rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) back after he missed last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Ayomanor's return is not good news for Okonkwo, who has 35 receptions on 46 targets for 377 yards and no touchdowns on the season. Okonkwo shouldn't be viewed as much more than a TE3 in fantasy football as he continues to share snaps pretty evenly with rookie Gunnar Helm in one of the worst offenses in the NFL. He has gone over 50 receiving yards just three times in 11 games in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Zonovan Knight Nov 30 11:00am CT
Zonovan Knight

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (knee) is officially active for Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Theo Mackie of AZCentral.com. Knight was a limited participant every day in practice this week, but there weren't any real doubts about his status for Sunday. He should be expected to lead the Arizona backfield in touches, with Michael Carter also playing a sizable role, as both Trey Benson (knee) and Emari Demercado (ankle) were ruled out. The 24-year-old has scored in back-to-back weeks, totaling 23 touches for 77 yards from scrimmage in that time. Knight projects as a low-end RB3/FLEX in Week 13 against the Bucs.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Nov 30 11:00am CT
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring), who was listed as questionable to play in Week 13, is officially active for Sunday's game against the visiting San Francisco 49ers. Ford will suit up this weekend, but fantasy managers are in some serious trouble if they are forced to play the 26-year-old in starting lineups. He was out-snapped by rookie Dylan Sampson in last week's win over the Las Vegas Raiders in the No. 2 role behind rookie Quinshon Judkins, carrying the ball just once for a loss of three yards. Ford has seen exactly one rushing attempt in each of the last three games, and he hasn't had more than two carries in a game since Oct. 5 against the Minnesota Vikings. With both Judkins and Sampson healthy, Ford is unlikely to see much work out of Cleveland's backfield against San Fran in inclement weather conditions.

From RotoBaller

Braxton Berrios Nov 30 10:53am CT
Braxton Berrios

The Houston Texans have declared WR Braxton Berrios, LB Jamal Hill, OT Jarrett Kingston, OG Laken Tomlinson and QB Graham Mertz inactive for Week 13.

From TheHuddle

Darren Waller Nov 30 10:50am CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (pectoral), who was activated from Injured Reserve on Saturday, is officially active for Sunday's contest against the visiting New Orleans Saints in Week 13. Waller is ready to return after missing four games due to a pectoral strain. The 33-year-old veteran's return will mean less playing time for Greg Dulcich, who had become a stash option for fantasy managers in deep leagues. Waller should become one of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's top targets in the passing game again with receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the year, but fantasy managers will want to be wary about starting him right away in his first game back. Waller has only played in four games in 2025 after coming out of retirement, so there's a good chance Miami will limit his snaps this Sunday. He should be stashed in most formats, though, after he had four touchdown receptions on 10 catches earlier this year.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Nov 30 10:50am CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (back) is officially active for Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins, according to Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football. Olave was dealing with back spasms earlier in the week and missed Thursday's practice, but was expected to still suit up and is now officially active. The 25-year-old has had a strong season so far, recording 69 receptions for 734 yards and four touchdowns on 108 targets in 11 games. Olave ranks as RotoBaller's WR18 in PPR leagues for Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Elic Ayomanor Nov 30 10:50am CT
Elic Ayomanor

As expected, Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) is active for Sunday's divisional clash against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13. A hamstring injury caused Ayomanor to miss the first game of his career in last Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but he'll be back this weekend. The 22-year-old will be in play as a low-end WR4/flex for fantasy managers in his return. Remember, Calvin Ridley (leg) will miss the rest of the year with a broken fibula. The fourth-rounder will get his opportunities to close out his first season in the NFL, but his ceiling is on the low side in one of the worst offenses in football. Through his first 10 games, Ayomanor has a 28-334-2 line on 59 targets. His return will make fellow rookie Chimere Dike a little less attractive as a deep-league flex option. Ayomanor has gone over 50 receiving yards just once in his last eight games, and he hasn't scored since Sept. 21 against the Colts.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Nov 30 10:43am CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (shoulder) is active for Week 13's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Fantasy Spin: Mayfield had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging one limited practice session and one full session during the week. He has thrown multiple touchdowns just once in his last five games and will not be playing at 100 percent this afternoon, so he should be viewed as a somewhat risky QB2 option in fantasy leagues for now.

From TheHuddle

Tyler Warren Nov 30 10:40am CT
Tyler Warren

Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren (illness) is officially active for the Week 13 divisional clash on Sunday against the visiting Houston Texans, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Warren was a late addition to this week's injury report on Saturday and was listed as questionable due to an illness. The 23-year-old might not be 100% himself for Sunday's game, but fantasy managers need to leave him in their starting lineups as one of the team's top pass-catchers in 2025. Warren enters Week 13 action with 55 receptions for 662 yards and three touchdowns on 74 targets. He is second on the team in both catches and targets, and leads the Colts in receiving yards through 12 weeks. Although the matchup isn't great against the No. 1 defense in the NFL, Warren is still firmly inside the top 10 at the TE position in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller