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Steeler Nation is a world-wide army that follows the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers. The Six-Time Super Bowl Champions are a franchise whose tradition dictates a standard of excellence, and their fans expect nothing less year in and year out. Those very same ideals translate to the ultimate Pittsburgh Steelers Game Day Preview, a guide that all Steelers fans read weekly to learn everything they need to know about their team and weekly opponent!
Mike Drakulich, the man behind Pittsburgh SportsNation (@PghSportsNation), who covers both Pitt football and the Steelers for NGSC Sports, brings you inside the huddle with The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary, Game Prediction, Broadcast Information, and complete breakdown of each team. Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff!
The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary
Opportunity knocks.
When the week began, the Pittsburgh Steelers found themselves in 2nd place in the AFC North Division, as the Baltimore Ravens held the tiebreaker, even though the teams were both 6-5.
On Thanksgiving, the Ravens were stunned by the Cincinnati Bengals 32-14, as Joe Burrow returned to action after missing the last nine games.
Now the Steelers have a half game advantage over Baltimore, and can stretch that to a full game if they can take down the Buffalo Bills, who will visit Acrisure Stadium this Sunday at 4:25 PM.
By the way, Pittsburgh’s next game after Buffalo is at Baltimore, so the results of the next nine days will define what direction the 2025 Steelers are headed.
If the Steelers are who they think they are, it would behoove them to win these next two games.
One thing is for sure, if both the Steelers offense and defense don’t elevate their play, this team is finished.
Defensively, after looking like the highest paid defense in the NFL for a few weeks, the same head shaking issues popped up in the Steelers 31-28 loss to the Bears.
When the defense was playing lights out, they were in Two-High Safety formation.
Steelers head Coach Mike Tomlin couldn’t help himself, however, and had to scratch that itch of his… so, against Chicago, the Steelers were in One-High Safety 63% of the time, and the results spoke for themselves.
“I think sometimes it was schematic issues that we had,” said Pittsburgh linebacker Patrick Queen.
It’s maddening for not only the players and the fans, but it’s even drawing the ire of former players like the great James Harrison, who was none too pleased with what he saw in the most recent Steelers loss.
“Defense. Soft. I’m tired of seeing the offensive linemen pushing our defensive line 2-3 yards,” said an angry Harrison. “We’re undisciplined, poorly coached, or both. We have a horrible defensive scheme. It’s trash, it’s garbage. We can’t adjust.”
When the Steelers have the ball: Aaron Rodgers has passed for 1,969 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. He’s been sacked 19 times.
D.K. Metcalf is the Steelers top receiver, pulling down 42 receptions for 573 yards and five touchdowns. Calvin Austin III has 26 catches for 278 yards and two touchdowns. Roman Wilson has elevated his game of late, and now has 12 catches for 166 yards and two scores. Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek are rarely utilized. Perhaps we’ll see a deep ball to Marquez Valdes-Scantling, if he’s ever elevated from the practice squad.
It’s the Pittsburgh tight ends that inflict damage in the air attack, with Jonnu Smith leading the way with 29 catches for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Darnell Washington excels at helping in the run game with his blocking, but has become a danger catching the ball, as he has 20 receptions for 231 yards and a touchdown. Not many corners want to see that guy running at full speed at them when he has the ball. Pat Freiermuth has picked up his game the past month, and now has 26 receptions for 298 yards and four touchdowns.
Jaylen Warren continues to be a dual threat at running back, rushing for 604 yards and three touchdowns, adding 25 receptions for 219 yards and a touchdown. Kenneth Gainwell comes in to spell Warren, and is 2nd on the team with 336 yards, and has found the end zone three times. Gainwell is also tied for first on the team with 42 receptions for 234 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie Kaleb Johnson has yet to be utilized by Tomlin, gaining just 58 yards so far.
When the Bills have the ball: Josh Allen the heart and soul of the Buffalo offense, passing for 2,709 yards, 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Allen has been sacked 28 times, but he’s also rushed for 371 yards and ten more touchdowns.
Khalil Shakir is Allen’s go to guy in the passing attack with 54 receptions for 567 yards and three touchdowns. Keon Coleman was supposed to become a big weapon for Buffalo, but he’s been a huge disappointment and has been benched the last two games. Joshua Palmer hasn’t done much despite receiving a big contract, catching 18 passes for 272 yards and no touchdowns. Curtis Samuel, who is out, hasn’t lived up to his expectations either, as he has just seven catches for 81 yards and one touchdown. Tyrell Shavers has 11 receptions for 171 yards and a TD.
Dalton Kincaid is Buffalo’s best tight end, 2nd on the team with 29 receptions for 448 yards and four touchdowns. Dawson Knox is a solid #2 tight end, catching 16 passes for 195 yards and a score.
James Cook is the lead back and one of the best in the NFL, rushing for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns, adding 24 receptions for 203 yards and a TD.
The Steelers path to victory: Open up the offense and lay the wood to Josh Allen.
Allen is going to make his plays, but like the Houston Texan’s did in their win over Buffalo, every time Allen had the ball, the Texan’s were making him pay.
“They were able to keep him in the pocket and collapse the pocket a lot of times,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. “When he did step up, they were able to chase him down. They did a really good job that way. That’s the kind of effort we’re going to have to have if we want some success.”
If Allen is free to make plays, it’s going to be a long day for the Steelers.
“Josh doesn’t want to play superhero ball, but he’s the closest thing to a superhero in our game,” said Pittsburgh defensive end Cam Heyward. “He makes a lot of things happen. It’s athletic ability, arm talent. You name it, he’s got it.”
Pressuring Allen and keeping him in the pocket will be the main priority. Let’s not mince words here, if the Steelers secondary can’t contain this weak group of receivers Buffalo has, they should be ashamed. Shakir is a good receiver, but he’s nowhere near a #1. The rest are a bunch of curtain jerkers that Allen can’t fully rely on. Tight end Dalton Kincaid is very good, but he’s questionable for Sunday’s game.
As important as keeping Allen under wraps is, so is containing James Cook, who is 2nd in the NFL with 1,088 yards rushing.
Aaron Rodgers will return after missing last week’s game.
It’s far past time for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to open up this offense and stop playing like a bunch of cowards. Then again, much of that is the philosophy of Tomlin… playing safe and not to lose. Except that formula hasn’t been successful in eight straight years now.
It’s almost comical writing this, but… the Steelers offense hasn’t completed a pass over 20 yards once in November. Jameis Winston who is the 3rd quarterback behind Jaxon Dart and Russell Wilson for the Giants, did it five times in their loss to Detroit on 11/23.
“The preparation is there. It’s the execution,” Rodgers said Wednesday. “I wouldn’t say it’s been up and down the past six weeks. This has been the entire season. We’ve been just a little off on some of the details. If we tighten that thing up, all 11 of us, I expect us to play really well.”
That’s a nice idea and all, but when you hear the words of DK Metcalf, you can’t help but wonder what the hell is going on here.
“We can’t control any of the plays being called. All we can do is run our routes to the best of our abilities and just hopefully the balls finds us,” Metcalf said. “If not, if we don’t get the ball, just block for our teammates because that’s how explosives get started.”
In other words, players like Metcalf aren’t being put in position to be successful.
It’s truly sad to see any team come into Pittsburgh as the favorite.
The crazy thing is that these are the very games the Steelers win in… when their backs are against the wall, and everyone has them counted out.
The Steelers had better realize that their season is on the line here. A loss to Buffalo would give them any tie-breakers over them come playoff time. The Chargers already have that advantage over Pittsburgh.
I think Jaylen Warren is up for a big game running the ball, which should give Rodgers some openings downfield to hit with Metcalf and maybe Roman Wilson. Persistence is the key, as Buffalo is ranked 30th giving up 148.8 yards a game rushing. In other words, pound the ball, and when Buffalo starts crowding the line to stop it, make them pay deep.
Steelers defense force a key turnover from Allen that will go a long way in deciding this game.
Prediction: Steelers 27 Bills 23
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) vs Buffalo Bills (7-4)
NFL Week 13
Vegas line: Buffalo -3
Game-time: Sunday, November 30th, at 4:25 PM
Venue: Acrisure Field, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Field: Kentucky Bluegrass
Weather at Kickoff: Cloudy and 37. Winds out of the WSW at 17 MPH.
NFL Links
Broadcast Information
TV: CBS | Local: KDKA-TV (Xfinity: Channel 802)
- Announcers: Jim Nantz (play-by-play) Tony Romo (analyst) | Tracy Wolfson (field reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 102.5 WDVE-FM & 970 WBGG-AM
- Announcers: Rob King (play-by-play) Max Starks (analyst) | Missi Matthews (sideline)
National Radio: ESPN Radio
- Announcers: Steve Levy (play-by-play) Sal Paolantonio (analyst) | Courtney Cronin (sideline)
Internet Broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 6-5 (2nd in AFC North)
Last game: Bears 31 Steelers 28
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 19th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 189-112-2
- Playoff record: 8-11 (Qualified for playoffs 12 times)
Team Links
Steelers Offense
- Offensive Coordinator: Arthur Smith
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 24.9 (11th)
- Total yards per game: 304.3 (28th)
- Passing yards per game: 207.2 (24th)
- Rushing yards per game: 97.1 (27th)
QUARTERBACK
Aaron Rodgers | #8
Rodgers may be 41, but the arm and his wits are still top notch. Currently tied for 7th in the NFL with 19 touchdown passes. Suffered a micro-fracture on his non-throwing wrist vs Bengals.
Passing Yards: 1,969 | TD Passes: 19 | INT’s: 7 | Sacked: 19
Rushing Yards: 26 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Mason Rudolph | #2
Passing Yards: 310 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 2
Rushing Yards: 6 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Jaylen Warren | #30
Warren is a wrecking ball that always seems to get positive yardage. 1st on the team with 604 yards rushing and has 25 catches for 219 yards receiving.
Rushing Yards: 604 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 25 | Receiving Yards: 219 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Kenneth Gainwell | #14
Gainwell is a Swiss Army knife that can step in at any time. Was superb while being the #1 back with Warren out against Minnesota. Tied for 1st on the team with 42 receptions.
Rushing Yards: 336 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 42 | Receiving Yards: 234 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Kaleb Johnson | #20
Johnson, a 2025 3rd round pick, has been barely utilized so far this year. Sees maybe a carry or two a game.
Rushing Yards: 58 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
D.K. Metcalf | #4
Metcalf is a big, physical receiver, that is Aaron Rodgers’ top weapon in the passing game. Can make the most spectacular of catches, but is also prone to occasional drops. Leads the team with 42 catches for 573 yards and five touchdowns. Vastly underutilized in the Steelers passing attack.
Receptions: 42 | Receiving Yards: 573 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Calvin Austin III | #19
Austin, now in his 4th year, is slowly losing his grip as the #2 receiver. Averaging 10.7 yards per catch.
Receptions: 26 | Receiving Yards: 278 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Roman Wilson | #10
Wilson is being used more often in the Pittsburgh passing game. Averaging 13.8 yards per catch. Had two receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown vs Chargers.
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 166 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Scotty Miller | #13
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Brian Skowronek | #15
Great blocker and special teams player, Skowronek had five catches for 69 yards last season. Was the recipient of Aaron Rodger’s first TD pass as a Steeler.
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 56 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Marquez Valdes-Scantling | #11
Signed as a free agent, currently on Practice Squad. Could be a great deep option for Rodgers if ever promoted to 53 man roster.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Pat Freiermuth | #88
Freiermuth is finally being featured more in the offense, now 2nd on the team with four touchdown receptions.
Receptions: 26 | Receiving Yards: 298 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Jonnu Smith | #81
Smith is a hybrid tight end/receiver… leads all tight ends with 29 receptions.
Receptions: 29 | Receiving Yards: 184 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Darnell Washington | #80
Mount Washington is an imposing figure at 6’7, 264 pounds. Big part of the offense, aiding the run game with his blocking, but now contributing with 20 receptions for 231 yards. There’s not a corner on this planet that wants this guy running at full speed at them with the ball.
Receptions: 20 | Receiving Yards: 231 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Conner Heyward | #83
Heyward will be utilized in a fullback/tight end role.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 18 | Receiving TD’s: 1
KICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 29-29
Field Goals: 19-22
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 2-3
- 40-49 yards: 8-9
- 50+ yards: 7-8
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Broderick Jones* | #77
LG: Isaac Seumalo | #73
C: Zach Frazier | #54
RG: Mason McCormick | #66
RT: Troy Fautanu | #76
Steelers Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: Teryl Austin
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 23.9 (20th)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 364.5 (28th)
- Passing yards allowed: 258.7 (31st)
- Rushing yards allowed: 105.7 (15th)
- Sacks: 34 (5th)
- Interceptions: 9 (13th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 43 | Sacks: 1.5
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 34 | Sacks: 4.5
DE: Derrick Harmon* | #99
Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 2
LINEBACKERS
LOLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 43 | Sacks: 7 | INT: 1
LILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 83 | Sacks: 1
RILB: Payton Wilson | #41
Tackles: 79 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
ROLB: Nick Herbig | #51
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 6.5 | INT: 1
OR Alex Highsmith | #56
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 5.5
SECONDARY
LCB: Darius Slay | #23
Tackles: 36 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Kyle Dugger | #29
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
SS: Jalen Ramsey | #25
Tackles: 56 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1
RCB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
*Injured/Out
Scouting the Buffalo Bills
Overall record: 7-4 (2nd in AFC East)
Last game: Houston 23 Buffalo 19
Head Coach: Sean McDermott
- 9th Season with Buffalo
- Overall regular-season record: 94-49 | 94-49 with Bills
- Playoff Record: 7-7
Team Links
Bills Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 28.3 (5th)
- Total Offense per game: 398.4 (1st)
- Passing yards per game: 251.2 (11th)
- Rushing yards per game: 147.2 (1st)
QUARTERBACK
Josh Allen | #17
Allen is having yet another MVP season, but a weak receiving corps is hindering his abilities. Has been sacked 28 times.
Passing Yards: 2,709 | TD Passes: 18 | INT’s: 9 | Sacked: 28
Rushing Yards: 371 | Rushing TD’s: 10
Back-up: Mitch Trubisky | #11
Passing Yards: 54 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 1 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
James Cook | #4
Cook is 2nd in the NFL with 1,084 yards rushing.
Rushing Yards: 1,084 | Rushing TD’s: 8
Receptions: 24 | Receiving Yards: 203 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Ty Johnson | #26
Rushing Yards: 90 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 161 | TD’s: 1
Ray Davis | #22
Rushing Yards: 44 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 18 | TD’s: 1
WIDE RECEIVERS
Khalil Shakir | #10
Shakir is a good receiver, the best the Bills have, but is nowhere near a #1 that Allen deserves to have.
Receptions: 54 | Receiving Yards: 564 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Keon Coleman | #0
Coleman has been benched the last two games.
Receptions: 32 | Receiving Yards: 330 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Joshua Palmer | #5
Receptions: 18 | Receiving Yards: 272 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Tyrell Shavers | #14
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 172 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Elijah Moore | #18
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 112 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Curtis Samuel* | #1
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 81 | Receiving TD’s: 1
TIGHT ENDS
Dalton Kincaid | #86
Kincaid is Allen’s go-to guy after Shakir. Averaging 15.4 yards a catch.
Receptions: 29 | Receiving Yards: 448 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Dawson Knox | #88
Receptions: 16 | Receiving Yards: 195 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Jackson Hawes | #85
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 139 | Receiving TD’s: 2
KICKER
Matt Prater | #8
Extra Points: 32-34
Field Goals: 15-17
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 6-7
- 40-49 yards: 6-6
- 50+ yards: 1-2
Bills Defense
- Defensive System: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 22.9 (17th)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 317.1 (13th)
- Passing yards allowed: 168.2 (1st)
- Rushing yards allowed: 148.9 (30th)
- Sacks: 26 (15th)
- Interceptions: 7 (20th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Greg Rousseau | #50
Tackles: 35 | Sacks: 3
LDT: Deone Walker | #96
Tackles: 27 | Sacks: 1
RDT: DaQuan Jones | #92
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 3
RDE: Joey Bosa | #97
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 4
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Matt Milano | #58
Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 0
MLB: Terrel Bernard* | #8
Tackles: 56 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
SLB: Dorian Williams | #42
Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Tre’Davious White | #27
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Jordan Poyer | #21
Tackles: 36 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Cole Bishop | #24
Tackles: 61 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 3
RCB: Christian Benford | #47
Tackles: 36 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
*Injured/out
Steelers vs Bills History
Series History: Began in 1970
Overall Record: 17-13
- Home: 8-2
- Away: 7-9
- Postseason: 2-2
Streak: Buffalo won the last two games.
Last regular-season meeting: Bills Win, 38-3 (Oct. 9, 2022)
Last postseason meeting: Bills Win, 31-17 (Jan. 15, 2024)
Injury Report (11/28/25)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: N/A
Out: DT Derrick Harmon (Knee), OT Broderick Jones (Neck)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: None
Buffalo Bills
IR: N/A
Out: LB Terrel Bernard (Elbow), OL Spencer Brown (Shoulder), OL Dion Dawkins (Concussion), WR Curtin Samuel (Elbow/Knee)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: OL Tylan Grable (Concussion), TE Dalton Kincaid (Hamstring), WR Joshua Palmer (Ankle)
Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule
2025 REGULAR-SEASON SCHEDULE (6-5)
Sun. Sept. 7 at N.Y. Jets | W- 34-32
Sun. Sept. 14 vs Seattle | L- 31-17
Sun. Sept. 21 at New England | W- 21-14
Sun. Sept. 28 vs Minnesota | W- 24-21
BYE WEEK
Sun. Oct. 12 Cleveland | W- 23-9
Thur. Oct. 16 at Cincinnati | L- 33-31
Sun. Oct. 26 vs Green Bay | L- 35-25
Sun. Nov. 2 vs Indianapolis | W- 27-20
Sun. Nov. 9 at L.A. Chargers | L- 25-10
Sun. Nov. 16 vs Cincinnati | W- 34-12
Sun. Nov. 23 at Chicago | L- 31-28
Sun. Nov. 30 vs Buffalo* 4:25 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 7 at Baltimore* 1 p.m.
Mon. Dec. 15 vs Miami* 8:15 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 21 at Detroit* 4:25 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 28 at Cleveland* 1 p.m.
TBD TBD vs Baltimore* TBD
* *Times and TV network may change due to flexible scheduling
Author Profile
- Your source for Pittsburgh sports!
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From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team.
There's nowhere on earth that is more dedicated to its sports teams like Western Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh. The passion and pride of Pittsburgh's fan base is second to no one. From the NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, to W.P.I.A.L. high school sports, "The City of Champions" has it all!
As Editor of Pittsburgh SportsNation, Mike Drakulich provides top notch opinions and coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers football & basketball, Robert Morris Colonials basketball, and Duquesne Dukes basketball, as well as all sports teams that represent Western Pennsylvania, including WPIAL High School Football.
For a refreshing view of sports, mixed with humor and uncensored opinions, check out Pittsburgh SportsNation today on Facebook, Twitter @PghSportsNation and videos with over 1,000,000 views on YouTube!
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