Bills at Steelers: 5 storylines to watch for during lead up to Week 13

Bills at Steelers: 5 storylines to watch for during lead up to Week 13Story byNick Wojton, USA TODAYTue, November 25, 2025 at 11:45 AM UTC·2 min read

The Buffalo Bills are turning to another page of their 2025 NFL season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Following an offseason that has built Super Bowl hopes, can the Bills turn their fortunes in the right direction and make that a reality after a bumpy year?

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Before we even get to the team's next kickoff, there will be a lot of Bills-related discussions and conversations to be had throughout the coming days.

With that, here are five storylines to watch for during the lead up to Bills (7-4) against the Steelers (6-5) in Week 13 at Acrisure Stadium:

Another bounce back needed

Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott looks on in the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Bills have had a knack for following up big wins with dud losses in 2025. That happened again last week as Buffalo lost to the Houston Texas after beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Bills do still have a winning record but they'll be asked about their bounce-back abilities once again next week... because it's needed against a Steelers team seeking the same thing.

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A wonky few weeks

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 20: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium on November 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

One of the reasons the Bills haven't been consistent is because of the up-and-down nature of their play.

Defensively, Buffalo has typically left something to be desired this season each week. But the offense has not always been there to pick up the pieces. Quarterback Josh Allen went from scoring six touchdowns to being sacked a career-high eight times in a game in back-to-back weeks.

Does time off heal?

Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Trainers help Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (8) after an injury in the second half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Another sore subject for the Bills in Houston was the injury list that grew throughout the game. Buffalo lost several players because of injury and the extended time off from "Thursday Night Football" could have helped heal some bumps and bruises.

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However, head coach Sean McDermott did say two starters in linebacker Terrel Bernard (elbow) and right tackle Spencer Brown (shoulder) could land on injured reserve. A few names to watch.

Receiver questions to roll on

Nov 2, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) runs with the ball in the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

As has been the case week-by-week, the lack of playmakers in Buffalo's offense will be a topic of discussion. Two names to watch in the coming days are wide receiver Keon Coleman and tight end Dalton Kincaid.

Coleman has been a healthy scratch in back-to-back games. Kincaid has missed time because of a hamstring injury.

The reality of the situation

Nov 23, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

The Bills did not play Sunday. The New England Patriots (10-2) did and they beat the Cincinnati Bengals. Because of that, they are poised to win the AFC East in 2025 and that's the reality this locker room will hear about all week.

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Bills at Steelers: 5 storylines to watch for during lead up to Week 13

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