Thu Nov 14 4:07am ET
Field Level Media
Revenge might be best served in the playoffs, but the Buffalo Bills are in position to score a few points toward redemption when they welcome the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
The Bills (8-2) appear to be the greatest impediment standing in the way of the back-to-back Super Bowl champion Chiefs becoming the first NFL team to go undefeated in the regular season since the New England Patriots in 2007.
History and hyperbole are plentiful as the Chiefs (9-0) land in Buffalo for what is being framed as the marquee game of Week 11 and potentially the 2024 regular season.
Based on recent matchups between these rivals, the final minutes are likely to be worth the wait yet again in this storybook series. The Chiefs have come from behind eight times this season, while the Bills have won three teams when trailing at the half.
It's just the fifth time since 1970 that NFL teams with eight or more wins meet in Week 11 or sooner. The home team won each of the previous four matchups.
Kansas City is attempting to become the first team to go undefeated in a 17-game regular season.
It's tough to discern where the momentum stands even with the Chiefs entering the game undefeated.
They needed a last-second blocked field goal to knock off the Denver Broncos last week, sparking Mahomes to send a warning to his teammates.
"I mean, you're playing the best. The best of the best. That's what you want in this league," he said of facing Josh Allen and the Bills. "I've been able to go up against Josh a multitude of times, and every single game it seems like it comes down to the very end. He is a guy that competes and has that fire. I think you can see that fire that he plays with and that kind of goes through his entire team."
Buffalo, which has won five consecutive wins overall, has claimed the past three regular-season games in the series, all of which were played in Kansas City. And the Bills can still tap into a revenge factor. The eventual repeat Super Bowl champion Chiefs eliminated the Bills in the AFC divisional playoffs 27-24 at Buffalo in January.
Despite owning good individual stats against Kansas City, Allen is focusing on the bottom line.
"I know we haven't beat them in the playoffs," he said on Wednesday, "so that's the only thing that really matters."
The matchup features two of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL: two-time MVP Mahomes and the decorated but overshadowed Allen.
Their offenses have been getting the job done in different ways. Although Mahomes has just three more touchdowns (12) than interceptions, Kansas City hangs onto the ball thanks to a league-leading third-down conversion rate (52 percent).
The Bills are tied for third in points per game (29) -- the Chiefs average 24.3 -- and Allen didn't throw two picks in a game until a win over the Indianapolis Colts last week.
Buffalo leads the NFL in turnover margin at plus-13. And the Bills bring a respectable defense of their own. The group is allowing just 19.3 points per game and has 19 takeaways, the latter figure ranking second in the league.
Red-zone defense figures to be paramount against a Chiefs offense that keys off Mahomes' dynamic decision-making and threat to run or unleash brazen throws.
Buffalo allows touchdowns on just 47.2 percent of red-zone incursions (eighth in the NFL), while the Chiefs have scored on 53.6 percent of the time (13th).
The Kansas City defense, meanwhile, allows just 17.9 points per game (tied for fifth best) and is fourth in yards allowed (289.9).
"I think they do a great job switching the looks that they're giving," Allen said. "Obviously, we know Chris Jones is a game-wrecker, one of the best if not the best interior D linemen in the game right now. You pair that up with some of their DBs and linebackers and they're flying all over the field. ... We're going to have our hands full."
Allen is tied for fourth in the NFL with 17 touchdown passes. All four of his interceptions this season have come in the past three games.
"He's doing a great job with the ball," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "He's using everybody and he's not forcing anything in there, obviously, so I think he's doing great with his decision-making."
However, Allen's decimated receiving corps will present another difficult scenario against Kansas City. Rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) and tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) will be absent on Sunday, and wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) is questionable.
Buffalo outside linebacker Matt Milano (biceps) also was ruled out, while right tackle Spencer Brown (ankle) was listed as questionable.
Kansas City will be without kicker Harrison Butker, who underwent left knee surgery on Friday. He landed on injured reserve, with the Chiefs adding Spencer Shrader of the New York Jets' practice squad as a replacement.
The Chiefs had some encouraging injury news this week with defensive end Charles Omenihu (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco (ankle) returning to practice. Neither will play on Sunday, though. Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is expected to return.
After Sunday, the Chiefs finish the regular season with the Panthers, Raiders, Chargers, Browns, Texans, Steelers and Broncos. Those teams have averaged four wins so far this season. Only the Chargers, Texans and Steelers currently have a winning record. Kansas City beat the Chargers 17-10 in Los Angeles on Sept. 29.
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 13
Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (rib) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's Week 13 contest against the Tennessee Titans. He has since been taken to the locker room and is officially questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had caught three of four targets for 27 yards through the air. Brown has been the Commanders' de facto No. 2 wide receiver this season, and his absence will lead to additional opportunities for Olamide Zaccheaus, Dyami Brown, and Luke McCaffrey.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (knee) caught nine of 11 targets for 117 yards before exiting during the fourth quarter of Sunday's Week 13 win over the Atlanta Falcons. McConkey was seen limping repeatedly throughout the game, and the injury evidently worsened enough that the rookie needed to depart the contest in the final quarter. The Chargers listed McConkey as questionable to return, but he ultimately stayed on the sideline for the rest of the game. He has been one of the NFL's most productive rookie receivers this season, catching 58 passes for 815 yards and four touchdowns. He'll rank as a WR2 in Week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs, but only if he's healthy enough to play. Fantasy managers should monitor his status on the Chargers' injury reports next week.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (shoulder) has returned to Sunday's Week 13 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He missed roughly six minutes of game time as the Texans evaluated his injury, listed him as questionable, and cleared him to return. He'll look to build on his four-catch, 39-yard effort over the final 16-plus minutes of Sunday's game, but his role could be reduced if the Texans adopt a run-heavy approach with a 10-point lead over the Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (head) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was initially listed as questionable upon exiting midway through Sunday's game. Austin finishes the contest with two catches for 29 yards and one touchdown. He has effectively served as the Steelers' No. 2 receiver behind George Pickens this season, amassing 22 catches, 383 yards, and four touchdowns through 12 games. Fantasy managers should monitor the Steelers' injury reports next week to get more information on Austin's potential availability for Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns. In the meantime, Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek should see additional opportunities in the passing game with Austin sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (shoulder) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is officially questionable to return. Schultz landed hard on his shoulder after hurdling over a defender, and he hasn't been on the field since. At the time of his departure, he had caught four of his five targets for 39 yards. Cade Stover will step up as the Texans' primary tight end until Schultz can return to the mix.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell (thigh) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans and is officially questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had made three tackles, bringing his season total to 34. The Jaguars suddenly find themselves shorthanded at cornerback with Campbell sidelined and Jarrian Jones ejected. As a result, Montaric Brown should earn more defensive snaps until Campbell can return.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (concussion) was seen at practice on Sunday after suffering a concussion last week against the 49ers. This is a good sign in terms of his availability for their Week 14 matchup against the Detroit Lions. So far this season, Doubs has amassed 34 receptions for 483 yards and two touchdowns. If he's able to suit up, Christian Watson and Jayden Reed will have to split some more targets between the three of them.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (coach's decision) and linebacker Kyle Van Noy (hamstring, neck) are both inactive for Week 13 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Mitchell is a healthy scratch after he was not listed on the injury report. Rasheen Ali is expected to operate as the Ravens' No. 3 receiver in his absence. On the defensive side, Van Noy's absence was expected after the Ravens listed him as doubtful on their final injury report. He will miss his second consecutive game, creating additional defensive opportunities for Tavius Robinson.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (groin) is officially active for Week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as questionable but was expected to play after logging a full practice on Friday. The 29-year-old has just 124 rushing yards, 21 receiving yards, and one touchdown this season. He's listed as the Saints' No. 2 running back but could actually be third in the pecking order behind both Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill. Williams should be left on fantasy waivers in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee, foot) is officially active for Week 13 against the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices in a row. Wirfs returns from a one-game absence and will be tasked with protecting Baker Mayfield's blindside in this divisional battle on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (head) is being evaluated for a head injury and is questionable to return on Sunday. The speedy wideout took a few big hits but didn't have to leave the game until the third quarter. Van Jefferson and Mike Williams will have to step up alongside George Pickens to fill in the gap. The backfield could get more involved in the passing game as well.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) is officially inactive for Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. Smith went through a thorough pregame workout, and although it was reported that he wanted to play, the Eagles will ultimately hold him out Sunday. Smith's absence should lead to additional opportunities for A.J. Brown, Dallas Goedert, and Jahan Dotson in the passing game.
From RotoBaller
Correcting a previous report, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram actually remained in the game against the Houston Texans on Sunday. Engram was flagged for retaliating against Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for delivering a dirty hit on quarterback Trevor Lawrence that knocked him out of the game. Engram was not, however, ejected from the game. Al-Shaair and cornerback Jarrian Jones were ejected instead. Quarterback Mac Jones will be under center while Engram tries to get some revenge in the scoring department.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (head/concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. As he tried to slide for a first down, Azeez Al-Shaair delivered a cheap shot straight to Lawrence's head. The Jaguars retaliated for the dirty hit while Lawrence had to be carted off the field and will be tested for a concussion. Mac Jones has taken over under center for the rest of the game.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram has been ejected after he retaliated against Aziz Al-Shaair for a dirty hit on Trevor Lawrence. Al-Shaair delivered a big hit straight to Lawrence's head when he slid for a first down. Engram went after the linebacker and was later ejected for fighting and Lawrence had to be carted off the field. That means he'll finish the game with one catch for three yards, and Brenton Strange will step up as the next tight end.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Panthers are pleased with the recent progression of quarterback Bryce Young. As a result, Carolina isn't expected to select a quarterback "early" in the 2025 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old struggled to begin the 2024-25 campaign. Although he still has a long way to go, he has at least thrown for over 224 yards in two of his previous four appearances. With that in mind, Young's job is far from secure. But as long as he continues to show improvement, it appears he'll remain under center. Still, the signal-caller has work to do before earning a consistent spot in fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, free-agent safety Jamal Adams will sign with the Lions. He'll be added to the practice squad. However, Schefter indicated that there's an "idea he'll be elevated to Detroit's roster." The multi-time Pro Bowler agreed to a contract with the Titans in July. But he played sparingly in Tennessee and was released in October. Adams has appeared in 83 regular-season games for the Jets, Seahawks, and Titans throughout his career, totaling 498 tackles with 21.5 sacks and four interceptions. Granted, he is no longer the player he once was. Still, his presence will at least add another veteran voice for a team looking to win a Super Bowl.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark is officially active for Week 13 against the Atlanta Falcons. This is noteworthy given that Chark missed the early portion of the season due to a hip injury and has been a healthy scratch on numerous occasions since being activated from injured reserve. In fact, he has only been on the field for one offensive snap this season and has failed to log a target. Moving forward, he remains buried behind Ladd McConkey, Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston, and Jalen Reagor on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) is officially inactive for Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals. This was widely expected given that he entered the weekend listed as doubtful. Highsmith is now set to miss his third consecutive game and sixth game this season. Through the six contests for which he has been healthy, the 27-year-old has 19 tackles and three sacks. He'll be replaced by Nick Herbig on the defensive side of the ball.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (knee) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 13 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the wrong direction after missing all three practices leading up to this weekend. Wilson had previously appeared in all 11 games this season, totaling 104 tackles, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Joe Bachie should earn more defensive snaps for the duration of Wilson's absence.
From RotoBaller