Buffalo Bills Dominate Pittsburgh Steelers 26-7 in Week 13

The Buffalo Bills dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers with a decisive 26-7 victory in Week 13, improving their season record to 8-4. This win is vital for the Bills as it strengthens their playoff positioning, placing them in the seventh seed in the AFC with critical matchups against the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Jets looming ahead.

The game saw Buffalo's rushing attack excel, with a staggering 249 rushing yards, marking the most the Steelers have allowed in a game in over 50 years, according to Behind the Steel Curtain. Running back James Cook led the charge with a career-high 144 rushing yards on 32 carries, significantly contributing to the Bills' offensive strategy that leaned heavily on the ground game due to injuries on the offensive line, including starting tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown.

Despite the weather conditions and a struggling passing offense, quarterback Josh Allen managed to avoid being sacked while throwing for 123 yards and one touchdown. The Steelers struggled offensively, with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was already dealing with injuries, finishing with just 117 passing yards.

A critical moment in the game came early in the third quarter when Bills edge rusher Joey Bosa strip-sacked Rodgers, leading to a 17-yard fumble recovery touchdown by cornerback Christian Benford, completely shifting the momentum in favor of Buffalo.

The Bills defense also shone, allowing only 58 rushing yards and recording four tackles for a loss against a struggling Steelers offense that has ranked near the bottom of the league. Defensive players like Benford and veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson played pivotal roles in stifling Pittsburgh's attempts to find rhythm.

The Bills controlled the game with a time of possession of 42 minutes compared to the Steelers' 18, further illustrating the dominance of Buffalo's game plan. The Steelers, who have now lost five of their last seven games, have seen frustrations boil over among players and fans, with chants for head coach Mike Tomlin to be fired ringing out at Acrisure Stadium during the contest.

Players like Patrick Queen expressed their dissatisfaction on social media in response to criticism, highlighting the turmoil within the Steelers' locker room. As Buffalo now heads into the final stretch of the season, this victory not only boosts their playoff hopes but also serves as a morale booster for a team that has faced its share of challenges throughout the year.

The Bills are now positioned to make a strong push for the postseason, while the Steelers must regroup quickly as they prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens next weekend.