The Buffalo Bills (9-2) continue their journey into the 2024 regular season with a home game against the San Francisco 49ers (5-6) on Sunday night at Highmark Stadium.
The whole week, Themes and storylines were discussed before the Week 13 matchup.
Regardless of what players, coaches, media and fans say, in the end it all comes down to what happens on the NFL field.
And once the battle comes, there are a few special things to watch out for.
Here are five things to watch out for on Sunday Bills-Niners matchup:
Can James Cook get back on his feet?
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Despite scoring two touchdowns in the Week 11 win over the Chiefs, James Cook had his least productive performance of the season. He ran nine times for a season-low 20 yards and a season-low 2.22 yards per carry.
He has a friendlier matchup this week against a Niners defense that ranks 21st in the NFL in rush DVOA.
Who is standing up for Dalton Kincaid?
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Second-year tight end Dalton Kincaid missed Wednesday's practice because of the knee injury he suffered in Week 10, and it looks like he will miss a second straight game for Buffalo. Last week, wide receiver Curtis Samuel and fellow tight end Dawson Knox stepped in well to make up for Kincaid's absence. Aside from consistent performers Khalil Shakir and Amari Cooper, it will be interesting to see who takes on a bigger role this week.
Is Matt Milano returning?
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Will Matt Milano return to action this week? And if so, what will his role be when he's out there? Milano has missed much of the last year and a half for the Bills. The team and its fans are thrilled that the former All-Pro is preparing to return to action.
The good news for the defense is that Dorian Williams has performed well in his absence. If Milano sees the field in Week 13, he could get back into the game via pitch count if necessary.
Will the pass rush extend its momentum?
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The Buffalo Bills' pass rush has been inconsistent in 2024, but last week against the defending champion Chiefs, they passed the quarterback in a big way. They constantly pressured Patrick Mahomes and forced him to fall off the platform. If they finally make progress in the back part of the season, it would bode well for them to make the postseason. We'll see what Greg Rousseau, Von Miller and Co. look like in Week 13.
Can McDermott remain perfect after a bye?
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Since Sean McDermott took over as head coach of the Bills in 2017, his team has been a It is no coincidence that you have a perfect record after the last few weeks of your coaching career. He got his team ready for action after the rest weeks.
Last year, they beat the Chiefs 20-17 after their bye, one of the most significant regular season wins of McDermott's career. They face another big test this year as they host the reigning NFC champions on Sunday night. We'll see if McDermott and Co. can keep the series alive.
