Game Overview
- Date and Time: Sunday, 8:20 p.m. EST
- Location: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
- Where To Watch: NBC, Peacock
- BetMGM Odds: Bills by 7
Series Record:
The Bills hold a narrow edge in the all-time series, leading 7-6.
Last Meeting:
The Buffalo Bills defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-24 on December 7, 2020, in Glendale, Arizona.
The San Francisco 49ers travel to Orchard Park to face the Buffalo Bills in what promises to be an exciting Sunday night showdown. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. EST and will air on NBC. Both teams come into this matchup with much at stake, making it a must-watch game for football fans.
This game has playoff implications for both teams, with the 49ers fighting to stay in the postseason picture and the Bills aiming to secure a top seed. Expect an intense, hard-fought battle under the Sunday night lights.
This game also may be an important game for Kyle Shanahan and his future in San Francisco. San Francisco may be with injured talent but their replacements such as Jordan Mason have done extremely well.
Some fans are voicing frustration about Shanahan’s lack of adjustments in big games and play calling, as Christian McCaffrey has been completely ineffective as a runner upon his return, yet Shanahan has completely stopped running the ball with Jordan Mason for no apparent reason.
Team Performance at a Glance
49ers (5-6):
San Francisco is looking to rebound after a tough 38-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Despite their disappointing season, Kyle Shanahan’s team remains a dangerous opponent. The 49ers’ offense ranks high in several categories, including fourth overall in total offense. Their defense, led by stars like Fred Warner, is ranked fifth overall.
Despite having six losses (already) on the season, the 49ers remain a contender. Whether they’ve just been hit with bad luck or the talent is depreciating remains to be seen.
Bills (9-2):
Coming off a bye week, the Buffalo Bills have been one of the league’s most consistent teams. Quarterback Josh Allen leads an offense that ranks third in scoring and 13th overall. The defense, while middle-of-the-pack in yardage allowed, has been opportunistic, boasting a league-best +14 turnover differential.
Players to Watch
San Francisco 49ers: DE Leonard Floyd
Floyd has been a bright spot for the 49ers’ defense, recording 3.5 sacks over the past two games. This will be his first return to Buffalo since departing in free agency. Floyd’s ability to pressure Josh Allen could be critical in slowing down the Bills’ offense.
Buffalo Bills: qB josh Allen
All eyes will be on Josh Allen, the dynamic leader of the Bills’ offense. Known for his cannon arm and dual-threat capabilities, Allen has been the catalyst for Buffalo’s success this season. With 28 total touchdowns and a 68.2% completion rate, he’s been one of the league’s most consistent quarterbacks.
Facing a formidable 49ers defense ranked sixth overall, Allen’s ability to extend plays with his legs and make pinpoint throws will be crucial. If he can exploit mismatches and maintain his poise under pressure, the Bills will be in a strong position to control the game.
Key Matchup: christian mccaffrey vs. Bills’ run Defense
The battle between Christian McCaffrey and the Buffalo Bills’ run defense could define the game’s tempo. The Bills’ defense, ranked 13th against the run, is middle-of-the-pack but has shown improvement in recent weeks, including holding Kansas City to just 78 rushing yards.
However, they have struggled in games where opposing running backs dominate, such as Derrick Henry’s big 199 yard performance earlier in the season. For the 49ers, McCaffrey’s dual-threat ability as a rusher and receiver offers a versatile weapon, especially if weather conditions in Buffalo make passing more difficult.
Additionally, the performance of 49ers quarterback could influence San Francisco’s reliance on the ground game. If the 49ers QB struggles against Buffalo’s stout pass rush, expect Kyle Shanahan to lean heavily on McCaffrey to control the clock and wear down the Bills’ defense. At this point, signs are leaning towards Brock Purdy returning after a one game absense.
Weather Conditions Could Be a Factor
The weather in Buffalo will be very cold and there will be several feet of snow and possibly high wind gusts.
These factors may push both teams to rely more on their ground games, putting added emphasis on players like Christian McCaffrey and Buffalo’s rushing duo.
Additionally, swirling winds could affect long field goals and deep throws, potentially altering the game plan for both quarterbacks.
Injury Updates
San Francisco 49ers
- Brock Purdy (QB): Resumed throwing this week after missing one game with a sore shoulder.
- Nick Bosa (DE): Out for Sundays game with a hip and oblique injury.
- Trent Williams (LT): Out for Sundays game with an ankle issue.
- Other key players dealing that will miss the game with injuries include Aaron Banks (concussion), Jordan Elliott (concussion), and Deommodore Lenoir (knee).
Buffalo Bills
- Dalton Kincaid (TE): Still limited in practice due to a knee injury.
- Keon Coleman (WR): Battling a wrist injury but may play.
- Spencer Brown (RT): Could return after missing time with an ankle injury.
Prediction
This game pits one of the league’s best offenses, led by Josh Allen, against a talented 49ers team that has been hit with injuries at every position. The outcome will hinge on how many key 49ers can return to full health and how well San Francisco’s running game performs.
Final Prediction: Bills 31, 49ers 20
Buffalo’s balanced attack and home-field advantage give them the edge, but don’t count out Kyle Shanahan’s ability to scheme an upset.
