With the (6-5) Pittsburgh Steelers just behind the 7-4 Buffalo Bills for the seventh seed in the AFC playoffs, this matchup is crucial for both teams. If the Steelers win, they would, for now, knock the Bills out of the playoffs and become the seventh seed.
If the Bills win, they would be two games ahead of Pittsburgh, and would still be guaranteed at least the seventh seed in the playoffs. But the Bills and Steelers have to take it one game at a time, control their own destiny, and not worry about standings or scoreboard watching.
Both teams have many players, including T.J. Watt and three others, who work hard every day to become the best that they can be.
4 Steelers players the Bills fans need to be on the lookout for in Week 13
1. OLB TJ Watt
This star phenom needs no introduction. At 6 feet, 4 inches, 252 pounds, Watt is a game-wrecking OLB who's been a generational talent in the Steelers' 3-4 defense.
This season, he has recorded 43 combined tackles along with 7.0 sacks in 11 games played so far. Last week, quarterback Josh Allen was sacked eight times by the Houston Texans' defense, so the Bills' O-line better think of a way to block him this week.
Watt has created his own legacy alongside his older brother, JJ, who is now the second-leading sack leader in the Watt family, as he broadcasts in the CBS booth alongside Ian Eagle.
2. WR DK Metcalf
Since beginning his career with the Seattle Seahawks, Metcalf has been a top-notch wide receiver in the National Football League who thrives on offense and playmaking. At 6 feet, 4 inches, 229 pounds, he is a strong and physical player with high-octane speed and isn't afraid to put his body on the line to make a big catch.
This season, Metcalf has 573 yards on 42 catches and five touchdowns. He is on pace for 886 yards on 65 catches and eight touchdowns.
The cornerbacks will need to play one-on-one with the skilled receiver to stop his speed and continuous play.
3. DL Cam Heyward
Heyward has been outstanding on the Steelers' interior D-line for his whole career. At 6 feet, 5 inches, 295 pounds, he has the size and ability to play the one tech (LDE), the three tech (NT), and the five tech (RDE) in a 3-4 defense that requires a big and strong defensive line with a quick motor.
This season, Heyward has 17 solo tackles, with 1.5 sacks, and one ff. He is on pace to have another great season with the Steelers before it's all said and done.
While Heyward is the engine of the Steelers' defense, the center will have to stop him in order to protect the run.
4. TE Darnell Washington
There really is no mountain high enough for this big player to climb. At 6 feet, 7 inches, 311 pounds, Washington is an offensive lineman in a tight end's body.
Washington can be a straight-up blocking tight end in the run game. He is also fast enough to run routes and catch passes like a receiver, too.
This season, the skilled tight end has 231 yards on 20 catches and one touchdown. He is currently on pace for 357 yards on 31 catches and three touchdowns.
On paper, the fans should be in for a heavyweight fight between two blue-collar cities that play a hard-working, gritty style of football that represents Buffalo and Pittsburgh. Tune in this Sunday to find out who will come out on top.